Retire in Liverpool website tries to boost local economy

Paris may be for lovers, but retirees (amorous or otherwise)should consider Liverpool, N.S.

Atleast, that's what one local man thinks.

Retired shop teacherPeter Rippletold CBC Radio's Maritime Noon that he hasstarted a website to attract seniors to Liverpool.

Maritime Noon5:48Retire to Liverpool

New website aims to attract retirees to Liverpool.

"They're flexible, they have pensions to bring with them, they may have equity from previous homes, and I just think it's a great place to come and hang out and retire, spend your last years."

During the 2011 census, Liverpool had a population of about 2,600, but those numbers are dwindling.

Industry pulling out

In the past few years, some big companies have pulled out of the community, including Steel & Engineering Products Ltd. andBowater Mersey Paper Company, more recently.

"We have a shrinking population and ... some of the seniors are going to the great beyond already and so we have fewer and fewer people to pay an ever-increasing tax load," Ripplesaid.

He said more retirees in the community would mean jobs for younger peoplewho could provide the necessary services.

"People who come here will buy their cars here, get them serviced, get their dogs groomed their lawns mowed, driveways cleared houses painted. A lot of things that they can't do for themselves we can do for them."

Resistance to 'retirement community' idea

Although he never made a formal proposal to the Region of Queens Municipality about the website, Ripple said the mayor and councillors didn't seem too keen on theidea.

"I know that the resistance is there," he said. "Some councillors have said that they just don't want to see it turned into a retirement community."

Health-care costs could rise with an influx of seniors in Liverpool, but "health care is a provincial problem," Ripple said.

"It's not a local problem and I'm more interested in solving the local problem. I have to let the province look out for itself on that one."

'If Trump Wins' website an inspiration

The Cape Breton if Donald Trump Wins website was "an inspiration to me," Ripple said.

"As soon as I saw it I thought ... this guy just did it. Maybe it's not that difficult to do."

• Cape Breton pitched as refuge if Donald Trump wins

Ripple'sRetire toLiverpoolwebsitefocuses on everything from the proximity of local hospitals, to weather conditions and the cost of living.

In the section on local industry, and recent closures,thewebsitesays: "You are retired right? Don't worry about it."