Recently, a couple wrote to us, and it brought tears to our eyes. Tears of JOY!
“When my husband Shawn and I decided to downsize from our family home in Montreal, we were looking for more than just a new house—we wanted a fresh start that matched the simplicity and sustainability we craved. Moving to a new construction Net-Zero Community in the charming Village of Westport, Ontario, has been a life-changing experience, and we hope our story inspires others to consider making this beautiful place their home.
As full-time remote workers in the transportation and logistics industry, staying connected is vital. Watercolour’s excellent high-speed fibre internet and its easy access to three international airports (Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto) and VIA rail network make it perfect for business travel. We love how this small village keeps us close to the professional world while giving us the peace and quiet we long for.
We also appreciate Westport’s central location with good road and air connections, making it easy for us to stay connected with our kids in Montreal, Toronto and Yellowknife, as well as our extended family out West.
For years, we’ve loved camping, hiking, and kayaking in Eastern Ontario, and every visit made it harder to leave. Westport felt like a natural choice. Surrounded by stunning lakes and scenic trails along the Rideau Lakes system, the outdoors is now just steps from our front door. Relaxing morning coffees down by the water, hikes in the local trails with our dogs Bailey and Luna, and afternoons paddling through the serene waterways have become our new normal—and we couldn’t be happier!
Our new home in a Net-Zero Community is another dream come true. Designed to produce as much energy as it uses, it’s not just environmentally friendly but also cost-efficient. It feels good knowing we’re doing our part for the planet while building a sustainable future.
What truly makes Westport special, though, is the people and the vibrant community. The village’s arts and (daily!) live music scene, its charming vineyards, and the walkable downtown brimming with friendly faces and unique local businesses have made us feel so welcome. There’s a real sense of connection here—neighbours look out for each other, and every corner of the village seems to have its own little story.
Leaving Montreal wasn’t easy, but Ontario’s more favourable tax regime and the political uncertainty back home made it a practical one. We’re so happy we traded the never-ending traffic, construction, and hassle for… time … to just enjoy life. Downsizing has also allowed us to focus on what truly matters: living simply and fully in a place that feels like it was made for us.
If you’re dreaming of a life where work, family, community and nature coexist beautifully, Westport might just be the perfect fit. For us, it’s more than a new home—it’s a fresh chapter filled with peace, purpose, and plenty of adventure.
Come, see for yourself; you might fall in love, too!”
–Jamie & Shawn