Road Show will introduce GTA empty nesters to lucrative lifestyle options in southwest Ontario's retirement hot spot

WINDSORESSEX, ON, Sept. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Considering a lifestyle change? Hoping for a secure retirement future? Ready to cash out? Don't miss the RetireHere Road Show coming to the Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites, September 28 and 29.

Hosted by the Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative (WEARCI), a not-for-profit group marketing the WindsorEssex 100 Mile Peninsula destination, the show focuses on Canada's unique, southernmost lifestyle, growing in popularity among boomers. A lifestyle attracting 885 new families age 50-plus, purchasing $228 million in real estate since the group launched their initiative three and a half years ago.

"There's growing interest in the region, so we decided to showcase our nine communities in an intimate setting without the excitement and distraction of large crowds," says Krista Del Gatto, President of WEARCI and Executive Officer of the Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS®. "We want people to experience the lifestyle, hospitality and affordability that's revitalizing our region," she added.

Mike Middleton and Sandy Kosak, wealth consultants with Windsor Family Credit Union, Ontario's seventh largest credit union, and an exhibitor at the show, present a compelling case for relocating to WindsorEssex. Depending on individual investments, cashing out of a home in the GTA for a similar property on the peninsula, for half the cost, could lead to a financial windfall and retirement five to ten years earlier than anticipated.

With the average resale home price in the GTA now at $508,622 compared to $187,455 for WindsorEssex, the financial advantage for such a move would be significant.

Jack and Chris Thompson are well aware of the financial advantage. Overlooking the historic town of Amherstburg from their 1,750 square foot condo on Bob-Lo Island, they had no plans to retire in WindsorEssex until winning a weekend getaway two years ago.  "I'm familiar with Windsor, but the getaway gave us a chance to explore small towns around the county," said Mr. Thompson. Formerly from Oakville for 32-years, the Thompsons finalized their move in July. "We love the privacy of an island across from a quaint town, only 20 minutes to the city and U.S. border," explained the Thompsons, "People are very friendly and helpful…it's a great community feeling."

Admission to the RetireHere Show is free for persons 50 plus. Exhibitors and presentations include prime real estate comparisons and cash out options, mature lifestyle and active retirement residential developments and amenities specific to the nine 100 Mile Peninsula communities.

Visitors will have an opportunity to network with new residents, sample local wine and food pairings from the region's award-winning estate wineries and local farms and book discovery tours to the area.

Exhibitors include Bob-Lo Island - A Marina Resort Community, Ambassador Estates & Lakeshore Woods, Coopers Mill Active Retirement Community, Evola Award-Winning Luxury Homes, Tourism WindsorEssex Pelee Island, the Towns of Amherstburg, Kingsville, Leamington and Tecumseh, the Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative (WEARCI), Windsor-Essex County Association of REALTORS® and Windsor Family Credit Union.

For show schedule, links to exhibitors, directions and a complimentary visitor pass, go to www.retirehere.ca

SOURCE: Windsor-Essex Active Retirement Community Initiative (WEARCI)

Krista Del Gatto, CAE   
President, WEARCI
[e-mail] 

Executive Officer
Windsor-Essex County REALTORS® Association
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