Welcome to Port Morien
Cape Breton village is home to many come-from-aways
If you are not a fan of squawking seagulls, salty ocean breezes and a friendly, slow-paced lifestyle, Cape Breton might not be the place for you.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, real estate agents have noticed a sharp rise in interest for listings on our beloved island. People from away seem to be looking for a place where they feel safe from the virus and they want to escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Many companies allow their employees to work from home so they can work anywhere.
Like the rest of Cape Breton, the community of Port Morien has noticed an influx of new residents from other parts of Canada. Houses are being snapped up within days of hitting the market.
COVID-19 has changed people's outlook on how they want to live. Quality of life has become very important.
Just recently, I was enjoying a sunny afternoon at the beach with my friend Sheila Whitty. We are the selfappointed hostesses at the sandshore. The two of us, and assorted others, have claimed a spot near the bottom of the stairs so we don't miss a thing.
A stranger came down the stairs so we started chatting. That's the role of a good beach hostess.
The gentleman was visiting from the Prairies and it was his first trip to Cape Breton. After a few short days, he made up his mind that this is where he wanted to live. He purchased a house in the village near the wharf. The lure of the ocean and our quiet lifestyle drew him in. Now, he's a beach regular.
NEW MORIENITES
For this column, it was an easy task to find two families who now take pride in calling themselves Morienites.
These families purchased two of the most historic properties in the village.
Ray and Darlene Whiffen now reside in the former Mine Manager's House at the entrance to the village. Their property is landscaped to perfection with mature trees and flowering bushes.
This couple wanted a simpler lifestyle so Cape Breton was a good choice. They sold their home in Huntsville, Ont. and came east. They were able to pay off their debts and buy a beautiful mortgage-free home in the village.
During a chat with Ray, he told me, “Living in the village is like a trip back in time, 30 years or more.”
They admitted that the slower pace took a little getting used to but they quickly grew to love the village and the way of life. They can envision a longer and healthier life because of the change in their lifestyle.
A few years ago, Mona Kirkwood and Jim Heron were quite comfortable living in Ontario. As chance would have it, they were dining with friends who mentioned that they were moving to Nova Scotia. This conversation started them wondering about opportunities in our province.
While searching online, they came across the Port Morien Old Rectory Bed and Breakfast that was up for sale. This property was formerly Saint Paul's Anglican Rectory.
They liked what they saw and decided to inquire further.
Jim is from Scotland, born in Glasgow and raised in Lockerbie. He's probably the only man in the village who owns a kilt.
Mona was born in Niagara Falls but her grandparents were originally from Sydney Mines. Mona was a Scottish dancer and her father and uncle played the bagpipes. With all this Scottish influence in their lives, Cape Breton was the perfect destination for this couple.
They purchased the bed and breakfast from Carol and the late Stan Monroe in the fall of 2019. Soon afterwards, COVID hit and their business was affected by the lack of tourism.
Things are picking up now and the bed and breakfast is a busy spot.
Jim and Mona are quite personable ... perfect qualities for running a successful B&B.
There is always a backstory on why people pull up stakes and move from other parts of Canada to a small, seaside village in Cape Breton.
To the new residents in our village (and there are quite a few), it is my wish that living in Port Morien will be all that you hoped for when you made the move.
Now that we are almost in Phase 5 of the COVID recovery plan, the village will soon be bustling with activity and the come-from-away people will meet more of the local people.
Welcome to Port Morien!