I MADE THE MOVE
Even COVID can’t dampen Texada’s warm welcome M eghan and Fraser Clark and their sons Callum, 9, and Lochlann, 7, are Ontario natives who moved to the West Coast last fall. Meghan works remotely in marketing for an Ontario university and Fraser is a journeyman utility arborist. As a family, they enjoy spending time outside hiking, sailing, and camping all year long. Why did you choose Texada Island? Meghan • In the fall of 2019, we sold all our belongings in Ontario with the intention of living long-term on a sailboat and travelling. We settled at Port Sidney Marina but unfortunately, the pandemic caused us to pivot. After spending three months quarantined together on a 44’ sailboat, we began looking for property where our boys could run around while we worked. Fraser grew up in Northern Ontario and the Powell River/Texada Island area felt similar with the added benefits of mountains and the sea. After making a few calls to learn about Texada, we came to visit when local travel was permitted in BC and officially moved here a month later. We loved the island and the numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. The small island school is a bonus. When? Where from? Meghan • July 2020, Sidney BC
What surprised you about Texada once you moved here? Meghan • It maybe wasn’t surprising but we really appreciated how friendly and welcoming everyone is. From our first breakfast at Mary Mary’s Café, when the owner told us she and her husband lived upstairs and were always home if we ever needed anything, I knew it was a good place. Where is your favourite place in Texada Meghan • I don’t think we’ve been here long enough to have a favourite place. We still have a lot of exploring to do. Although our sons are really intrigued by the old mine tunnels near our property. How did you first hear about Texada? Meghan • It’s truly ridiculous but it was honestly realtor.ca while looking for property. My mom went to high school in Comox and has a funny story about her school basketball team getting stuck in Powell River when a truck drove part way off the ferry ramp, but it wasn’t a place we really knew anything about. What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit Texada? Meghan • Our boys really miss the skatepark in Sidney.
WELL, NOT EVERYONE IS BOATING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC: Fraser, Callum, Lochlann, and Meghan were planning to live on a boat, but quarantining as a family in that tiny space wasn’t working. So now they happily live on Texada Island. What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here? Meghan • I think meeting new people is often challenging, but especially right now with limitations on social gatherings. I also work remotely, and internet and cell phone service are a real challenge. I actually worked out of our truck in the library parking lot for a week or two when we first moved here, because there was a delay getting our home internet hooked up and cell service is so bad! If you were in charge of Texada what would you do? Meghan • I would love to see that direct ferry to Comox start up again, but I know there are people who are working hard to make that happen. Improving internet service would also be a priority. As the world shifts to working online, there is a
lot of opportunity to bring young people to the community. What are Texada’s best assets? Meghan • We love the outdoors, so I have to say all the ways to enjoy nature. It’s also a very special place where people are generally free to do as they wish with limited oversight. What is your greatest extravagance? Meghan • Heritage breed baby chicks. They are very pretty and when Netflix won’t stream, they are also entertaining. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have? Meghan • I think teaching requires real talent and is also possibly a superpower. I really hope we do not have to go back to homeschooling any time soon. Know someone we should feature in I Made the Move? Contact Isabelle at publisher@prliving.ca
Where
k n a B u o Y Makes a Difference (604) 485-6206
firstcu.ca | 4721 Joyce Ave. POWELL RIVER LIVING • October 2020 •
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