Rarely, on the official terms. Two applicants means two nonrefundable fees and two gifts, none of it returned, to solve a problem that seasonal visiting may already solve.
Compare the price with the problem
At the time of this review the official page described a nonrefundable processing fee and a gift of substantial size for a principal applicant, with a further fee and gift for each accompanying family member; for a couple that is two of each, and neither is refundable if the application fails or if the couple change their minds. Set that against what it buys. If the goal is longer stays and freedom from border questions, weigh it against the obligations residence brings, including the risk of abandonment findings if they continue spending half the year in Ontario. If the goal is to work or operate a business, residence may genuinely be the answer, but then the investor routes deserve comparison because their capital can be returned. Re-verify all current amounts on the official source before deciding.
Hypothetical example: the owner of a land-survey company expects to sell a cottage portfolio and use the proceeds for a Gold Card. A first review produces a complete cost schedule for every proposed applicant, the nonrefundable processing charges, any visa-related fees, and the payment that follows successful vetting. Wire instructions and official receipts settle what has been paid and to whom. The required gift is a payment by the applicant to the U.S. government, not capital placed into a business and not an investment expected to be returned. If the household needs liquidity for retirement or a business sale has not closed, it must decide whether permanent residence is worth an irrevocable outlay.