A Spotlight on Manitoulin Living:

 Artist and Web Developer Marcus Mohr at his desk.

April 2009 (Central Manitoulin) – Born and raised on Manitoulin Island, Marcus Mohr developed a passion for the arts at a young age.  Under the tutelage of art teachers during his high school years on the island, Marcus focused that passion and soon elements of design, composition and colour began to emerge in his work.   His course set, Marcus enrolled in a three year animation program at St. Clair College in Winsor Ontario, focusing on computer 3D animation.  Before returning to the island to live and work in March, Marcus spent eight years off island with stops for work and education in several large cities including Kingston, Sudbury, Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie.

Embodying the juxtaposition of two worlds – the hustle and bustle of big city southern Ontario with the relaxed pace and beauty of island life – Marcus provides a unique perspective upon returning to Manitoulin Island.

Manitoulin Living: After your years abroad, studying and working in southern Ontario, what brought you back to Manitoulin Island?

Marcus Mohr: “My partner and I are having a baby this summer, and we want to raise our child here, in a safe environment on the island.  We chose the town of Mindemoya on Manitoulin Island.  We believe our child will be more well rounded and down to earth growing up here rather than in a big city.  Also, pollution is a concern for us.  Manitoulin’s air and water quality are pristine compared to the cities we have lived in.”

Manitoulin Living:  How have you found services in support of birthing and caring for a child on Manitoulin Island?

Marcus Mohr: ”We were able to secure the services of a midwife here on the island and we still maintain contact with our original midwife in Sudbury {a two hour drive from home}.  We are also pleased with the level of care provided by the local hospitals in Mindemoya and Little Current where many island babies are born each year.  As for schools, there are several choices for grade schools and an excellent high school in West Bay, a short distance from Mindemoya.”

Manitoulin Living: What about other basic services?  How do they compare to the larger cities you have lived in?

Marcus Mohr:  ”We have high speed internet access which allows easy communication with the rest of the world.  Cell phone signals do not yet cover the entire island, but so far we have not felt the need for one.  The grocery store in our town is currently constructing a major expansion and all islanders are looking forward to the opening this summer.  Within two weeks of looking, we were able to find a nice apartment to rent in town.  The local furniture retailers are competitive, and we were able to set it up with prices on par with the big cities.  Overall, we find the cost of living to be better or similar to what we were paying off island.  We are eventually looking at buying a home, and with home prices well below the national average, we should be able to easily find something suitable.”

Manitoulin Living: What about paying the bills?  How have you found the employment opportunities since returning to Manitoulin Island?

Marcus Mohr:  “I was fortunate in being able to secure a job before moving to Mantoulin Island.  I was hired full time by Manitoulin Streams to further develop their web presence, and assist with stream rehabilitation and marketing.  In addition, returning to the island has provided the opportunity for me to pursue a film project based on a famous local event which occurred in the late 1930s, the Death of Danny Dodge, of the Dodge Motor Company.  The script, funded by CTV, has been completed and I spend my spare hours completing further research and setting up the logistics for filming.”

Manitoulin Living:  Yes, a story as interesting today as it was back when it occurred: a mix of newlyweds, dynamite, and a boating mishap resulting in the death of a young Dodge heir.  Those interested should visit The Death of Danny Dodge: The Movie for further details.  As an artist, what other advantages does living on Manitoulin Island bring to your work?

Marcus Mohr: “There is a large network of artists on the island, linked by organizations like the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association.  They sponser several events such as the Art Tour, which is a three day event taking place July 17, 18, 19, 2009.  The tour  is a great way for people to see the Island and its wonderful array of artists.  The LaCloche Art Show is an important art event for the community as well.  I recently won first prize in the Sculpture division at this show.  As an artist, there is nothing more inspiring than Manitoulin Island.”

Manitoulin Living: When you are not working or pursuing your art, what types of activities do you like to engage in on Manitoulin Island.

Marcus Mohr: “Originally, our families came from off island as well - Pennsylvania on my side and Hamilton Ontario on my partners.  Our families still call the island home, so much of our time is spent enjoying time with family and friends.  I also enjoy hunting and fishing.  The deer are plentiful, and we usually go hunting in November.  Fishing on the inland lakes is great almost any time of the year.”

Manitoulin Living: Do you plan on staying on Manitoulin Island in the long term, beyond raising your child?

Marcus Mohr: “ Definitely long term.  If we could start our dream of living on the island earlier than retirement age, I would definitely take advantage of that.  Manitoulin is a place where so many come to retire.  We thought, why wait until retirement? Let’s live here now!”

This site is currently maintained by Manitoulin Living. All content is subject to change without notice. For further information contact Patrick Kiley at info@manitoulinliving.com