Hi all,
Does anyone here live in Ottawa?
We are planning to move to Ottawa and would be very interested to discuss topics such the best place to live with a family of 5 (3 young kids), schools, amenities, general gossip etc.
We are aware that Ottawa is supposed to have a slower pace, but how much slower!

thanks
Paula

I can't really comment on living in Ottawa because I don't (I live on the dark side). However, I do go there sometimes. It isn't the most exciting of places. On the other hand, you will be close to the countryside (it's nicer on my side). Gatineau park is very close. There you have lakes, with proper beaches, trails for hiking/cycling, skiing in Winter etc. There's also a water park nearby. In Ottawa you can ice skate on the Canal in winter.

Originally thinking of settling in Montreal but were concerned about not speaking French and were told that the children would have to attend French speaking schools. Can you get by without speaking french?

Thanks Paula

You can in Gatineau. Because of its proximity to Ottawa, and the fact that so many people work in Ottawa (govt), it's pretty bilingual (at least on a par with Montreal, I'd guess). My French isn't very good and I have no problems. Then again, the people I work for are in Wimbledon.

Schooling might be the problem. I think, although I'm not certain, that English language schools are all private.

I live in Ottawa, and love it.
Not sure where you're comparing with when you say Ottawa has a slower pace. It's definitely slower than Montreal, but has more life than Gananoque. - it's all relative, eh?
I don't have kids in school here, so don't know much about schools and such, but I do have a good few kids I hang out with regularly, so I can point you to a lot of fun stuff to do with them.

When are you planning to move?

Let me know if you have specific questions you want answers to, and welcome to the Capital.

What do you think of Gananoque? Really interested!

I like Gan, much because one of my dearest friends live there. I've never lived there, but have visited for a few weekends, and have had lots of fun. I've been refused entrance to the casino because I didn't have the "appropriate" ID (Norwegian bank card with picture, signature and date of birth is not on the list... ), I've kayaked on the lake, done some early morning photography excursions, and had several Timmy's coffees.

I think I could live there if I had to - it's close to Kingston, which is another place I really like, and I feel it has plenty to offer. It's not too far from TO, Montreal or Ottawa, either, if the need to go somewhere bigger should arise.

Thanks!

Rent a place for ayear. You'll get the chance to set your hearts on a place to live in permanently.

My pleasure.