Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
Sep 12th 2008, 9:21 am
#31
Weirdo Latin Dude
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Hotter than hell
Posts: 2,545
Sep 12th 2008, 11:24 am
#32
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 305
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
Anyway...
We are going more towards Halifax as it seems a lot nicer. Here is why:
Edmonton Good:
- Great for shopping (i'm assuming) with such a huge mall.
- Close proximity to other major cities and easy access.
- In the middle of canada so easy access to anywhere.
- Within driving distance to some excellent scenery & mountains.
- Lots of greenery.
- Lots of good festivals, so plenty to do.
- Lovely valley's.
Edmonton Bad:
- Winters are cold
- Within the coal mine district which is bad for the o-zone/air quality (according to experts, not me).
- Seems to have emphasis towards money and a strong economy more than having a good community.
- Seems to be constantly having a battle with Calgary to which is the better City, and thus doesn't help create a good community between the two cities.
- Popular destination now with the booming economy in that area and thus, means more people creating a higher density with less space. Which means within 10 years to come it will become crowded - if the economy continues to get stronger.
- Too many sky scrappers.
- Perhaps a little too flat.
- Seems to be more industrial.
- The coal mining industry will not last forever.
- May be a little too big for us. Anymore than 1.8m is way too big for us and there is a possibility of this happening.
Halifax Good:
- God nightlife (not that we are bothered anymore).
- Good place to bring up a family (according to some website we read). Although apparently their education system is below the average.
- More sense of a community.
- Some nice historical buildings and few sky scrapers.
- No smoking in public places.
- Seems to have some nice scenic drives near by.
- Plenty of greenery near by but not as much as Edmonton in city.
- Clean fresh air (according to some website).
- Seems laid back.
- Their economy relies on the military and quite frankly in my day and age there will also be a military needed - don't have to worry about struggling.
- Only 6hrs to the UK.
- Affordable housing (when you compare it to Edinburgh).
Halifax bad:
- Too small.
- Far away from other major cities making it isolated.
- The waterfront apparently smells because of sewage.
- Historical buildings are not protected by law.
- Can be windy in the winter but not as cold as Edmonton.
- Young city so not exactly ideal for those that are getting on.
- Shopping.
- Difficult to find employment.
- There are times in the year when nothing happens.
We are going more towards Halifax as it seems a lot nicer. Here is why:
Edmonton Good:
- Great for shopping (i'm assuming) with such a huge mall.
- Close proximity to other major cities and easy access.
- In the middle of canada so easy access to anywhere.
- Within driving distance to some excellent scenery & mountains.
- Lots of greenery.
- Lots of good festivals, so plenty to do.
- Lovely valley's.
Edmonton Bad:
- Winters are cold
- Within the coal mine district which is bad for the o-zone/air quality (according to experts, not me).
- Seems to have emphasis towards money and a strong economy more than having a good community.
- Seems to be constantly having a battle with Calgary to which is the better City, and thus doesn't help create a good community between the two cities.
- Popular destination now with the booming economy in that area and thus, means more people creating a higher density with less space. Which means within 10 years to come it will become crowded - if the economy continues to get stronger.
- Too many sky scrappers.
- Perhaps a little too flat.
- Seems to be more industrial.
- The coal mining industry will not last forever.
- May be a little too big for us. Anymore than 1.8m is way too big for us and there is a possibility of this happening.
Halifax Good:
- God nightlife (not that we are bothered anymore).
- Good place to bring up a family (according to some website we read). Although apparently their education system is below the average.
- More sense of a community.
- Some nice historical buildings and few sky scrapers.
- No smoking in public places.
- Seems to have some nice scenic drives near by.
- Plenty of greenery near by but not as much as Edmonton in city.
- Clean fresh air (according to some website).
- Seems laid back.
- Their economy relies on the military and quite frankly in my day and age there will also be a military needed - don't have to worry about struggling.
- Only 6hrs to the UK.
- Affordable housing (when you compare it to Edinburgh).
Halifax bad:
- Too small.
- Far away from other major cities making it isolated.
- The waterfront apparently smells because of sewage.
- Historical buildings are not protected by law.
- Can be windy in the winter but not as cold as Edmonton.
- Young city so not exactly ideal for those that are getting on.
- Shopping.
- Difficult to find employment.
- There are times in the year when nothing happens.
Sep 12th 2008, 12:07 pm
#33
Assimilated Pauper
Joined: Mar 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 40,018
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
I say old chum, it's rather odd to feature "coal mining" for one and not "tar ponds" for the other.
Sep 12th 2008, 12:20 pm
#34
Weirdo Latin Dude
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Hotter than hell
Posts: 2,545
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
Anyway...
We are going more towards Halifax as it seems a lot nicer. Here is why:
Edmonton Good:
- Great for shopping (i'm assuming) with such a huge mall.
Most North American cities have huge shopping malls.
- Close proximity to other major cities and easy access.
Close to other major cities? what have you got an aeroplane?
- In the middle of canada so easy access to anywhere.
In the middle of Canada??? Look at a map.
- Within driving distance to some excellent scenery & mountains.
Certainly believe so
- Lots of greenery.
- Lots of good festivals, so plenty to do.
- Lovely valley's.
Edmonton Bad:
- Winters are cold
You bet they are brrrrrrrrrrr
- Within the coal mine district which is bad for the o-zone/air quality (according to experts, not me).
- Seems to have emphasis towards money and a strong economy more than having a good community.
Thats North American culture for you.
- Seems to be constantly having a battle with Calgary to which is the better City, and thus doesn't help create a good community between the two cities.
That happens everywhere, don`t let it bother you.
- Popular destination now with the booming economy in that area and thus, means more people creating a higher density with less space. Which means within 10 years to come it will become crowded - if the economy continues to get stronger.
Thats what economic booms do for you.
- Too many sky scrappers.
Like I said this is North America not Europe
- Perhaps a little too flat.
Well you won`t have trouble carrying the shopping
- Seems to be more industrial.
Well people have got to work somewhere
- The coal mining industry will not last forever.
Thats what I believe happened in the Uk
- May be a little too big for us. Anymore than 1.8m is way too big for us and there is a possibility of this happening.
Look for something smaller like Halifax but really 1.8 too big?
Halifax Good:
- God nightlife (not that we are bothered anymore).
God!! don`t you mean good, anyway don`t be like that you are as young as you feel.
- Good place to bring up a family (according to some website we read).
Probably the Nova Scotian tourist board
- Although apparently their education system is below the average.
Surprise given the amount of Uni`s there.
- More sense of a community.
Well they gotta stick together
- Some nice historical buildings and few sky scrapers.
Sounds just up your street, so they say in England
- No smoking in public places.
we even have that in Spain
- Seems to have some nice scenic drives near by.
- Plenty of greenery near by but not as much as Edmonton in city.
Now thats a surprise
- Clean fresh air (according to some website).
Again Nova Scotian tourist board
- Seems laid back.
you bet it will be
- Their economy relies on the military and quite frankly in my day and age there will also be a military needed - don't have to worry about struggling.
You will probably be safer living further away from any type of military installations
- Only 6hrs to the UK.
- Affordable housing (when you compare it to Edinburgh).
Its affordable to practically everywhere. I fell off my perch when I saw property prices there
Halifax bad:
- Too small.
Edmonton too big and Halifax too small look elsewhere friend
- Far away from other major cities making it isolated.
yep at the edge of the world
- The waterfront apparently smells because of sewage.
Sounds like Spain
- Historical buildings are not protected by law.
[B]mmm what does that tell you[/B
]- Can be windy in the winter but not as cold as Edmonton.
You bet its gonna be windy!!!!
- Young city so not exactly ideal for those that are getting on.
As said before you are only as young as you feel
- Shopping.
Thats a positive you`ll spend less money
- Difficult to find employment.
Why? I thought everybody had gone to Alberta or are they now coming back?
The below comment sounds like Spain between 2-5
- There are times in the year when nothing happens.
We are going more towards Halifax as it seems a lot nicer. Here is why:
Edmonton Good:
- Great for shopping (i'm assuming) with such a huge mall.
Most North American cities have huge shopping malls.
- Close proximity to other major cities and easy access.
Close to other major cities? what have you got an aeroplane?
- In the middle of canada so easy access to anywhere.
In the middle of Canada??? Look at a map.
- Within driving distance to some excellent scenery & mountains.
Certainly believe so
- Lots of greenery.
- Lots of good festivals, so plenty to do.
- Lovely valley's.
Edmonton Bad:
- Winters are cold
You bet they are brrrrrrrrrrr
- Within the coal mine district which is bad for the o-zone/air quality (according to experts, not me).
- Seems to have emphasis towards money and a strong economy more than having a good community.
Thats North American culture for you.
- Seems to be constantly having a battle with Calgary to which is the better City, and thus doesn't help create a good community between the two cities.
That happens everywhere, don`t let it bother you.
- Popular destination now with the booming economy in that area and thus, means more people creating a higher density with less space. Which means within 10 years to come it will become crowded - if the economy continues to get stronger.
Thats what economic booms do for you.
- Too many sky scrappers.
Like I said this is North America not Europe
- Perhaps a little too flat.
Well you won`t have trouble carrying the shopping
- Seems to be more industrial.
Well people have got to work somewhere
- The coal mining industry will not last forever.
Thats what I believe happened in the Uk
- May be a little too big for us. Anymore than 1.8m is way too big for us and there is a possibility of this happening.
Look for something smaller like Halifax but really 1.8 too big?
Halifax Good:
- God nightlife (not that we are bothered anymore).
God!! don`t you mean good, anyway don`t be like that you are as young as you feel.
- Good place to bring up a family (according to some website we read).
Probably the Nova Scotian tourist board
- Although apparently their education system is below the average.
Surprise given the amount of Uni`s there.
- More sense of a community.
Well they gotta stick together
- Some nice historical buildings and few sky scrapers.
Sounds just up your street, so they say in England
- No smoking in public places.
we even have that in Spain
- Seems to have some nice scenic drives near by.
- Plenty of greenery near by but not as much as Edmonton in city.
Now thats a surprise
- Clean fresh air (according to some website).
Again Nova Scotian tourist board
- Seems laid back.
you bet it will be
- Their economy relies on the military and quite frankly in my day and age there will also be a military needed - don't have to worry about struggling.
You will probably be safer living further away from any type of military installations
- Only 6hrs to the UK.
- Affordable housing (when you compare it to Edinburgh).
Its affordable to practically everywhere. I fell off my perch when I saw property prices there
Halifax bad:
- Too small.
Edmonton too big and Halifax too small look elsewhere friend
- Far away from other major cities making it isolated.
yep at the edge of the world
- The waterfront apparently smells because of sewage.
Sounds like Spain
- Historical buildings are not protected by law.
[B]mmm what does that tell you[/B
]- Can be windy in the winter but not as cold as Edmonton.
You bet its gonna be windy!!!!
- Young city so not exactly ideal for those that are getting on.
As said before you are only as young as you feel
- Shopping.
Thats a positive you`ll spend less money
- Difficult to find employment.
Why? I thought everybody had gone to Alberta or are they now coming back?
The below comment sounds like Spain between 2-5
- There are times in the year when nothing happens.
Last edited by Jules Europe; Sep 12th 2008 at 12:58 pm.
Sep 12th 2008, 2:13 pm
#35
Immigration Consultant
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,144
Sep 12th 2008, 2:30 pm
#37
Immigration Consultant
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,144
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
Its always interesting to read a summary of where you live written by someone who has never been there - kind of gives you a new perspective on the place 
Its a good attempt though. I reiterate the comments of someone else that you really need to visit before you decide. As I say, I havent ever been to Edmonton so cant comment on any of that but some further comments on Halifax below...
I think it depends what you are looking for. Comparred with the UK there is a lot more emphasis on social development and on churning out friendly and well-rounded individuals than pure academics in my view. Some of the schools near Halifax are excellent and as well as being highly-equipped offer French immersion programs etc which are things we didnt have access to in the UK. I know at least two families how recently moved to Halifax from BC because they thought the schools were much better. But like I say, I cant comment on Edmonton having no first-hand experience.
I'm not sure about that one. There might not be a specific law about old buildings but there are strict planning rules and in the last few years there has been a lack of development in downtown Halifax because the Councillors are "overly protectionist" of the city's heritage. I cant imagine Council ever voting to allow historic building to be torn down.
It seems to me that nobody really has a problem finding employment in Halifax. And if you look through the forum you'll see plenty of expats that easily found jobs here so they could apply through the PNP program. In most sectors the talk is mainly of a skills shortage and a lot of companies cant find enough staff. The problem in my view is actually the quality of the jobs. A lot of the jobs available are quite junior and wages generally are a bit crap in many sectors.
Its a good attempt though. I reiterate the comments of someone else that you really need to visit before you decide. As I say, I havent ever been to Edmonton so cant comment on any of that but some further comments on Halifax below...
- More sense of a community.
- Some nice historical buildings and few sky scrapers.
- No smoking in public places.
- Seems to have some nice scenic drives near by.
- Plenty of greenery near by but not as much as Edmonton in city.
- Clean fresh air (according to some website).
- Seems laid back.
- Their economy relies on the military and quite frankly in my day and age there will also be a military needed - don't have to worry about struggling.
- Only 6hrs to the UK.
- Affordable housing (when you compare it to Edinburgh).
Halifax bad:
- Too small.
- Far away from other major cities making it isolated.
- The waterfront apparently smells because of sewage.
- Historical buildings are not protected by law.
- Some nice historical buildings and few sky scrapers.
- No smoking in public places.
- Seems to have some nice scenic drives near by.
- Plenty of greenery near by but not as much as Edmonton in city.
- Clean fresh air (according to some website).
- Seems laid back.
- Their economy relies on the military and quite frankly in my day and age there will also be a military needed - don't have to worry about struggling.
- Only 6hrs to the UK.
- Affordable housing (when you compare it to Edinburgh).
Halifax bad:
- Too small.
- Far away from other major cities making it isolated.
- The waterfront apparently smells because of sewage.
- Historical buildings are not protected by law.
- Can be windy in the winter but not as cold as Edmonton.
- Young city so not exactly ideal for those that are getting on.
- Shopping.
- Difficult to find employment.
- Young city so not exactly ideal for those that are getting on.
- Shopping.
- Difficult to find employment.
- There are times in the year when nothing happens.
Sep 12th 2008, 2:34 pm
#38
Immigration Consultant
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,144
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
I assume not. But my point wasnt whether the offending fossil fuel industry or waste products were in the downtown of the city or not, rather that in the case of the tar ponds there are in a different city altogether. Sydney is a flight away from Halifax.
Sep 12th 2008, 2:54 pm
#40
Slightly Canadian
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 10,129
Sep 12th 2008, 3:19 pm
#41
Immigration Consultant
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,144
Sep 13th 2008, 2:20 am
#42
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 305
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
Its always interesting to read a summary of where you live written by someone who has never been there - kind of gives you a new perspective on the place
Its a good attempt though. I reiterate the comments of someone else that you really need to visit before you decide. As I say, I havent ever been to Edmonton so cant comment on any of that but some further comments on Halifax below...
I think it depends what you are looking for. Comparred with the UK there is a lot more emphasis on social development and on churning out friendly and well-rounded individuals than pure academics in my view. Some of the schools near Halifax are excellent and as well as being highly-equipped offer French immersion programs etc which are things we didnt have access to in the UK. I know at least two families how recently moved to Halifax from BC because they thought the schools were much better. But like I say, I cant comment on Edmonton having no first-hand experience.
I'm not sure about that one. There might not be a specific law about old buildings but there are strict planning rules and in the last few years there has been a lack of development in downtown Halifax because the Councillors are "overly protectionist" of the city's heritage. I cant imagine Council ever voting to allow historic building to be torn down.
It seems to me that nobody really has a problem finding employment in Halifax. And if you look through the forum you'll see plenty of expats that easily found jobs here so they could apply through the PNP program. In most sectors the talk is mainly of a skills shortage and a lot of companies cant find enough staff. The problem in my view is actually the quality of the jobs. A lot of the jobs available are quite junior and wages generally are a bit crap in many sectors.
Its a good attempt though. I reiterate the comments of someone else that you really need to visit before you decide. As I say, I havent ever been to Edmonton so cant comment on any of that but some further comments on Halifax below...
I think it depends what you are looking for. Comparred with the UK there is a lot more emphasis on social development and on churning out friendly and well-rounded individuals than pure academics in my view. Some of the schools near Halifax are excellent and as well as being highly-equipped offer French immersion programs etc which are things we didnt have access to in the UK. I know at least two families how recently moved to Halifax from BC because they thought the schools were much better. But like I say, I cant comment on Edmonton having no first-hand experience.
I'm not sure about that one. There might not be a specific law about old buildings but there are strict planning rules and in the last few years there has been a lack of development in downtown Halifax because the Councillors are "overly protectionist" of the city's heritage. I cant imagine Council ever voting to allow historic building to be torn down.
It seems to me that nobody really has a problem finding employment in Halifax. And if you look through the forum you'll see plenty of expats that easily found jobs here so they could apply through the PNP program. In most sectors the talk is mainly of a skills shortage and a lot of companies cant find enough staff. The problem in my view is actually the quality of the jobs. A lot of the jobs available are quite junior and wages generally are a bit crap in many sectors.
Sep 14th 2008, 3:17 am
#43
BE Enthusiast
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 305
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
Thank you all for the information you provided. I think we will go to Halifax. There are so many things that just seem to resemble the UK: Historical buildings, festivals etc. Plus it is only a 4.5hr drive to Quebec (the closest thing to Europe for people in Canada) 
Sep 14th 2008, 9:31 am
#44
Weirdo Latin Dude
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: Hotter than hell
Posts: 2,545
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
Thank you all for the information you provided. I think we will go to Halifax. There are so many things that just seem to resemble the UK: Historical buildings, festivals etc. Plus it is only a 4.5hr drive to Quebec (the closest thing to Europe for people in Canada)
Sep 14th 2008, 10:54 am
#45
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Joined: Jul 2008
Location: My Utopia Nova Scotia!
Posts: 1,368
Re: Edmonton V Halifax (cant decide)
ok heres my take
and I have experienced both Edmonton and Halifax
Edmonton does have the worlds biggest malll if that rocks your boat
are you originally from the UK? if so I would say Halifax people/atmospehere are more akin to say somewhere like salisbury , carlilse, durham, alnwick in northumberland, canterbury etc
edmonton- southend, watford, glasgow
im not talking architecture, size its just a feel in my view
just my thoughts
dont get me wrong I would rather live in edmonton than any uk place if I had to live in a city but for me edmonton had its share of chavs and rough element which I didnt see in halifax
I live 200km from civilisation though so my view is somewhat biased towards the simple stress free kind of life as far away from a uk or material lifestyle as its possible to get.
It has its downsides eg zero shopping but then again the most important things in life are not things
good luck
and I have experienced both Edmonton and Halifax
Edmonton does have the worlds biggest malll if that rocks your boat
are you originally from the UK? if so I would say Halifax people/atmospehere are more akin to say somewhere like salisbury , carlilse, durham, alnwick in northumberland, canterbury etc
edmonton- southend, watford, glasgow
im not talking architecture, size its just a feel in my view
just my thoughts
dont get me wrong I would rather live in edmonton than any uk place if I had to live in a city but for me edmonton had its share of chavs and rough element which I didnt see in halifax
I live 200km from civilisation though so my view is somewhat biased towards the simple stress free kind of life as far away from a uk or material lifestyle as its possible to get.
It has its downsides eg zero shopping but then again the most important things in life are not things
good luck
