Welcome to the NEW HOME for ROCKPORT, ONTARIO!

Congratulations to Wendy Merkley, co-recipient of the Bill Thake Memorial Award at this year’s UCLG Economic Development Summit!

The Bill Thake Memorial Award acknowledges volunteers who show outstanding leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds and Grenville economy.

Wendy is a community champion who spearheads a myriad of projects and initiatives in the village of Rockport, as well as the 1000 Islands region.

Wendy is co-owner of Andress Boatworks, a family-run marina celebrating 100 years in business in 2021. She is Chair of the Friends of Rockport Customs House, a volunteer group, which has raised funds to purchase the riverfront property in Rockport. Through her efforts, the site now gives locals, as well as visitors, access to the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands. Wendy led a team to rebuild the pier, raise and repair the building, keep the boat launch, and install benches and picnic tables. Wendy also helped recruit and train ambassadors to run the facility.

Wendy has been .a part of the Rockport Development Group and is the current Chair. The group promotes quality tourism and beautification of the village while celebrating local heritage, interpretive signs and murals. Wendy is an advocate for local business and has worked hard to address the issues of high water levels. She is the Vice-Chair of the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation and has served on the board since 2015.