Help I hate it here!!!
Oct 19th 2011 | 3:06 am
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,366
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
I cant help but think that somewhere around Ottawa has to be a neighbourhood thats OK.
I look at google maps and there are certainly parks around, lots of them
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=ottawa&...h&z=15&vpsrc=6
I look at google maps and there are certainly parks around, lots of them
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=ottawa&...h&z=15&vpsrc=6
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=ottawa&...2,6.54,,1,6.72
That would make me seriously consider not moving to that part of Ottawa.
I'll re-read the OP's post but I'm not sure how much research she did prior to moving here.....
To many on this forum, the UK has many variations...from chocolate box thatched cottage Berkshire to the Milton Keynes of the world, to urban depravity of inner city Manchester and other industrial revolution cities...ditto goes for Canada..from breathtaking scenery to pave paradise and put up a parking lot Mississauga to rough parts of our cities...to paint the UK as paradise and Canada as soul crushing and horrible in one sweeping set of generalizations makes me wonder how much thought was put into emigrating to Canada.
Oct 19th 2011 | 3:26 am
#17
Beep
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8,311
From: Here
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
When dreams become reality, the shock of normalcy may be a little confusing for some and the realisation that their reasons for moving may have been misguided could no doubt bring on the "oh shit..." moments.
I've said before, some dreams should remain just that. And from the words of our esteemed Oink, some people should stick to holidays.
I also think people can tell whether an area is for them or not in quite a short space of time. I know i would never want to live in Edmonton or Calgary after only spending short amounts of time there. They're just not for me. No doubt if i had to i would get used to it, the same way as your body gets used to discomfort, as no doubt many immigrants do. I'd hate to be in that position though.
To the OP, after the many years you've dreamed of this move, there's nothing wrong with not liking the reality. As others have said, while you have the time and inclination, pop to select areas within Canada if possible to see if anything tickles your fancy. Failing that, listen to Oink.
Oct 19th 2011 | 4:58 am
#18
.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,188
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
You've clearly put a lot of time and thought into this move. Your dream is obviously a thirst that couldn't be quenched by a mere adventure holiday. Although after five years of dreaming and planning, I can see why Canada seems like such a disappointment. To use a rather stretched analogy, its a bit like finally getting Megan Fox to go on a date with you only to find Ann Robinson has turned up instead. You're bound find it a little off putting until you get head around it. As the saying goes, booze helps.
Oct 19th 2011 | 5:17 am
#19
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 487
From: Ottawa
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
As said previously Manotick sounds like it might be up your street! We've been here nearly 5 years now and wouldn't live anywhere else. I know what you are saying about Orleans, Barhaven., etc., my idea of a nightmare.
Heres a link to a local agent who I've met in the past.
http://manotickhomes.com/our-listings/
Manotick isn't cheap but there are some cheaper places on the Island and on the outskirts. The schools are very good, lots of open, green spaces. Really worth a drive out here. Only 15 mins from Ottawa Airport (South). 45 mins to downtown although nobody I know works in the City. If its more high tech then Kanata is a 40 min commute and certainly do-able. Everyone has to commute here in Manotick as limited public transport. Everyone has 2/3 cars.
If you want to PM me I'm more than happy to help you, hope you have a better day today
Its all part of the immigrant experience and if its meant to be it'll all come together. But Canada is not for everyone.
Heres a link to a local agent who I've met in the past.
http://manotickhomes.com/our-listings/
Manotick isn't cheap but there are some cheaper places on the Island and on the outskirts. The schools are very good, lots of open, green spaces. Really worth a drive out here. Only 15 mins from Ottawa Airport (South). 45 mins to downtown although nobody I know works in the City. If its more high tech then Kanata is a 40 min commute and certainly do-able. Everyone has to commute here in Manotick as limited public transport. Everyone has 2/3 cars.
If you want to PM me I'm more than happy to help you, hope you have a better day today
Its all part of the immigrant experience and if its meant to be it'll all come together. But Canada is not for everyone.
Oct 19th 2011 | 5:24 am
#20
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,695
From: Vancouver, BC
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
.
I also think people can tell whether an area is for them or not in quite a short space of time. I know i would never want to live in Edmonton or Calgary after only spending short amounts of time there. They're just not for me. No doubt if i had to i would get used to it, the same way as your body gets used to discomfort, as no doubt many immigrants do. I'd hate to be in that position though.
I also think people can tell whether an area is for them or not in quite a short space of time. I know i would never want to live in Edmonton or Calgary after only spending short amounts of time there. They're just not for me. No doubt if i had to i would get used to it, the same way as your body gets used to discomfort, as no doubt many immigrants do. I'd hate to be in that position though.
And as far as I'm concerned, the OP is bang on with the description of suburbia. No wonder he/she is thinking of running screaming back to the UK.
Oct 19th 2011 | 6:07 am
#24
Seasoned Maritimer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,309
From: Fredericton, New Brunswick CA
Oct 19th 2011 | 6:31 am
#25
.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,188
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
Can we get back to the OP's OT? The problem as I see it, not only with the OP, is that need to emigrate is not based on objects (houses, cars, washing machines, cheese), but on the need for difference (a desire for social meaning), only then will we understand that satisfaction can never be fulfilled.
I've always thought of the desire to emigrate from the UK is rather analogous to that of Alice in Wonderland. Boredom and desire to transcend can take to you into a very strange place indeed.
I've always thought of the desire to emigrate from the UK is rather analogous to that of Alice in Wonderland. Boredom and desire to transcend can take to you into a very strange place indeed.
Last edited by Oink; Oct 19th 2011 at 6:34 am.
Oct 19th 2011 | 7:42 am
#26
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30,259
From: Europe (to be specified).
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
Can we get back to the OP's OT? The problem as I see it, not only with the OP, is that need to emigrate is not based on objects (houses, cars, washing machines, cheese), but on the need for difference (a desire for social meaning), only then will we understand that satisfaction can never be fulfilled.
I've always thought of the desire to emigrate from the UK is rather analogous to that of Alice in Wonderland. Boredom and desire to transcend can take to you into a very strange place indeed.
I've always thought of the desire to emigrate from the UK is rather analogous to that of Alice in Wonderland. Boredom and desire to transcend can take to you into a very strange place indeed.
BTW did you do a lot of acid in your yoof?
Oct 19th 2011 | 8:03 am
#27
.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,188
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
Nope, that's all them bloody beatniks isn't it? Ban the bomb and do **** all for living? Its diabolical. Choose life.
As to the OP, be patient, its amazing what the human condition can get used to with time.
As to the OP, be patient, its amazing what the human condition can get used to with time.
Oct 19th 2011 | 10:47 am
#28
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,061
From: Almonte, ON
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
We've been here now for 20 months, and it was hard at first but now we're getting used to it (I'm sure the missus will be along later with her side of things).
Definitely stay away from Barrhaven, Kanata and Orleans, they are miles away and even with the excellent transit available, the commute time really adds up.
We are in the Hunt Club Park / Greenboro subdivision and really enjoy it. Great bike paths connecting the parks and communities and easy access to Downtown via the Transitway. It is a bit 'crammed in' but the greenspace around kind of makes up for it. If you don't want to be 'crammed in' you'll need to look at more established neighbourhoods such as Riverside Park / Mooney's Bay and Alta Vista, but then you'll pay alot more rent / mortgage.
With regards to the Glebe, it's over rated. Extortionate rent / house prices and very dense. If you are looking for open space, this isn't for you.
We are looking at maybe moving further out of the City when our PR eventually comes through (and brings with it access to decent morgage rates...). You definitely get a lot more for your money, but then you spend a lot more time commuting, so you need to find the right balance. We have friends in Arnprior, and really like it there - it's alot friendlier than Ottawa and about an hour and a bit away so that is definitely on our list. Check out Carp, Kinburn, Dunrobin and Carleton Place.
With regards to Kemptville - it's a really nice town in the Summer with some great little pubs. This town was also on our possible to move to list, but we struck it off as kids facilities such as beaches and parks were non-existant. Excellent Chinese restaurant there though.
Feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat more.
Definitely stay away from Barrhaven, Kanata and Orleans, they are miles away and even with the excellent transit available, the commute time really adds up.
We are in the Hunt Club Park / Greenboro subdivision and really enjoy it. Great bike paths connecting the parks and communities and easy access to Downtown via the Transitway. It is a bit 'crammed in' but the greenspace around kind of makes up for it. If you don't want to be 'crammed in' you'll need to look at more established neighbourhoods such as Riverside Park / Mooney's Bay and Alta Vista, but then you'll pay alot more rent / mortgage.
With regards to the Glebe, it's over rated. Extortionate rent / house prices and very dense. If you are looking for open space, this isn't for you.
We are looking at maybe moving further out of the City when our PR eventually comes through (and brings with it access to decent morgage rates...). You definitely get a lot more for your money, but then you spend a lot more time commuting, so you need to find the right balance. We have friends in Arnprior, and really like it there - it's alot friendlier than Ottawa and about an hour and a bit away so that is definitely on our list. Check out Carp, Kinburn, Dunrobin and Carleton Place.
With regards to Kemptville - it's a really nice town in the Summer with some great little pubs. This town was also on our possible to move to list, but we struck it off as kids facilities such as beaches and parks were non-existant. Excellent Chinese restaurant there though.
Feel free to PM me if you'd like to chat more.
Hi here is the missus
to be honest the first few weeks were ok, then the reality kicked in and I hated it. I find many Ottawans quite, let's say unapproachable, or even rude. Especially in areas like Orleans and Kanata. I went to playgroups and recreational stuff with the kids and just met very competitive mums that were comparing their children's achievements in hockey, sleeping patterns and how well little Britany can play the piano, blindfolded, only using her feet lol
. And I just wanted a chat, a brew and some biscuits 
Then I just met some expats on here and we started to meet regularly for a coffee or chat and then I met some Canadians from out west and the Maritimes and they are all absolutely fabulous. Ottawa can be a difficult city to settle, even according to my Canadian friends it was hard for them in the first time and it might take you a lot longer than in other parts of Canada.
Living wise, I find Ottawa a very green city with loads of parks, splash pads, wading pools, skating rinks. Like hubby said we live in the Hunt Club /Greenboro area and it's nice here. Quite a few parks and bike trails. Check out Findlay Creek, Kinburn(close to Kanata) or Richmond . Arnprior is lovely but quite a commute, it's worth it though I think.
PM me if you like or if you want to meet for a brew let me know, don't give up yet
Oct 19th 2011 | 11:25 am
#29
Just Joined
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
i moved from the UK to canada 3 years ago. we moved to Calgary and i hated it. well some parts of it the cost of renting in the city was way to high , anyway i decided to move a little out of the city to a small town called Strathmore it was cheaper less cramped and views of the country side. i have now brought mu own house made lots of new friends and a few English ones too, like me didnt want to live in the city, so i suggested a different part of canada or move just outside to a smaller town. but dont hate canada its beautiful. especially this side with the rocky mountains.
Oct 19th 2011 | 11:49 am
#30
Soulless bureaucrat
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 361
From: Ottawa
Re: Help I hate it here!!!
The Glebe is a great example of a highly liveable north American neighbourhood - walk or bike to everything, shops, bars etc., parks, access to canal, historic attractive homes, plenty of trees, great local community centre, library, other services, walk to work downtown etc.
Personally, I would not want to live in the burbs, but hey, if that floats your boat, good for you.
