Retiree Stories

Audrey Lamont
Newcomer, Harrison Hotsprings, British Columbia

Audrey Lamont and her husband lived in Campbell River for twenty-five years but didn't think they would be retiring here. They moved to Alberta for family reasons, but couldn't handle the winters. They came back to BC, this time to the Fraser Valley. During their stay at Harrison Hot Springs Mrs. Lamont's eyes were watering every day from the pollution which sat like a cloud over the whole area. After this they decided that they had had the perfect retirement community all along and so they bought another house back in Campbell River. Now that they are back they really appreciate the cost of living, the unique encounters with nature, and the "quiet lifestyle" they experience in Campbell River.

One other reason the Lamonts came back to Campbell River, is that the cost of living is so low. They are paying half the tax they paid in Alberta and the property here is "much more reasonable" than anywhere else they've looked at. They have a house with property in a quiet outer part of town with "wonderful neighbors." They are close to both the mountains and the ocean and of course, there is no pollution.

The climate and natural surroundings of Campbell River are a big part of why the Lamonts want to live here. Audrey describes how she can be in a certain area of downtown and watch seals coming up onto the beach. Mr. Lamont likes to garden and since "everything grows so well here" he's unrestricted as to variety of plant or time of year he can get out there. They also have a small boat for fishing and enjoy getting out on the water. Audrey has had her own part in making Campbell River the beautiful place that it is by being a long time member of the Oyster River Enhancement Society, she helped to build one of the many beautiful and unique trails that surround Campbell River.

Being able to live a "quiet lifestyle" amongst good people is important to the Lamonts. Audrey has always found the people of Campbell River to be very friendly. The Lamonts are very involved in the Baptist Church. There is a good "cross section of people there." You can tell that they get a lot of fulfillment from this.

Coming back to Campbell River has been a good move for the Lamonts. They just couldn't find another place that was as suited to their need for a clean, beautiful, pollution free environment, a mild climate, and a peaceful, quiet, lifestyle.