Hi All
I have been on here a while back and have now got a chance of work as crane operator in coquitlam, Vancouver. Just a few questions.

1) what's Coquitlam like as a place to live on your own?
2) anyone have any idea of the hourly pay for crane operators?
3) are there minimum rentals on apartments?
4) how is cost of living compared to U.K?
5) cheapest place to shop.

I don't know if it's possible, one thing I have considered is maybe there would be a caravan type site nearby, or don't they exist?

Thanks for the info.

Tony.

Try TJ on here (i forget the correct username). Her and family came out for hubby as a crane driver and even though it turned into a nightmare they're putting themselves through it again but i think moving up to Prince George (scary).

Coquitlam is a large urban sprawl in the Fraser Valley about 45 minutes outside of Vancouver (much more in traffic). It's not somewhere i'd suggest or choose for a single person but beggars can't be choosers.

It's quite an ugly place with strip mall after strip mall.

Not sure what you mean by minimum rentals on apartments. Do you mean time or cost? Usually it's 12 months but costs will be cheaper out that way.

Cost of living is about the same as the UK. Some things you pay less for and others you pay more.

Cheapest place to shop for what? Cars, food, clothes? Walmart and Costco are out that way and they have Value Village for REALLY cheap. Think charity shop.

As for Trailer Parks. The ones i've seen around that way are cetrainly not places i'd like to set foot in. Quite rough and dirty in a down and out way that you see on an episode of Cops.

Hey thanks, you have answered my questions perfectly. When I say single I intend trying out the life alone and if it turns out, then the girlfriend and son can join me later on. The choice of place is only because the crane company is nearby. I already know a couple of crane operators that have gone up north and they are earning BIG!.. Want to. Try 12 months out there alone and see if it works. A roof over my head is all I am after,anything else is a joy. Just want to work work work..

Someone on here with a positive attitude
And Coquitlam is fine. There are VERY few areas you wouldn't want to live in

Thanks, I have had the offer of a job and now begins the long process I assume. No worries as it will give me some time to gather some info etc. so the more I can find out the better the knowledge. We all know that Knowledge is POWER!! Is there such a thing a buying a cheap runabout (car) where would I start to look?
Thanks. T

Ok cool. Then to be honest you'll have lots of options for areas to live. Don't just look at Coquitlam. There are nicer areas.



But there are better options with easy commuting distance.

Well there can't be any better options if you live in Coquitlam and work there as well. Why commute?

O.k so the crane company with the job offer is close to coquitlam. Where should I start looking next please.

Check out Craigslist Vancouver for cars and home rentals. Second hand cars can be a little more expensive here but you should be able to find one.

Personally, i would pop out to vancouver and have a look around and see what you think. Check some places out and begin the process of banking, etc.

Thanks, I appreciate the help and I do realise that the same questions must be asked over and over, so thanks for staying with me. I will give Craigslist a shot.

Maybe he won't like Coquitlam. But yes you're right, if he likes it then it's a no brainer.

Where's close to Coquitlam?

As far as I am aware crane operators are employed through the unions Tony, do you have a your job lined up already?

Also don't you need your "red seal" to operate a crane in BC or anywhere in Canada for that matter? Just a thought, i was a mobile crane operator in the UK, i could not get a job here in Nova Scotia!! As i had no 'Canadian' experience!!

http://www.bcacs.ca/index.php/crane-...c-equivalency/

Yes I do have a job offer. It's based in coquitlam, hence the questions regarding the place. I have heard the unions control it and they had be asked permission before I could be offered a job!!