Podcast
Hello PEI
Hosted by Mike Montague · EN
Hello PEI is your insider’s guide to life, real estate, and culture in Prince Edward Island. Hosted by Mike Montague, a seasoned REALTOR® with RE/MAX Charlottetown, this podcast dives into the stories, people, and places that make PEI one of Canada’s most sought-after destinations. Whether you're a local, visitor, or considering a move to the Island, you'll discover market insights, lifestyle tips, and hidden gems that define Island life.
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📩 Contact Mike: mike@gimmeshelter.ca | 📱 Call/Text: 902-316-1355
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
COSTCO on PEI?
2w ago00:14:56Tap to summarizeThere is a specific kind of Island madness that involves driving 160 km just to save five cents on a litre of gas and buy a year's supply of granola bars. It’s the Moncton COSTCO Run—a pilgrimage of necessity. Or is it?For years, we’ve been fed a steady diet of "They're coming to Charlottetown" and "I heard they bought land in Cornwall." But behind the rumours is a fascinating look at the facts, how Islanders shop, how we’re perceived by big-box giants, and the skepticism we wear like a Kirkland winter coat. Check out this weeks episode of "Hello PEI"
Transcribe →PEI Trade & Tariffs
2w ago00:17:42Tap to summarizeWhile the headlines are full of drama regarding U.S. tariffs, the boots-on-the-ground reality for Prince Edward Island is a story of resilience. In the latest episode of Hello PEI, we dig into why our $2 billion+ trade relationship with the U.S. remains solid—and why the recent "shocks" might be the best thing that ever happened to Island exporters.We’re talking:Why the U.S. relies on us for energy security more than they let on.How PEI is punching above its weight by finding new "baskets for our eggs" in Asia.Why a "shift in gears" is favouring our local economy.
Transcribe →PEI's Lobster Economy
2w ago00:17:36Tap to summarizeAre you an Islander? Then you are part of the lobster economy, even if you’ve never been on a boat. This week on Hello PEI, we’re breaking down why lobster is much more than a delicious meal—it's the massive economic and cultural force that helps define Prince Edward Island. Tie on a bib and check it out.
Transcribe →PEI Fuel Costs - Why so High?
2w ago00:19:04Tap to summarizeWhy Did the Price of Gas Just Go Up? (Or Down?)We’ve all driven by the sign and wondered, "Who decided on that number, anyway?" This week on Hello PEI, we’re pulling back the curtain on the PEI fuel pricing mystery. We dive deep into why our prices are often different from the rest of Canada and break down exactly what you're paying for at the pump.We discuss: The global factors (oil prices, geopolitics). The Canadian landscape (currency, carbon taxes). The hyper-local PEI regulation (The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission).If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the price of fuel, this is the episode you need to hear.
Transcribe →Maritimes Rise as a Global Powerhouse
Mar 2900:41:26Tap to summarizeAre the Maritimes Canada’s Best-Kept Secret—or Its Next Engine Room?For too long, the narrative of Atlantic Canada has been one of "fiscal dependence." This week on Hello PEI, we are tearing that script up.I’m laying out a vision that shifts our identity from a charming "Ocean Playground" to a global energy and economic leader. A hard look into the "Atlantic Powerhouse Manifesto," covering:Energy Sovereignty: How a national pipeline to the Irving Refinery changes the game for Canada.The Green Goliath: Harnessing the untapped power of the Bay of Fundy and Nova Scotia’s offshore wind.Innovation Island: My proposal to turn PEI into a 3D-printing and automated housing hub.Fair warning: This episode is longer and a bit more technical than the usual chats. But once you hear the scale of what’s possible when we stop working in silos and start building a region, you’ll understand exactly why we had to go deep.If you care about where this province—and this country—is headed, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.Jump to a Topic: 00:00 – Intro: Beyond the "Ocean Playground"04:15 – Energy Sovereignty & The Pipeline11:30 – Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Potential18:45 – Tapping the Tides: Bay of Fundy25:20 – Innovation Island: PEI Housing SEZ32:10 – The Savant Program & 3D Printing39:45 – Breaking Silos: A Call to Action
Transcribe →Hello PEI - Summer Wrap Up
Aug 2500:11:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Hello PEI: PEI's real estate market is recovering, A dive into the numbers. City Spending Showdown: A major road extension on Spencer Drive in Charlottetown is stalled, leaving a developer asking, "Where did the money go?" This episode investigates the delays and the debate over city priorities. Big news for T3 Transit riders! Get ready for more frequent service in Charlottetown, Stratford, and Cornwall starting this month. A break down of the key route changes that could affect your commute. PLUS: The surprising fire risk hiding in your garden mulch and how to protect your home.Listen to the full episode for the complete breakdown!
Transcribe →New Homes for Stratford PEI: A $20 Million Investment
Aug 2000:09:32Tap to summarizeHello PEI! This episode looks at recent news of the CMHC's investing of over $20 million in Stratford through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP). This will see 60 much needed new rental housing units built. Here is a break down of what this means for Stratford and for Prince Edward Island. #StratfordHousing, #PEIAffordableHousing, #PEIHousing,
Transcribe →Developing PEI Stories - Always growing
Jun 1300:18:32Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Hello PEI! In this episode, we're diving into Charlottetown's ambitious initiative to tackle the housing crunch by increasing density. The city is rezoning areas from low to medium density, paving the way for more diverse housing options like townhouses, duplexes, and small apartment buildings – a strategic move to avoid a reliance on high-rises.We discuss the ongoing conversation around this rezoning, including resident concerns about increased traffic and how city officials are emphasizing the need for growth while planning to address infrastructure challenges separately. Plus, we explore Charlottetown's goal to encourage development near transit routes to reduce car dependency. We also take a look across the river at a recent development proposal in Stratford, PEI, that was rejected due to non-compliance with environmental zoning rules and a recent purchase of the old downtown Irving station by the City and its potential role in Charlottetown's future.Join us as we unpack these developments shaping the future of Prince Edward Island!#HelloPEI #Charlottetown #PEI #HousingCrisis #UrbanPlanning #Rezoning #AffordableHousing #PrinceEdwardIsland #IrvingStation #StratfordPEI #CommunityDevelopment #TrafficFlow #SustainableDevelopment
Transcribe →Powering Our Future: Unlocking the Maritimes' Offshore Wind Goldmine
Jun 6, 202500:12:27Tap to summarizeThere is an incredible opportunity that's literally blowing in the Atlantic wind! 🌬️ This episode of Hello PEI dives deep into Maritime offshore wind power, exploring why this isn't just another energy source, but a potential economic gift 🎁 unlike anything else on the globe. We'll break down what offshore wind means for Prince Edward Island as well, from creating new jobs 👷♀️👷 and diversifying our economy to making us an energy superpower! 💪 Discover how our unique coastal position and consistent winds offer an unparalleled chance to build a resilient, future-focused economy. Tune in 🎧 and find out why it's time for our politicians to capitalize on this extraordinary resource! 💡
Transcribe →PEI Unpacked: The Top 10 Questions About Island Living
May 30, 202500:08:04Tap to summarizeEver wondered what it's really like to live on Prince Edward Island? You're not alone! Here are some insights about the top 10 questions you hear from people curious about making the move to PEI. From red dirt roads to friendly faces, we're covering everything you need to know before packing your bags. If you're considering Island life, this one's for you! Tune in to get the inside scoop and find out why so many are choosing to call PEI home. 🏡🌊
Transcribe →