Meet The Brockville Peace Collective!

What do you think Leeds and Grenville could do to be more inclusive or welcoming for newcomers or other equity deserving groups (Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, racialized groups, women, low-income populations)?

Leeds and Grenville (LG) is perfectly positioned to be inclusive and welcoming particularly in its geography and ample opportunity for quality of life and business ventures. LG is at the heart of Eastern Ontario and acts as an anchor between the major urban hubs of Ottawa to the north, Montreal to the east, the Kingston to Toronto corridor to the west, and all of the cities of Upper New York State to the South. LG has beauty, talent, innovation, and opportunity at every turn. The Brockville Peace Collective believes that with education around global issues and the adversity that marginalized people experience in our communities and beyond, advocacy around human rights for all, and activism that spreads the messages of anti-oppression and anti-racism as well as calls for peace and security for everyone, we can demonstrate to the region, province, nation, and globe that we are invested in growing and expanding our population and ready to welcome the world to join us in experiencing the beauty and benefits of Leeds and Grenville.

Are you involved in your community? If so, how?

The Brockville Peace Collective (BCP) began in 2023 after the event of October 7^th and the devastation that has been brought in its wake. We believe that all human life is sacred and every person has innate value. Our message began with peace and an end to the suffering and ongoing conflicts that affect those who have been unjustly persecuted through time, and who continue to suffer dehumanization at the hands of neighbours and the world. We know how many people who are invested in human and rights exist across Leeds and Grenville and we want to provide a space for community and community organizing for peace and prosperity for everyone. All of us have been involved in community for a long time – whether welcoming refugees, participating in efforts to help community members who are experiencing substance use and/or homelessness, volunteering with elders, raising money for social service organizations, advocating for human rights and the rights of girls and women locally and globally. The Brockville Peace Collective provides a space for everyone who cares to find like-minded individuals who want to spend their time making life better for everyone.

What initiatives or activities has your organization or business been involved in that support welcoming communities/EDI etc.?

We host regular events, vigils for peace, educational movie nights, peace concerts, and regularly participate in community events such as pride parades and efforts for fair wages and working conditions, e.g., May Day.

Our most recent event was on July 30^th, 2026, and was called Kites for Peace.

When: July 30th from 5-9pm What: Kite making and flying, potluck/picnic, multi faith gathering with music Who: Brockville Peace Collective and Friends Where: St. Lawrence Park (to be confirmed) What to bring: A kite or kite making materials, a picnic or food to share for the potluck, a chair/blanket

The Brockville Peace Collective and Friends invite you to an evening of friendship and fun on Thursday July 30th from 5-9pm!

This event celebrates the 15th anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Friendship. Established in July 2011, this day encourages friendship, understanding, and peace among people and cultures around the world.

Our event is also inspired by the great achievement of the children of Gaza, who in July 2011, set a Guinness World Record for flying 12,350 kites. Kites have since evolved into an international symbol of human rights, peace, resilience and the dreams of children everywhere.

Both of these events remind us to come together, in community, and celebrate the peace and friendship we enjoy, while also advocating for everyone across the world to enjoy the same rights and privileges.

The evening will begin with kite making and flying at 5pm. Kites will be flown at 5:30pm and kite flying will be followed by a potluck meal. Participants are asked to bring their own picnic lunch and/or a potluck dish to share.

A multi-faith gathering will follow with music and inspirational readings and words from peace and faith leaders.

Join the Brockville Peace Collective on a day of celebration, remembrance, unity, peace, and friendship.

Everyone is very welcome!!