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John
What is it that would inspire someone to come to such a remote and isolated place to start a business, a business literally built on the ruins of another? In my case, the inspiration was the profound beauty of Lake St. Joseph, a deep respect for the Native people who live in these wilds and a burning entrepreneurial spirit to create something from almost nothing. The result is The Old Post and Village, a world-class fishing lodge that rose from the ashes of a 200-year-old Hudson’s Bay Trading Post on the shores of this legendary lake. This is my story.
Born and raised in Goderich, Ontario, I spent my summers at a family cottage on the Cape Croker Reserve on Georgian Bay. It was during these extended vacations that I first had contact with Native peoples, their character, philosophy, and accepting ways. A free spirit and the positive influence of these generous people early in life eventually brought me to the northern community of New Osnaburgh where I accepted a managerial position with the Hudson’s Bay Company store in 1976. I have fond memories of those times when Hockey Night in Canada on CBC Radio was the highlight of the week. The roads were rough and it wasn’t always an easy life but the isolation allowed for the development of very special relationships with the people who call this area home; a unique and lasting bond was created, not only with the people but also with the land that has supported them for a thousand years.
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Jonathon
Jonathon was born in 1984, just one year prior to the purchase of the ruins of the Hudson Bay Company Store and property that was to become The Old Post and Village. Every summer and even one winter Jonathon has spent growing up at camp and it sure has come out in his personality - free spirited, full of life and adventure. He lived in the north year round until at age 6 we put shoes on his feet and sent him off to school. Even now that he has graduated from grade 12, Jonathon will tell you that the best education that he ever got was through his experiences at camp, life in the north and the relationships that he has developed with its people.
Jonathon has traveled with friends from Canada and Italy through Europe by train, backpacking hostel to hostel. He will then return in time to open camp. He was chosen, along with fourteen other applicants from all over North America, to participate in a cultural exchange program to Iceland, where he spent six weeks attending classes, working and traveling.
Jonathon has caught the passion and the enthusiasm for guiding. Maybe it was the clientele, but that is a 42” Northern caught on a fly rod. It doesn’t get much more exciting than that. He’s had a great summer, along with his girlfriend, Katherine, spending it with us at camp. (Remember our Australian Staff Member?) She is now just finishing up a school term in Canada and will be returning to Australia the first part of December with Jonathon in tow. Not bad spending your summers at camp and your winters in Australia. I only could dream of such an opportunity when I was 22.
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Jordan
Jordan was born in 1988 and has been John's look alike ever since. Not only does he look like John, but has many of the same mannerisms and the same ability to tell stories. He has a real fondness and talent for music, playing both electric and acoustic guitars on a regular basis and is an avid reader.
Jordan has just recently completed his scuba certification along with his two brothers. He shows a real affinity with dogs and has a nurturing way about him when it comes to animals and nature.
All of these talents come in handy at camp where Jordan can be seen doing everything from telling jokes and stories around the camp fire to adopting every stray animal or fallen bird.
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Joel
Born in 1990, Joel is the bilingual representative of the Grace family. He has been in French Immersion his entire school career and will continue with this into High School. Joel keeps very active and is involved with the swim team, piano and bass guitar and has formed his own band.
Joel is shy and unassuming, not at all like his older brothers in this respect but given a microphone or instrument is quite willing and able to entertain.
Joel's abilities do not stop here and he knows his way around the computer; producing a website for his band and building his own power point presentations.
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