Several Ontario residents who typically spend their winters in the U.S. have recently made the decision to invest in property in Mexico instead. The change in destination is attributed to a growing discomfort with the political environment under U.S. President Donald Trump. John Kawiuk and Sharron MacKay, hailing from Mississauga, revealed to CBC Toronto that they started feeling uneasy after years of winter stays in Florida.
MacKay expressed, “There were instances where we felt unwelcome. Even from a security perspective, as Canadians, we no longer felt at ease.” Consequently, they altered their plans and purchased a residence in Campeche, Mexico, last year.
Similarly, George and Tracy McCabe from Niagara Falls, Ont., cited political reasons for leaving their Florida residence of 12 years in favor of Campeche in 2022. Tracy asserted, “We were certain after the initial administration that the situation would not be favorable, and we predicted [Trump]’s victory. We knew we had to leave.”
The Canadian Snowbird Association estimates that approximately one million Canadians migrate south for the winter annually. This includes about three percent of Ontario residents aged over 65, according to a 2021 research article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. However, a recent survey by Snowbird Advisor indicated a decline in the number of respondents intending to winter in the U.S. this year, dropping from 82 percent last year to 70 percent this year.
Decrease in U.S. Travel
Despite the decline, this reduction in U.S. winter travel by Canadians is relatively modest when compared to overall Canadian travel to the U.S., as reported by Statistics Canada, showing a 24 percent decrease last November from the previous year. Stephen Fine, president of Snowbird Advisor, mentioned, “The U.S. will always remain the top choice for Canadian snowbirds. However, this year has seen nearly double the travel to international destinations by Canadian snowbirds.”
According to Fine, the percentage of snowbirds traveling to international destinations has risen to 23 percent this year from 12 percent last year. Those who have relocated to Mexico, such as Janice DaSilva-Pearcy and Don Pearcy from Niagara-on-the-Lake, expressed contentment with their decision.
DaSilva-Pearcy shared, “We are enamored with the culture here. It’s a complete departure from our home country. We are actively engaging in local events and festivities.”
The decision to purchase property in Mexico in 2022 was partly influenced by the political