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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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!).

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!!

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

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?

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!

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.

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

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.

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....