Info on Ottawa
 

Hi

The hubby has been offered a job with a company in Ottawa.

It's not one of our main choices but, we've looked into it and it all seems just as nice as the rest of Canada. Also the added benefit of being very warm in the summer.

What I'd like to know is seeing as I am trained as an administrator - is it a requirement to be bilingual in office work, or could you get away with just English, I am very basic on my French.

The other thing is drivers licences - can't find info on whether it's a straight swap over from a British one or you need to sit a new test

Also anyone living there or close by what do you think of the area and what are the best towns within an easy commute to look at for house hunting

Thanks

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

My understanding is that you may want to brush up your French. Ottowa is a very bilingual city, and if you want a job in Federal Government then having French is a must.

Think of it as an opportunity to add another string to your bow!

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Ottawa is in Ontario which mean, as long as you've held a full license for over 2 years they will exchange your driving license. Anything else though like motorcycle or truck will need to be retested. As for the bilingual, no you won't need it, but it's a big asset.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

yeah, had my driver's licence 3 years this month - so glad I don't need to resit a test.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Hi

You seem to be new here, so I'm guessing that you haven't yet been through the wiki section (link at top of screen). Much of what you ask is covered in there.

UK licences can simply be swapped; there is no longer any need to take a test.

Do not even dream of getting an admin job in government unless you are a Canadian citizen. It won't happen, not around here anyway.

The need for French varies, even within government. I'm sure there are many unilingual jobs available in the private sector. Adverts will always state what language profile is required. You might want to have a look at some job websites, like monster.ca, to get an idea of what's around and what is looked for.

"Easy commute" rather depends on where the job is located. Ottawa is quite spread out. I can't offer much advice on Ottawa burbs, because I live on the other side of the barbed wire, but there are several other posters in the area that will be able to advise you (when they get out of bed).

It does get warm here in summer. It also gets very humid, almost tropical. Bear in mind, though, that winter is harsh. We gets lots of snow and it is cold. The forecast for today is 11 degrees. Apart from one freak day in December, that's the highest number in five months.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

yes i'm new, but you guessed wrong I've read the wiki on several occasions and I did do a search on driving licences just didn't find anything, hence the reason I asked.

Thanks for the heads up but personally working for anything to do with the Government just ain't me, I work in education (university) and this would possibly be my first route to look at, not planning to work for a while after landing as the hubbies wage is double what he earns here. So once my little boy (Currently 1) goes to school, I will start looking. This also gives me time to brush up on my french ;)

As for the cold and the snow, I have 5 siberian huskies and I'm sure we'll get on like a house on fire sledding around the country side :p

The job is based in North Gower if that helps anyone with suburbs :)

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

My apologies for doubting you regarding wiki but many newbies simply don't know it's there. I'm very surprised that it doesn't contain anything on driving licences.

You are wise to discount working in government. It's cut-throat.

There are several universities in Ottawa. As it happens, my neighbours (and dear friends) both work in admin at the University of Ottawa. Next time I see them, I'll make some enquiries regarding job prospects for immigrants, language requirements etc.

I can't really comment on North Gower. It's very handy for the 416 though.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

North Gower has some housing (not much though...mainly on lots that are a minimum of 25 m x 50 m I believe). It is close and commutable to places like Kars, Manotick (that can be quite expensive), Osgoode, Richmond, Kemptville, Burritts Rapids. There are some lovely properties with lots of land on either side of the Rideau River between the 416 and Burrits Rapids.

If you have 5 large dogs and want to bring them with you, a propert in a rural or semi-rural setting will be crucial.

Have you gone to mls.ca to look at properties.

The schools in all of these areas are quite good. However, the amount of french you will hear from your neighbours and in shops etc in these places will be next to none.

See some of the folks on this side of the riviere Outaouais are already awake.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Ten years ago when I was thinking of relocating to Ottawa as hubby is Canadian and lived there, the agencies said I would have no problems with obtaining administrative work without knowing French. As a legal secretary I would not able to find a position as French is really a requirement.

DH's condo was located in Gloucester just outside of the city and there was public transportation, bus, to the city proper. Winters are cold and lots of snow and I lived through the ice storm of 1998 and came back for more on Valentine's Day that year. Summers are very hot and the weather can be unbearable at times. Was there in July one year during a particularly bad storm, with hail, lightening and thunder to shake the house and DH said this was norm for the area.

Gatineau is lovely and have spent some time there as DH's niece and hubby lived there. Beautiful country in the mountains.

Personally, I loved Ottawa and was sorry that DH opted to move to the US instead of me moving to Canada ;-(

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Lazy squarehead slob. I've been at work since before 6am.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

check Kanata, a really nice place to live but dont know if its classed as a suburb.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

thanks for the info guys much appreciated

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Er, no it isn't. Gatineau is fugly. It is close to lovely bits but the city itself is hideous.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

I have to agree with you there....the actual urban areas of Gatineau are craptastically ugly. Is there actually an older neighbourhood that is being gentrified or are the neighbourhoods to the north of Place du Portage the standard bearers of Quebecois chic.

Once you get up towards Chelsea, Wakefield, Cantley, the homes look nicer and the countryside is quite nice and rolling.

Having said all of that, some of the older areas in Aylmer are quite pleasant especially near the marina.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

You've been at work so long you forgot a word in your retort. How dare you call me a tete-carre

http://www.urbandictionary.com/defin...e%20carr%C3%A9

The definition of the tete carre on this webpage bears no resemblance to any heavy BE posters:eek:

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

I concur with your assessment of Aylmer. The bit down near the marina is the only part of greater Gatineau I can think of that has character of any sort. I have yet to to find any part of the Hull sector that could be defined as pretty. There are a few nice residential neighbourhoods, mostly in the north of Gatineau-Gatineau. I am fortunate enough to live in one of them.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Sorry didn't mean the city itself. You have to admit that the Gatineau mountains are beautiful. We spent a week there for my DH's niece's wedding. She's First Nation and married First Nation. Wonderful native ceremony and a reception featuring bear, snake, beaver and moose dishes. I ate without asking what it was and found it all very tasty.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

The Gatineau Hills (not mountains, by any stretch) are certainly pretty but we're not talking the Tyrol here.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

To me they are mountains. Why so contrary? Just your way of being, perhaps. Always correct and damn the outsiders? Geesh!

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

I'm hardly being contrary. The Gatineau Hills, pretty as they may be, are not very big. I believe that they are foothills.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Compared to some of the posters on this forum, Souvenir is relatively non contrary.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Hi,

I recently moved to Kanata (6 weeks ago) and we absoutely love it! It is a really friendly area with loads of parks, pools and things to do. It has all the appeal of a city without being too large. There's a ski hill in Pakenham about 35 min drive away - we went to a Sugar Bush there today which was really good, had our first taste of taffy which was.... interesting!

I too work in admin and am really struggling to find a job. All the adverts are looking for bi-lingualism (is that even a word!!). I've had a couple of employers contact me to ask if I speak French and when I say no they are unfortunately not interested. Still, fingers crossed something will come up soon and in the mean time I'm looking in to French lesson (which are run by the government and free btw!).

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

We used to live in Almonte, which is about 45 minutes from Ottawa.

The main thing about Ottawa is that you have to really speak French if you want any kind of admin work, especially in Fed Gov.

Property taxes are very high in Ottawa and the "amalgamation" of municipalities years ago was supposed to make taxes cheaper- and it did not.

As a city its great, so much to see and do.

Commuting especially in winter can be interesting!!

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Wasn't there a British movie about an Englishman Who Went Up a Hill but came down a Mountain?

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

I know the sugar bush you went to (Fulton's)...if you want another place try Wheeler's (it is west of Perth about a 50 minute drive west from Kanata). We buy 8 litres of maple syrup every year from Wheeler's. The food that they serve during maple sugar season is better than Fulton's.

My wife is starting to look for work in admin etc, and her french is pretty rusty (despite being born in Shawinigan (temporary stop with her family) and our kids being in french immersion).

Glad that are enjoying Kanata...where in Kanata are you?

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Hi,

We are in Beaverbrook, Kanata. It's one of the oldest areas in Kanata but I have to say that I love it here and have really settled! :D

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Ah yes, I know the area...I'm in Bridlewood....did you know that when Beaverbrook was built in many ways it looked as sparse and bland as many brand new subdivisions....the saving grace with Beaverbrook is that they built around a lot of the rock outcroppings instead of moon blasting them.

Hope you and your family enjoy Kanata.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

we're looking at Kanata, but I have my heart set on Richmond...I love the country living. :rofl:

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

We have been in Bridlewood for the last 2 years, really enjoyed the easy access to the NCC parkland. This Friday we are moving out to Stittsville, a little further out but cheaper housing.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Is Stittsville actually cheaper after you factor in more time to get to places (assuming you are heading into the City) and for shopping/kids activities.

The NCC woods between Bridlewood and BC are great for walking/cycling etc although you have to watch out for the deer everywhere....

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Only driving to North Kanata Business park each day so no difference there, just swapping the rather annoying 15 sets of lights on Eagalson for the 417!

Went night riding on the mountain bike in the woods, yes nearly hit a few Deer!

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

Steps to the Barley Mow...my next door neighbour rides his bike from about April/November to MDS Nordion.....

I almost hit 3 deer yesterday at about 18h30 on Timm Road (btwn Moodie and Eagleson)

Good luck with the move to Stittsville.

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

:)Hi,

I moved to Ottawa from the UK in 2007, so I think I can answer your questions:

1) Ottawa is a bilingual City. In my experience, job positions dealing with the public/other services (like administrative work) almost always require some level of bilingualism. The City, Provincial and Federal services are strongly (and dare I say politically) committed to bilingualism and finding a job can be difficult if you are not already bilingual. Not having Canadian work experience can also be an issue; my husband, although a Canadian Citizen, is still without a job and this is in some respects due to him not having had previous job experience in Canada.

There may be some financial incentives for new Canadians to learn the other official language (whether that be French or English) and I would STRONGLY urge you to learn French if you are coming to Ottawa. Also, remember that spoken Quebec French is very different from 'Parisian' French that you would have been taught at school. I hope this is helpful.

2) You can have get a straight swap with your British drivers licence, although you would have to surrender the British licence. In order to keep the British licence, you would have to take a driving test here. You can find further details at http://www.drivetest.ca/en/license/E...eciprocal.aspx

Ottawa is a beautiful city and, although a little sleepy and sedate, has beautiful walks and cycle paths, lots of entertainment (particularly in the summer with a range of festivals) and is a safe place to live. It is also on Quebec's doorstep, which is a beautiful province with the lovely Gatineau Park about 15 minutes drive from Ottawa. I would recommend it.

I hope this is helpful

Re: Info on Ottawa
 

I lived for a short time in Osgoode - lovely small community, but definitely a commuter-belt village. Some nice older properties there and it's only a stones throw from N Gower.

As for learning French, there are classes for immigrants that are free that run daytime, evening and weekends. I would strongly recommend learning pronto if you want a position in admin, as without it you'll struggle to get a job - my Canadian bf has not long ago managed to get into the Feds after more than a year of applying for every unilingual position available as he doesn't speak French!