Retiree Stories - John & Joy Winter

Retiree Stories

John and Joy Winter
Newcomers 1995, Edmonton, Alberta

John and Joy Winter have found Campbell River to be just the place for them. After immigrating from England and living in the Edmonton area for twenty years, they wanted to retire to a milder climate. There were several unique instances that caused them to choose Campbell River over other towns in the same area. They have found here a friendly, serviceable community, an ideal house by the beach, and a place where "you're never short of anything to do for free."

In 1993 the Winters toured Western BC looking for a place to retire. When they came to Campbell River they were immediately impressed by the scenery, but more so by something they saw while walking in the down town area, "A young shop assistant came out and began to sweep the side-walk in front of her store and I remember remarking to my wife that people here must really take care of their town." The Winter's have not been disappointed by the community since. They have found it easy to make friends by taking part in local clubs and classes. Joy has found that she can get everything she needs in Campbell River in terms of shopping, but likes the fact that bigger shopping centers, like Nanaimo and Victoria are so close by. John likes the way the town is not laid out on a grid like Edmonton, "It's like an English town," he says.

Finding the perfect house was a big part of the Winter's decision to move to C.R. When the idea of moving entered their heads, they drew up a list of features for their perfect house (a workshop and a sitting room off the main bedroom). They assumed they would have to compromise. However, they weren't in Campbell River long before they found a house with everything they wanted just a ten minute walk from Stories Beach. They drove back into town, and, spotting their realtor in a parking lot, put a deposit on the house right then and there.

"One thing about Campbell River is that you're never short of anything to do for free," John says, referring to the beautiful trails, beaches and parks and the mild climate which lets residents enjoy them all year round. They

were immediately impressed by the magnificent scenery afforded by the Coastal Mountains and Georgia Straight. They enjoy going to the Oyster River and to Paradise Meadows especially. Members of the Campbell River Gardening club, they love being able to garden all year round, something they could never do in Northern Alberta.

When John worked as a school teacher in Edmonton, he would look out of his office window which overlooked a senior's home. In winter he would see the residents bundled against the harsh cold and said to himself "that's not for me." He wanted to retire some place with a warmer climate and he has found it. Because of the friendly community, beautiful surroundings, and perfect house by the beach, the Winters say that coming here to live in July of 1995 is "a move we have never regretted."