James Bailey’s project

At the beginning of the 20th century, while the island was still a privileged place sought after by summer visitors, a new owner acquired it. On April 22, 1909, James Bailey (1847-1914), a marine superintendent residing in Montreal, bought the entire island from Alexander Walker, on which there was still no construction.

This new buyer had a major project. He wanted to make the island a paradise holiday destination that he planned to call Isle Cadieux – Summer Resort. In this perspective, he proceeded to the cadastre and the subdivision of the island in nearly 65 lots for sale. James Bailey sold his first land in September 1909.

In January 1911, in order to promote sales, he had the Montreal company Dupont & Barbeau draw a detailed map of the island. In addition to the lots, this map shows the location of the lighthouse, various streets to be built on the island, the bridge linking Cadieux Island to the mainland and the location of the Lake of Two Mountains Yacht Club.

The bridge shown on the 1911 map was likely built in 1910 as a contract for the sale of a lot to Thomas Taggart signed on September 29, 1909 states: “[…] with an exclusive use and ownership of the beach in front of this lot, and of a right of way over the bridge, which is to be built, between Island Cadieux and the main land […].”

As for the location of the Lake of Two Mountains Yacht Club, if it appeared on the map, it was as a project, since in a publicity leaflet promoting the area published by James Bailey in 1914, it was illustrated by a simple sketch. However, the names of the founding members of this prestigious club, originally incorporated in 1912, are listed. The building, which would serve as the city hall a few years later, was built around 1916.

By 1914, several summer homes had already been built on the island, including those of James Bayley (1910), William R. Eakin (1910), J. H. Rowell (1911) and A. J. Meyers (circa 1912). After the First World War, residential development increased and was further enhanced by the incorporation of the town in 1922.

James Bailey’s ambitious project came to an abrupt end with his death on September 15, 1914. The estate proceeded to liquidate all the assets, including the land on Cadieux Island. Only William G. Bailey, James’ son, remained attached to the island and became its first mayor in 1922.