Retiree Stories

Sal Salminen
Newcomer 1988, Saskatchewan

Sal Salminen has lived in Campbell River with his wife for fourteen years and neither of them have ever regretted coming here. Retired from the RCMP, he has been stationed all over Canada and when he was placed in Campbell River in 1988, he decided to stay. It was the comfortable size that attracted him most, and he now enjoys that as well as the golf and the live Theatre.

Mr. Salminen came to Campbell River because he was very comfortable with the size of it. It has "everything to offer" in terms of services, but because it is smaller you have, "more of a one on one relationship with service providers." Campbell River has a "small town atmosphere" and a "measured pace." He lived in communities in every province in Canada, from it's largest cities to a Saskatchwan town with a population of 250, but he says the size of Campbell River "suits me perfectly."

He likes the "cultural alternative" that is offered by the Tidemark Theatre. He and his wife see nearly all the shows put on at the picturesque theatre located right in the centre of town - from a well done opera that toured through, to recent local productions of "The Odd Couple" and "Lil' Abner."

Golf is Sal's biggest hobby. He is able to golf year round at world class courses without having to leave town. He plays three to four times a week in the summer, and participates in many competitions, something that would probably be unaffordable in a larger city. "You don't have to leave the island for something to do, you can tour up and down playing one competition after another." Sal realises that Campbell River is becomeing a real destination for people like him; "It's lucky we live here so that we don't have to travel here."

Sal and his wife have no regrets about retireing in Campbell River. They are able to live in a top floor condo over looking the ocean, golf to their hearts content, and experience a great variety of live entertainment on a regular bases. On top of all this, they get to enjoy the "measured pace" and personality of a comfortably sized town. Where else can a person enjoy such a rich lifestyle so affordably?