From the moment I set foot on P.E.I. that cold January morning in 1972 after crossing on the Borden ferry, the Island and its people have held a special place in my heart. Having planned to come for just a weekend visit, I stayed for four years, attending university at UPEI and came to consider P.E.I. as my home.
As “Come From Away Islanders” who spend our winters in B.C., my husband and I have owned a cottage since 2000. Every year, we spend our summers on our beloved P.E.I.
We pay property taxes on P.E.I., have a car with P.E.I. plates, actively support our local community, hire Islanders to help us maintain our cottage, buy from local merchants and frequent your pubs and restaurants.
This year, with the challenges we all face with the restrictions and impacts of COVID-19 on our lives, we, like you, are separated from our loved ones in seniors’ residences and other family and friends from coast to coast. Like you, we are affected by the economic impacts and uncertainty about what the future holds. And, like you, we faithfully follow the physical distancing and hygiene guidelines of our provincial health authority headed by another Islander, Dr. Bonnie Henry.
We have been hoping that the current travel restrictions will be modified in time to allow us at least a few weeks on the Island this year. We are more than happy to abide by any rules that P.E.I.’s government and your first-class public health authorities are currently in the process of setting out, including the requirement to quarantine for 14 days. We will follow these rules to the letter, as I know that other non-Islanders who also love and respect your Island will do as well.
Please be assured that we will keep our share of the bargain.
Yolande Sauve-Paine, who owns a cottage in P.E.I., lives in North Vancouver, B.C.
