HALIFAX -- The creator of a cheeky website that encourages Americans to move to Cape Breton before Donald Trump can be elected president says he's been shocked by the response.
The site, called "Cape Breton if Donald Trump Wins," was set up Monday by radio announcer Rob Calabrese to poke fun at the bombastic Republican and, more importantly, to spread the word about the island's many charms.
However, Calabrese says he's been stunned by the reaction, saying he's received hundreds of emails from Americans, virtually all of them making serious inquiries about moving to Nova Scotia.
Calbrese says he's in disbelief and wishes everyone from Cape Breton could read them because they really make you proud of living here.
Few of the emails mention the loutish Trump, but most include questions about Cape Breton, which is home to about 150,000 people and -- according to the website -- is about the same size as Hawaii's biggest island.
Calabrese says it's mostly having to do with wanting to get to a lifestyle that a place like Cape Breton has to offer --rural, good neighbours, rich culture, safety and peace.
He says Cape Breton has a lifestyle and a culture and a way of life that is appealing to millions of people, if they just knew where we were.
Traffic to the website has increased steadily, reaching over 35,000 unique visits Wednesday.
Calabrese says some emails from the U.S. offer a special word of thanks.
He says "Some are writing about how it feels nice to know that they're welcome somewhere."
The website says "Start your new life in Cape Breton, where women can get abortions, Muslim people can roam freely, and the only 'walls' are holding up the roofs of our extremely affordable houses," -- referring to Trump's pledge to build a build a wall along the Mexican border.
Calabrese's text goes on to extol free health care, mild summers, cultural diversity and a largely rural setting where "you know your neighbours and ... nobody has a handgun."
