The relationship between place ties and moves to small regional retirement communities on the Canadian prairies

The primary objective of this article is to further our understanding of the importance of place ties on the processes of migration to small regional retirement communities in a region with a cold climate (i.e., Manitoba’s Interlake). A two-stage survey design includes (i) a interview survey of a non-probability sample of 34 recent older movers to the retirement communities and (ii) in-depth life-history interviews with nine of these movers. The analysis of data involves the use of both descriptive statistical techniques and qualitative methods. The findings disclose that place ties associated with the destination community play a major role in the senior’s decision to move. While previous place experience and personal contacts represent important factors in the relocation process, they may also be used to promote population growth, community sustainability, and regional competitiveness. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.