By Rosalind Russell – There is a business on Manitoulin Island that helps make dreams come true for many families, helping to ensure they establish their own legacies and traditions.
Rolston Realty, J.A. Rolston Ltd. Real Estate Brokerage has been a part of Manitoulin going back to the 1880s.
Owner Steve Rolston, Broker of Record, says his family started out, like so many, as farmers with a family operation in Sheguiandah established by his great, great grandfather, but that changed when his father returned to the Island with a carpenter’s licence as well as a real estate licence.
“Besides farming, my grandfather, Albert, was also in insurance. My father Al ended up working in real estate in Toronto, as well as a carpenter and driving a taxicab. He returned to the Island, and with his wife Judy, decided to open a real estate business on the Island in 1971.”
The family moved to Manitoulin Island in 1970, where they founded J.A. Rolston Ltd. and worked in the Rolston Insurance business.
Steve says real estate had always been a part of his life having obtained his real estate and brokers licence long before finishing his degree at Western University.
The firm has built on its successes over the years and now employs five full-time sale staff, office manager Lori Edwards and marketing manager Meredith Morris.
Steve says the Island has always been popular in terms of property and has been building on the success following the seller’s market that existed after the pandemic.
“The Amish have established a strong farming community, and long-time farm operations are still at the heart of Manitoulin. There are many long-time, multi-generational businesses on the Island.
“There have been challenges, but folks living on Manitoulin are used to challenges.
“Most homes that are built here are single-family dwellings and built to meet their specific wants and needs, not to resell or make money out of them. Recently, rental demand has increased to the point where rental units are being built as well.”
That said, Steve says the rental market is especially tough. “There is little available, in fact, there is a waiting list. We have seen considerable new builds in Mindemoya and Little Current to try to meet that need.
That said, his company is busy with potential homeowners wanting property on the Island, and long-term residency.
Rolston’s Realty has been serving Manitoulin for over 50 years. The company has knowledgeable staff available who will do their best to meet every need, and not just on Manitoulin, with listing available in Espanola and along the North Shore Corridor.
Marketing manager, Meredith Morris says many people can obtain their real estate license but real estate isn’t a popularity contest, it’s about who’s honest, operates with integrity and has the experience.
“Would you want to deal with an agent who’s one year on the job and your “buddy” or someone who knows the business inside/out, knows the land, knows the terminology for buying/selling and so much more,” says Meredith. “Being an Island, we have a fleet of boats, sea-doos, snowmobiles to get you where you need to go.
“Water access only? No problem for the Rolston team.
“We have, floorplans, staging, etc., all included when you list and sell with Rolstons whereas some
of the “other guys” charge extra for these services.”
Steve himself is a licenced drone operator bringing modern technology into the equation for those who need it.
“It is fun, and it really helps the client by being able to share the video of properties, inside and out, and opens the market to those who may not be within the local area but are looking at buying or selling property in the local region.
So, no matter where you live, if you are looking to buy or sell property on Manitoulin Island or along the North Shore Corridor, Roston Realty is there to meet your needs.
There office is located at: 26 Meredith St E, Little Current, or call (705) 368-2381. You can also visit their website at: https://rolstons.com/ – “Your Island Connection.”
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