Millionaires are causing waves in Canada by buying up islands and turning them into their private havens.
Celebrities, millionaires and others, both local and from around the world are said to be flocking to the country's Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and thousands of freshwater lakes to purchase these idyllic properties.
Unconfirmed reports cite Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, his friend and actor Harrison Ford, and "some of the biggest names in Hollywood" as among those buying up islands.
In the west, the properties include gems such as Kwaikans Island, 238 hectares off British Columbia listed for three million dollars (US$2.5 million).
The largest private island on the eastern seaboard, called Port Mouton, 404 hectares off Nova Scotia's south shore, is on sale for a whopping 13 million dollars (US$11 million).
Many new owners, however, have been limiting public use of their beaches.
The new owners are turning isolated properties into private getaways or "moated communities," contrary to Canadian laws that give everyone access to land up to the high water mark, said Bill Estabrooks, who is an opposition member of the Nova Scotia provincial legislature.
Ultimate in privacy
"The ultimate in privacy is to own your own island. God bless those who can afford it. But we fear losing access to these islands," he said.
"Intervention is long overdue. When these islands are sold to private owners, they are no longer accessible by local residents or visitors to our province."
Harm the environment
Another major concern is that rampant development on the islands will harm the environment, endanger fish and wildlife habitats, and deforestation.
The developments include huge executive homes, hotel and golf resorts, company retreats, condominiums, health spas, and helicopter pads.
Restrict development
Municipalities do have the power to restrict development, but it is difficult for officials to enforce the bylaws because so many of the properties are remote, Estabrooks said.
Web sites in several countries list hundreds of Canadian properties for sale or for rent.
Realtors told reporters that buyers are mostly from the US, Germany and more recently from China, and bidders are driving up prices as high as 50 million dollars (US$42 million).
Hottest market
"It's the hottest market I've seen in 40 years," said Rudy Nielson of Landquest Realty.
Americans hope to escape their hectic lives and forget about politics for a while.
Many Asians are just starting to think about spending their newfound wealth on leisure properties, while Europeans have long been in love with the beauty of Canada's wilderness, Nielson said.
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