 The Westport, Ontario waterfront had become a thriving commercial center, with the steam ships Rideau King and Rideau Queen ferrying people and supplies between Ottawa and Kingston a safe distance away from the St. Lawrence River and the perceived fear of American attack.Declan established a mercantile and forwarding business with docking at the base of his property.The general store opened by Declan Foley, and continued by his son John, operated from 1867 until 1945.