A Spotlight on Manitoulin Living: April '06: Internet Entrepreneur

John and Paula Mallea recently built a house on Kagawong Lake. Paula has moved back to the Island after being away for 37 years.

April 2006 (Kagawong) -- I grew up on Manitoulin, so its great peace, beauty and fine neighbours are no surprise to me. My husband and I just moved back and built a house on Kagawong Lake. I had been away from the Island for 37 years.

We were living in an isolated location in Manitoba, where my husband had created a thriving business over the internet. He continues this easily on Manitoulin, and finds that he is able to travel the world from here without problems. And the lifestyle is unbeatable.

Recreational opportunities are abundant. We have been skating on the lake in front of our house this winter, and cross-country skiing out the back door. There is curling for those who like the roaring game, and hiking and boating in the summer. Fishing happens at all times of the year.

The best musical acts come to the Island, courtesy of the volunteers at Café in the Woods, where you can enjoy the likes of Rick Fines, Joel Fafard, Susie Vinnick and others; and to the efforts of the artistic community, who have brought Jon Kimura Parker and Tafelmusik to the Island this past year. There are dances and musical events and euchre parties all year ‘round, and there is a Summer Theatre in Gore Bay and a dinner theatre in M’Chigeeng.

Fine dining is available at a number of restaurants, some of which have received the approval of Where to Eat in Canada. The Garden Gate in Tehkummah, Royal Michael’s at Michael’s Bay, The Rocky Raccoon in Gore Bay and others all offer excellent meals. And there is a special effort being made on Manitoulin to sell and serve organic, locally-grown food.

Among the best features of the Island is a vibrant and varied Aboriginal community. From Sheshegwaning to Wikwemikong, from M’Chigeeng to Aundeck Omni Kaning, there are museums, art galleries, theatrical events and one of the largest and most impressive pow-wows on the continent. You have not seen real theatre until you have seen world-famous Debajimajig perform original Aboriginal stories in the ruins of the old Jesuit mission in Wikwemikong.

Among the facilities that are important to our family are those directed at seniors. The Manitoulin Lodge in Gore Bay is an excellent long-term care home where the staff are like family. The Millsite, a seniors apartment building overlooking Gore Bay, boasts a million-dollar view and a two-minute walk to all necessary services, including doctors, dentist, post office, shops and groceries. These are only two such facilities available to the seniors of the Island.

I especially remember this as a place where you can count on your neighbours. This has not changed. Manitoulin natives (Haweaters) are a fiercely independent, self-sufficient people. At the same time, they look after their own and can be depended upon in time of need. Combining this with the beauty and peace of the Island, it is hard to think of a better place to live.
 

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