I grew up in a small town known as the canoeing Capital of Canada- Atikokan, Ontario, surrounded by wilderness (and clouds of mosquitoes in summer!). Growing up with my sisters, we spent our summers mostly outdoors - building tree forts in the boreal forest with a moss covered ground, following our folks around in the garden, camping at Quetico Park and picking wild blueberries. Winters we'd be busy building snow forts, ice-fishing and x-country skiing. I feel grateful for being able to have grown up in a safe community close to nature and wanted the same environment for raising my son, (albeit a bit warmer and less bugs), so that is what brought us to stay on Pender. 

My first job was at a Realty office. It was a small operation-one broker, one salesperson and myself. My experience working there is what really sparked my interest in real estate. I truly enjoyed the job-working closely with others, answering questions, taking and editing photos, updating the website etc. From there I went on to obtain a Degree in 

Commerce with a focus in Human Resources from Lakehead University. During those years I broadened my experience while working at IBM in Ottawa as the Student Programs Coordinator and then onto a program where we developed an innovative product for the company and pitched our idea to top executives in Aramonk, NY. I was fortunate to spend some time travelling to Japan and extensively through the US in those years and feel it has helped to broaden my world views as well as beliefs.

After living in Ottawa I returned to Thunder Bay to complete my degree and decided to invest my time into a home renovation to create a rental property that I still manage to this day. It has helped me to gain valuable experience-both in learning how to fix and care for a home, as well as in screening and selecting tenants. However it hasn't always been easy-and can also be quite stressful at times. Learning to anticipate potential problems and take action to prevent them is part of one of the cornerstones of good property management. 

I first arrived on Pender in Spring 2018 and quickly fell in love with the island and its people. Returning to live full time in Jan 2020 with my son, despite Covid shutting down many opportunities, I have continued to deepen my connection to the island and community with activities many of us enjoy such as gardening, volunteering, sailing, beekeeping and spending time in nature. Thankfully now it feels as if things are returning to normal and I look forward to meeting you, perhaps out at a community event or professionally. 

I decided to pursue Property Management through the University of British Columbia as I saw there is a need and wanted to learn the best practices so that I may help others in realizing their goals as well as making it a trusted, safe and hassle-free experience. A strong-work ethic is also very important and I feel grateful that this has been instilled in me since a young age. Being able to follow through and get the job done is also very important. When I first met Charmaine as a prospective tenant I was impressed with her thoroughness, professionalism as well as matching the right tenant to the right home. Her organization and level of detail and care that she provides to each and every client as well as tenant is something I value greatly. In getting to know her further she has become an excellent mentor and friend.

I recognize the privilege we have to live and work in the traditional unceded Coast Salish territory on Pender Island (SDȺY¸ES). I am looking forward to potentially working with you and would be happy to discuss further how we can protect your investment when it comes to property management. If you are thinking of seeking help for a professionally managed rental property and piece of mind, please don't hesitate to contact me today.

Cell: 250.884.4526

E-mail: cdanco@coastalliferealty.ca