Our Story


Just like our property owners, every Realtor® has their own story. As Manitoulin Island’s preferred real estate brokerage, we are passionate about showcasing the very best of the island’s local communities and have helped many clients start their story here. However, all this would not have been possible without our founder, J. James Bousquet, whose pioneering efforts championed development that allowed many others to discover the beauty of Manitoulin Island.


Who Is J. James Bousquet?

J. James Bousquet was born and raised on Manitoulin Island. In 1964, he started in the insurance business in Little Current, and in 1967 he became a licensed Realtor, opening a branch office for one of the largest and fastest-growing private real estate firms in Ontario at the time.


Growing the Manitoulin Island community

For three decades, J. James Bousquet, or “Jim” as we know him, was a leader in residential development in Manitoulin and the surrounding area. He helped create an impressive 23 waterfront subdivisions from the acquisition of raw land, working through both the planning stages and the final sale of developed lots. To cement his legacy, he built over 150 homes and cottages in the region and earned himself the title of ‘Salesman of the Year’ in 1971 at Halliday Homes.


Becoming J. James Bousquet Realty

In 1993, Jim’s son Chris joined the insurance brokerage as a licensed broker. Shortly after Chris became a licensed Realtor and together they decided it was time to form their own brokerage and they incorporated J. James Bousquet Realty Inc. Brokerage in 1996.

In 1998, Chris obtained his Real Estate Broker designation, the highest level of real estate licensing in Ontario.

Together, Jim, Chris and the Bousquet team worked on many major projects. They listed and sold some 55,000 acres of land on Western Manitoulin and Cockburn Island for a single corporate client, the highly sensitive and complex property in Carter Bay (over 5000 acres) and many, many other high profile and complex transactions.


Looking Into The Future

In 2013, Chris became the Broker of Record of the Real Estate Brokerage. He took over from Jim, who retired from the business in 2019 after an impressive 52 years in the industry.

Today, the Bousquet Realty team continues to serve clients not just around Ontario or Canada, but from across the globe who are looking to make the Manitoulin region their permanent residence or home away from home. With our Head Office on the harbour-front in downtown Little Current and our Branch Office in the heart of Gore Bay’s bustling business core, our knowledgeable and dedicated team of Realtors is always ready to help.


Ready to start your story on Manitoulin Island?

Whether you’re considering putting down roots here permanently or wanting to buy a cottage on Manitoulin Island, our real estate agents are here to help you. We are proud of our welcoming community and strive to find you the perfect property on Manitoulin Island, whether that’s a new home, a waterfront cottage, a farm or a commercial space to build your business.

Get in touch with us today - your own story on this beautiful island is waiting to begin!

The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are member’s of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.