The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is responding to radio advertisements that encourage people to consider making the move to Alberta.
The marketing campaign, launched by the Alberta provincial government, features radio ads that are currently playing in Chatham-Kent. The ads highlight Alberta's job market, affordable housing, and lifestyle opportunities while encouraging Ontario residents to move to the western province.
On Wednesday afternoon, Chatham-Kent municipal officials announced that the municipality had issued a "friendly" rebuttal to the campaign by taking out radio ads in Calgary introducing Chatham-Kent and highlighting reasons why Ontario, namely Chatham-Kent, is a great place to live.
According to CK Mayor Darrin Canniff, Chatham-Kent's ads also point out that the municipality has more affordable housing, shorter commute times, and a warmer climate when compared to Alberta.
"When we heard the Alberta radio ads, we knew we had to issue a friendly response letting Albertans know that Ontario, especially Chatham-Kent, are great places to live, work, and raise a family," said Mayor Darrin Canniff. "We're the fastest-growing community in Canada. We have a thriving local economy, very affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. We encourage all Ontarians to explore their options before making a move. If you're going to move somewhere, it makes sense to put Chatham-Kent at the top of your list."
They also mention Chatham-Kent's diverse and growing economy, with many job opportunities in technology, healthcare, the trades, and manufacturing.
Director of Chatham-Kent Economic Development Stuart McFadden said the ads are just one of many ways the municipality continues to ramp up efforts to attract people to the region.
"We've seen a significant increase in interest from people looking to move to Chatham-Kent from Ontario, from throughout Canada and globally.” said McFadden. "Our community offers a unique blend of rural and urban living, access to world-class amenities, logistics, and is extremely welcoming to new businesses of all sizes."
The radio ads for Chatham-Kent will be running in Calgary for two weeks.