MANY OF US ARE ISLANDERS.

A majority of Seasonal Residents were either born on PEI or have family there.

Many seasonal residents travel an average of 2-4 times per year from across Canada (as well as the United States and beyond) to homes on PEI. Most have been part of their Island communities for many years.

Many were born on PEI and/or have strong family connections on the island that go back many generations.

WE HAVE DEEP ISLAND CONNECTIONS.

Those without family connections on PEI often visited for several years on family vacations before putting down roots on the Island.

A good number of seasonal residents have owned their homes on PEI for decades, with some residences being passed from generation to generation.

About 1/3 of seasonal residents plan on retiring to PEI.

WE INVEST IN THE ISLAND.

A 2011 study prepared for Tourism PEI by UPEI demonstrated the significant impact made by seasonal residents on the economy of PEI. The study noted “[Seasonal Residents] represent ‘new’ money being introduced into the economy, they stay much longer than the typical visitor to PEI, and most (84%) received additional visitors at some point during the year.”

The economic impact of seasonal residents on the economy of PEI has only increased in the past 10 years. Using 2011 figures and adjusting for inflation, seasonal residents contribute close to $100 million in new money to PEI each year through part time residence on PEI and through the visitors that we host each year in our homes. That’s a significant economic impact in “new” money being earned elsewhere and spent on PEI, without the incremental burden being placed on the Island in terms of healthcare or education costs.