Some updates.
Apr 13th 2018, 12:22 am
#241
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Some updates.
Smithers is a lovely little town ............. we've visited often as had relations who lived there beginning back in 1970.
Town itself is small, just over 5,000, but it is the service centre for the Bulkley Valley so has a lot more services than you think.
The hospital is amazing! They managed to diagnose a problem that OH had been suffering for about 5 years ....... mind you, he'd never before seen a medic while suffering an attack! But they are connected, for example, to the Cancer Centre in Vancouver, for example, and can provide chemo in the hospital where so many other places cannot. Patients might have to travel to Prince George, Terrace or Prince Rupert for certain specialised treatment.
I don't know what the mental health services are like. Family doctors were in short supply a few years ago, not sure what the current situation is. Our relatives went for about 8 years without a family doctor beginning around 2005.
The airport is quite small, last time we flew there was just over 4 years ago (we usually drive), and they had only just got an X-ray machine for luggage ........... only one security gate.
Greyhound has cancelled its service there, or is about to. But Smithers is on VIA Rail's The Skeena route between Prince Rupert and Jasper ........... I think the service is a total of 6 times a week, 3 in each direction. The train stops overnight in Prince George in each direction, and passengers have to stay in a hotel. Basically it is one train that just goes back and forth.
They do get cold winters, lots of snow, and what is worse ......... freezing and thawing cycles 2 or 3 times a winter, so you end up with snow melting then freezing and snow falling on the top of that. Summers can be hot. Blackfly are bad about June, and mossies can be quite bad.
Good skiing on Hudson Bay Mountain, and a super cross country course.
I noticed one or two bus stops the last time we were there (summer 2014), but don't know how frequently the buses run. The airport is out of town and you would need transport there. Highway 16 runs east - west through the town, basically dividing it into two ..... that's the Highway of Tears.
As always, not sure about rental accommodation. I know we have always wept at seeing the difference in the cost of house there vs Vancouver ........... and that dates all the way back to 1970!
Town itself is small, just over 5,000, but it is the service centre for the Bulkley Valley so has a lot more services than you think.
The hospital is amazing! They managed to diagnose a problem that OH had been suffering for about 5 years ....... mind you, he'd never before seen a medic while suffering an attack! But they are connected, for example, to the Cancer Centre in Vancouver, for example, and can provide chemo in the hospital where so many other places cannot. Patients might have to travel to Prince George, Terrace or Prince Rupert for certain specialised treatment.
I don't know what the mental health services are like. Family doctors were in short supply a few years ago, not sure what the current situation is. Our relatives went for about 8 years without a family doctor beginning around 2005.
The airport is quite small, last time we flew there was just over 4 years ago (we usually drive), and they had only just got an X-ray machine for luggage ........... only one security gate.
Greyhound has cancelled its service there, or is about to. But Smithers is on VIA Rail's The Skeena route between Prince Rupert and Jasper ........... I think the service is a total of 6 times a week, 3 in each direction. The train stops overnight in Prince George in each direction, and passengers have to stay in a hotel. Basically it is one train that just goes back and forth.
They do get cold winters, lots of snow, and what is worse ......... freezing and thawing cycles 2 or 3 times a winter, so you end up with snow melting then freezing and snow falling on the top of that. Summers can be hot. Blackfly are bad about June, and mossies can be quite bad.
Good skiing on Hudson Bay Mountain, and a super cross country course.
I noticed one or two bus stops the last time we were there (summer 2014), but don't know how frequently the buses run. The airport is out of town and you would need transport there. Highway 16 runs east - west through the town, basically dividing it into two ..... that's the Highway of Tears.
As always, not sure about rental accommodation. I know we have always wept at seeing the difference in the cost of house there vs Vancouver ........... and that dates all the way back to 1970!
2-3 Bedroom Oceanview Apartment
Smithers , British Columbia , V0J
Price: $ 695
Period: Monthly
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Incredible views of the harbour. Large bright units. Heat and hot water included in the rent. Just a few minutes drive to downtown
However, using google image search,it appears these units are actually in Prince Rupert http://www.homebuyingcenter.ca/harbourview/
Last edited by Siouxie; Apr 13th 2018 at 12:26 am.
Apr 13th 2018, 2:55 am
#242
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 3,874
Re: Some updates.
I put a link upthread for rental accommodation, but this one looks pretty good!
2-3 Bedroom Oceanview Apartment
Smithers , British Columbia , V0J
Price: $ 695
Period: Monthly
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Incredible views of the harbour. Large bright units. Heat and hot water included in the rent. Just a few minutes drive to downtown
However, using google image search,it appears these units are actually in Prince Rupert Harbourview – Oceanview Units in Prince Rupert BC
2-3 Bedroom Oceanview Apartment
Smithers , British Columbia , V0J
Price: $ 695
Period: Monthly
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Incredible views of the harbour. Large bright units. Heat and hot water included in the rent. Just a few minutes drive to downtown
However, using google image search,it appears these units are actually in Prince Rupert Harbourview – Oceanview Units in Prince Rupert BC
There ain't no harbour in Smithers!!!!!!!!!!!
It is almost 350 km from Prince Rupert by road, probably a bit less as the crow flies, but that crow would have to fly pretty high to get over the mountain range!
Bet that's the owner who lives in Smithers!
I can't think of an apartment block in Smithers, although there might be.
I know our relative lived in an apartment above one of the Main Street shops back around 1970-72, and that was still there last time I walked down Main Street.
Smithers is one of those little mountain towns that was done up as Bavarian back in the late 60s/early 70s, and Main Street is still mainly 2 storey building, with businesses at street level and some apartments above.
Apr 15th 2018, 4:07 pm
#243
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Some updates.
One issue in smaller communities is rental housing, its available but on a small scale so while rents are lower its also not as easy to find an apartment in smaller communities, not impossible just takes more planning.
Once weather improves and highway driving is no longer at risk for snow, we will go up and check out some of these towns.
Any rental also has to be dog friendly which further reduces the available options since majority of rentals are not pet friendly.
Once weather improves and highway driving is no longer at risk for snow, we will go up and check out some of these towns.
Any rental also has to be dog friendly which further reduces the available options since majority of rentals are not pet friendly.
Last edited by scrubbedexpat091; Apr 15th 2018 at 4:09 pm.
Apr 15th 2018, 7:53 pm
#244
Oscar nominated
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Moncton, NB, CANADA
Posts: 50,835
Re: Some updates.
Any rental also has to be dog friendly which further reduces the available options since majority of rentals are not pet friendly.
Apr 15th 2018, 8:05 pm
#245
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2013
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 3,874
Re: Some updates.
One issue in smaller communities is rental housing, its available but on a small scale so while rents are lower its also not as easy to find an apartment in smaller communities, not impossible just takes more planning.
Once weather improves and highway driving is no longer at risk for snow, we will go up and check out some of these towns.
Any rental also has to be dog friendly which further reduces the available options since majority of rentals are not pet friendly.
Once weather improves and highway driving is no longer at risk for snow, we will go up and check out some of these towns.
Any rental also has to be dog friendly which further reduces the available options since majority of rentals are not pet friendly.
You may find that small houses are an alternative in these small towns. I know our relation moved on from the Main Street apartment to a small house on a side street but still in the middle of town.
Apr 19th 2018, 8:06 pm
#246
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Some updates.
Last edited by scrubbedexpat091; Apr 19th 2018 at 8:23 pm.
Apr 19th 2018, 8:48 pm
#247
Lowering the tone
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 7,349
Re: Some updates.
Apr 19th 2018, 11:34 pm
#248
Stand-up Philosopher
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: Regina Saskatchewan
Posts: 16,344
Re: Some updates.
Apr 20th 2018, 12:47 am
#249
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Some updates.
Ill change the signature when I get to a PC.
Cannot seem to figure out how on the phone/mobile version of the site.
The author of the article is pretty good writer. One of the lucky Canadians as well who was near a program that treats borderline.
The signature is just how I feel. I really have given up. I just go to work and repeat. No future really.
Cannot seem to figure out how on the phone/mobile version of the site.
The author of the article is pretty good writer. One of the lucky Canadians as well who was near a program that treats borderline.
The signature is just how I feel. I really have given up. I just go to work and repeat. No future really.
Apr 20th 2018, 12:51 am
#250
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Some updates.
Ill change the signature when I get to a PC.
Cannot seem to figure out how on the phone/mobile version of the site.
The author of the article is pretty good writer. One of the lucky Canadians as well who was near a program that treats borderline.
The signature is just how I feel. I really have given up. I just go to work and repeat. No future really.
Cannot seem to figure out how on the phone/mobile version of the site.
The author of the article is pretty good writer. One of the lucky Canadians as well who was near a program that treats borderline.
The signature is just how I feel. I really have given up. I just go to work and repeat. No future really.
Any day you wake up is a good day!
Apr 20th 2018, 10:00 am
#251
BE user by choice
Joined: Oct 2010
Location: A Briton, married to a Canadian, now in Fredericton.
Posts: 4,854
Re: Some updates.
I too think that that represents one hell of a big number of us, that's the daily grind for a great majority, it's not fun filled, it's reality.
The option, which Siouzie has pointed out ain't fun either, so the work and repeat becomes more favourable.
Those looking for work would give anything to be in your shoes presently JS.
The option, which Siouzie has pointed out ain't fun either, so the work and repeat becomes more favourable.
Those looking for work would give anything to be in your shoes presently JS.
Apr 20th 2018, 12:16 pm
#252
Oscar nominated
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Moncton, NB, CANADA
Posts: 50,835
Re: Some updates.
Good article but it strikes me as a little contradictory.
I think most people know "pull yourself together" or "what have you got to be depressed about" are really not on.
But many of those examples (not the god and devil ones, obviously
) are things that are 'postives' that people say to anyone. Or motivational. Encouraging. Like "move on" or "don't worry about things you can't fix."
But the writer's opening sentence is
So on the one hand that writer doesn't want to be treated differently because of her mental health while on the other hand she doesn't want you to say to her what would be okay to say to those without MH issues.
It makes it all quite difficult for everybody really.
I think most people know "pull yourself together" or "what have you got to be depressed about" are really not on.
But many of those examples (not the god and devil ones, obviously
) are things that are 'postives' that people say to anyone. Or motivational. Encouraging. Like "move on" or "don't worry about things you can't fix."But the writer's opening sentence is
One of my fears in talking about my mental health condition is knowing that some people might treat me differently because of it.
It makes it all quite difficult for everybody really.
Apr 20th 2018, 1:04 pm
#253
Account Closed
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Some updates.
Apr 20th 2018, 1:22 pm
#254
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: Some updates.
Good article but it strikes me as a little contradictory.
I think most people know "pull yourself together" or "what have you got to be depressed about" are really not on.
But many of those examples (not the god and devil ones, obviously) are things that are 'postives' that people say to anyone. Or motivational. Encouraging. Like "move on" or "don't worry about things you can't fix."
But the writer's opening sentence is
So on the one hand that writer doesn't want to be treated differently because of her mental health while on the other hand she doesn't want you to say to her what would be okay to say to those without MH issues.
It makes it all quite difficult for everybody really.
I think most people know "pull yourself together" or "what have you got to be depressed about" are really not on.
But many of those examples (not the god and devil ones, obviously
) are things that are 'postives' that people say to anyone. Or motivational. Encouraging. Like "move on" or "don't worry about things you can't fix."But the writer's opening sentence is
So on the one hand that writer doesn't want to be treated differently because of her mental health while on the other hand she doesn't want you to say to her what would be okay to say to those without MH issues.
It makes it all quite difficult for everybody really.
Apr 20th 2018, 4:52 pm
#255
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Some updates.
I do understand JS, truly. ( in response to your earlier post)
I was working 50+ hours a week just to pay the bills and put food on the table and try to make up the deficit from when my hours reduced last year. I don't have benefits as I am self employed so I have to pay for the many medications I now have to take. I don't have unemployment or sick benefit to fall back on either. I don't have a pension or savings for my old age so other than the paltry sum that the UK government will let me have from my years of contributions there which I'll get when I am nearly 67. I don't have enough years of contributions to get very much from the Canadian government either.. my retirement will be non existent, because I can't afford not to work. Being unable to work for the past 3 weeks has resulted in zero income for May, but I still have the financial responsibilities to pay for.
Yes, I went away with my sisters for a week last year - but that was my first vacation in 16 years and I was still trying to work enough hours to make up for the time I took off with no income when I had the stroke... I don't get holiday pay. Up until 3 weeks ago, I got up, went online to work, worked for 12 to 16 hours, went to bed, slept, got up .. ad infinitum. I'm sure there's a lot of others on BE that are in a similar situation. It's not fun! It's reality for many.. and it will be my reality for many years to come (albeit with lower hours, as I can no longer work the hours that I did). but it sure beats the alternative!
I was working 50+ hours a week just to pay the bills and put food on the table and try to make up the deficit from when my hours reduced last year. I don't have benefits as I am self employed so I have to pay for the many medications I now have to take. I don't have unemployment or sick benefit to fall back on either. I don't have a pension or savings for my old age so other than the paltry sum that the UK government will let me have from my years of contributions there which I'll get when I am nearly 67. I don't have enough years of contributions to get very much from the Canadian government either.. my retirement will be non existent, because I can't afford not to work. Being unable to work for the past 3 weeks has resulted in zero income for May, but I still have the financial responsibilities to pay for.
Yes, I went away with my sisters for a week last year - but that was my first vacation in 16 years and I was still trying to work enough hours to make up for the time I took off with no income when I had the stroke... I don't get holiday pay. Up until 3 weeks ago, I got up, went online to work, worked for 12 to 16 hours, went to bed, slept, got up .. ad infinitum. I'm sure there's a lot of others on BE that are in a similar situation. It's not fun! It's reality for many.. and it will be my reality for many years to come (albeit with lower hours, as I can no longer work the hours that I did). but it sure beats the alternative!