Key Takeaways
- A retirement community in Port Charlotte, Florida, called Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club, has a strong Canadian presence, with 40% of its 1,112 homes owned by Canadians.
- Despite tensions between the US and Canada, including a tariff war and perceived threats of annexation, Canadians continue to flock to the community.
- Residents cite the community’s friendly atmosphere, location, and activities as reasons for their loyalty, despite some expressing concerns about the current political climate.
- Some Canadians have taken precautions when traveling to the US, such as removing Canadian license plates, but many are choosing not to let politics dictate their retirement plans.
- The community offers a range of activities, including golf, pickleball, and swimming, and residents are looking forward to a good season despite the strain in Canada-US relations.
Introduction to Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club
The Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club, a 115-hectare park in Port Charlotte, Florida, is a unique retirement community that proudly displays its Canadian heritage. With streets named after well-known Canadian communities, such as Niagara Crescent, and Canadian flags flying alongside American ones, the community is a testament to the strong bond between Canadians and Americans. The community was founded in 1977 and has since become a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds, with approximately 40% of its 1,112 homes owned by Canadians.
A Community of Canadians and Americans
Despite the current tensions between the US and Canada, including a tariff war and perceived threats of annexation, the Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club remains a welcoming community for both Canadians and Americans. Robyn Thomas, a resident and realtor at the community, notes that the park was created by Canadians and has always been a collaboration between the two nations. This sense of community and camaraderie is what makes the park so special, with residents from both countries living side by side and enjoying the community’s many amenities.
The Impact of US-Canada Tensions
While some Canadian snowbirds have opted to avoid the US due to the current political climate, many are choosing to continue their annual migrations to the Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club. Jeff Papiez, a member of the park’s board of directors, has been traveling to the community for 31 years and believes that the bonds forged between neighbors, the location, and the activities are what keep residents coming back. However, he acknowledges that the current tensions are a topic of discussion among residents, with some expressing concerns about the uncertainty and discomfort caused by the trade war and perceived threats of annexation.
Personal Stories of Canadian Snowbirds
Silvio Conte, a resident of the community from Gananoque, Ontario, is one such snowbird who has chosen to continue his annual migrations to the US despite the tensions. He and his wife took extra precautions during their recent drive south, removing their Canadian license plate and reverse parking when they stopped. However, Conte is determined not to let one individual, US President Donald Trump, dictate how he enjoys his retirement. He has found other ways to be patriotic, such as traveling to Florida with supplies he and his wife would normally have bought once they arrived, in order to put money back into the Canadian economy.
A Sense of Community and Resilience
Despite the challenges posed by the current political climate, the Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club remains a thriving community of Canadians and Americans. Residents are looking forward to a good season, with many activities and events planned, including golf, pickleball, and swimming. The community’s sense of camaraderie and resilience is a testament to the strong bonds between its residents, who are determined to enjoy their retirement and make the most of their time in the sun. As Conte notes, "All the old people, old friendships are all coming back down here. We’re all reconnecting. We’re all looking forward to a good season."
