Photo via fokke baarssen on Shutterstock
It looks like Canada is making moves to keep summer weather year-round! The federal government has announced plans to purchase a tropical island exclusively for snowbirds looking to escape the cold. It is expected to be fully operational by 2028, offering a slice of summer for those tired of shoveling snow.
The new territory, dubbed Beaver Coast, is reportedly located in the Caribbean. This will be Canada’s first fully tropical province.
Government officials say the move is meant to “improve national morale” while easing the burden of seasonal migration.
“For years, Canadians have fled to Florida and Mexico to avoid our brutal winters. Now, we’re bringing the sunshine to them — without the hassle of passports, currency exchange, or explaining what a toque is,” said minister of snowbird affairs, Ty Dalwave, during a press conference.
Though it is still in the planning stages, sources gave us an idea as to what Canadians can expect on this future island:
And much more.
“We’re thrilled to become part of Canada! We’ve already started learning how to say ‘eh’ properly and stockpiling maple syrup,” shares local tourism official Isla Verde. “The only thing we ask is that you leave the snow at home.”
The great thing about this island is that although you’d typically need a passport to travel overseas, since it’s a province, that won’t be needed. Non-Canadian residents, however, will be required to provide documentation in the same way they do when visiting Canada.
In order to ensure Canadians get the most out of this island, officials say any citizen 55 and older will get priority access to Beaver Coast. Younger visitors will need to register via an online form and pick a time slot. Maximum stays for the first full year will be two weeks.
“We can’t have just anyone coming in and setting up beach chairs like it’s Wasaga on a long weekend,” added Dalwave. “It’s a process, and we want to ensure we do not overwell the tropical environment with eager travellers.”
It is important to note that Beaver Coast will be developed with sustainability in mind. The island will be powered entirely by solar and wind energy.
“We’re committed to ensuring Beaver Coast remains a tropical paradise, not just another overdeveloped tourist spot,” said appointed Beaver Coast environment minister, Terra Sable. “All transportation on the island will be electric, and we’ve partnered with marine conservation groups to protect local coral reefs.”
In addition, Canada has promised to implement a “Leaf It Better” initiative, which will require visitors to plant a tree for every month they stay on the island.
“If you want to spend your winter here, you have to give back,” said Sable. “That means reforestation efforts, sustainable fishing, and absolutely no complaining about the heat.”
Whether this tropical acquisition is the future of Canadian winter escapes remains to be seen. But for now, thousands of snowbirds are already packing their bags. We know we are.
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our April Fools’ coverage and is purely for entertainment. Don’t believe everything you read today!
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