Cape Breton Realty is proud to announce the grand opening of its newly renovated office—housed in one of St. Peters’ most treasured historic landmarks. Originally constructed in the 1860s as MacDougall Academy, this stately building has long held a central place in the community’s history and now begins a fresh chapter as the professional home of Cape Breton Realty.

This proud structure—once the educational heart of the region—was more than just a schoolhouse. For nearly a century, MacDougall Academy served as a beacon of academic excellence across Nova Scotia, housing all grades from elementary to high school.

MacDougall Academy earned a province-wide reputation for academic rigor and success. Among its notable alumni are Hon. A.J. Stone, Justice of the Federal Appeal Court of Canada; Dr. Kemp Morrison, Superintendent of Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto; Dr. Roswell Pottie, Vice President of the National Research Council of Canada; William (Bill) Pearl, Assistant VP of Sun Life Canada; and George W. Kyle, Federal Member of Parliament. These individuals, among many others, are a testament to the school’s legacy of excellence.

After the school closed in 1953, the building passed through a series of transformations. Willie D. Morrison converted it into apartments, and later, it even served as a car dealership. Dr. Downing eventually purchased the property and operated a therapy center there until 2012. In the years that followed, the building took on new life as medical offices, a consignment shop, and then a law office—each chapter adding to its rich and varied legacy.

Now, the building enters a new era. Lovingly updated, it stands once again as a place of purpose—this time for helping people find their homes across Cape Breton. 

This grand opening not only marks a milestone for the company but also celebrates the ongoing story of a building that has served St. Peters in many capacities for over 150 years. We are honored to preserve this important history and help shape its future.