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One in four Canadians who live in urban areas are considering moving to more remote communities with the desire for a slower pace of life cited as the biggest reason, new research shows. The nationwide study by Horizon Aircraft (“Company” or “Horizon”), a Canadian-based innovative leader in hybrid electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) aerial vehicles, found 25 per cent of urban Canadians would consider moving out of more urban areas with a further 15 per cent undecided. Among those considering a rural switch, the most popular reason for potentially moving was the desire for a better work-life balance. Around half (47 per cent) want to slow down, while 25 per cent say the COVID-19 pandemic has made them reassess their lifestyle and what is important. Roughly 17 per cent of those questioned said they increasingly don’t like living in an urban environment, while 12 per cent said their possible move came down to a desire to be nearer family and friends. Nearly a third (32 per cent) of those considering a move say they plan to do so within two years, while 12 per cent say any move is more than five years away. The research is not all good news for people planning to leave urban areas as highlighted by the 12 per cent of those questioned, who had made the reverse move from a more rural remote area to a town or city in the past five years. The main reason given for the switch from rural to an urban location was work – around 40 per cent said they had made the move to be nearer to jobs, while 31 per cent cited personal reasons. Other motives for moving to urban areas included closer proximity to healthcare and medical services (10 per cent) and 6 per cent saying remote living had become too difficult for them. Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, said: “Substantial numbers of Canadians are considering quitting cities for a more rural lifestyle. Escaping the city can be an attractive proposition for some, but people do need to think carefully about the practicalities, including issues such as access to transport and healthcare.” The study was conducted by independent research agency Pure Profile among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Canadians aged 18-plus, which included 203 who currently live in or have lived in a remote area of Canada. For more information on those who live in remote communities, visit the Statistics Canada wesite at: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/3117-who-lives-those-remote-communities.
Phil Anderson Toronto, ON
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