Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Mar 7th 2010, 4:53 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Hi Folks,
We are moving to Canada (BC) this summer.
I wanted to know if any of you have experienced living on Vancouver Island, especially Victoria or Duncan. Choice of schools might force us to decide living there rather than in Vancouver.
How is quality of life there? Boring? not-practical (being far from activity hubs)? etc...
I have absolutely no idea, so all comments are welcome.
We are moving to Canada (BC) this summer.
I wanted to know if any of you have experienced living on Vancouver Island, especially Victoria or Duncan. Choice of schools might force us to decide living there rather than in Vancouver.
How is quality of life there? Boring? not-practical (being far from activity hubs)? etc...
I have absolutely no idea, so all comments are welcome.
Mar 8th 2010, 5:53 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Cowichan Bay, B.C. - Originally Basingstoke UK
Posts: 193
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Hi there. Just read your post and thought i'd PM you.
Last edited by NatsnSid; Mar 8th 2010 at 5:53 am. Reason: meant to PM :)
Mar 8th 2010, 7:32 am
#3
Just Joined
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Hooooooooo boy!
Where to begin?
Seven years ago we moved to Vancouver Island, first to Victoria, then up the coast through Duncan before settling in Nanaimo.
When we arrived we were convinced that the island was heaven...God's gift to the lucky few.
Unfortunately, that impression was based on the geographic beauty of the place. For a few years we kept slapping ourselves on the back for choosing Vancouver Island as our home. And for a few years we were delusional. In her defence, I will admit that my wife was never as enamoured with the place as I was.
Vancouver Island is an incredible place to visit. I've lost count of the number of folks who've visited at some stage in their lives and think we are so lucky "to live in paradise".
God, in his infinite wisdom, did not however bless me with smarts to identify the warts in this paradise...and warts there are...it's a cess-pit.
Americans and Canadians think Victoria is so quaint, so cute, with it's "English" heritage. But then Canadians think anything 140 years old is full of history, culture and heritage. The place is a retirement village. But it is the best that Vancouver Island has to offer.
For as you move north out of Victoria is when you discover the "island folk". In fairness to Victorians, they do represent 50% of the island's population...so there is some hope. But don't hold your breath.
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Do I exaggerate? Hmmm...nah!
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
Vancouver Island is still heavily NDP, the one political party that did enormous financial damage to the province during the years it held provincial office not so long ago. A party committed to the ideals of socialism, with tremendous grass-root support here on the island...and especially in Duncan.
By the way, Duncan is a cess-pit. Whatever preconceived ideas you have of Duncan, you need to do more research. A lot more. I've lived here 7 years and don't know anyone who'd choose to live in Duncan.
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island?
Hicks, hoons and druggies.
Hoons? Oh yeah! This island is truck country. The bigger the better. Oooh, lovely big V8s, with raised suspensions (making them pathetically even less fuel-efficient).
BC pretends to be the patron-saint against global-warming whilst her island hicks drive cheaply built, 5.7lt V8 trucks slowing down only to toss Big-Gulp paper cups out the window or beer bottles onto the beach.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Bless their little hearts, these dear islanders truly do know how to do the drugs thang. There isn't a day goes by that we don't see kids as young as 12 dragging on pot. "Oh, but it's only pot, practically legal" says the low-life threatening to throw a rock through our windows later that night because we've asked him not to do drugs in full view outside our backyard.
Practically legal? Ugh, no. It's top of Schedule 3 of the Banned Substance and Drugs Act 1996 list of offences. But do the RCMP do anything about it? No. Why? Because everybody's doing it man!
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
Where to begin?
Seven years ago we moved to Vancouver Island, first to Victoria, then up the coast through Duncan before settling in Nanaimo.
When we arrived we were convinced that the island was heaven...God's gift to the lucky few.
Unfortunately, that impression was based on the geographic beauty of the place. For a few years we kept slapping ourselves on the back for choosing Vancouver Island as our home. And for a few years we were delusional. In her defence, I will admit that my wife was never as enamoured with the place as I was.
Vancouver Island is an incredible place to visit. I've lost count of the number of folks who've visited at some stage in their lives and think we are so lucky "to live in paradise".
God, in his infinite wisdom, did not however bless me with smarts to identify the warts in this paradise...and warts there are...it's a cess-pit.
Americans and Canadians think Victoria is so quaint, so cute, with it's "English" heritage. But then Canadians think anything 140 years old is full of history, culture and heritage. The place is a retirement village. But it is the best that Vancouver Island has to offer.
For as you move north out of Victoria is when you discover the "island folk". In fairness to Victorians, they do represent 50% of the island's population...so there is some hope. But don't hold your breath.
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Do I exaggerate? Hmmm...nah!
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
Vancouver Island is still heavily NDP, the one political party that did enormous financial damage to the province during the years it held provincial office not so long ago. A party committed to the ideals of socialism, with tremendous grass-root support here on the island...and especially in Duncan.
By the way, Duncan is a cess-pit. Whatever preconceived ideas you have of Duncan, you need to do more research. A lot more. I've lived here 7 years and don't know anyone who'd choose to live in Duncan.
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island?
Hicks, hoons and druggies.
Hoons? Oh yeah! This island is truck country. The bigger the better. Oooh, lovely big V8s, with raised suspensions (making them pathetically even less fuel-efficient).
BC pretends to be the patron-saint against global-warming whilst her island hicks drive cheaply built, 5.7lt V8 trucks slowing down only to toss Big-Gulp paper cups out the window or beer bottles onto the beach.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Bless their little hearts, these dear islanders truly do know how to do the drugs thang. There isn't a day goes by that we don't see kids as young as 12 dragging on pot. "Oh, but it's only pot, practically legal" says the low-life threatening to throw a rock through our windows later that night because we've asked him not to do drugs in full view outside our backyard.
Practically legal? Ugh, no. It's top of Schedule 3 of the Banned Substance and Drugs Act 1996 list of offences. But do the RCMP do anything about it? No. Why? Because everybody's doing it man!
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
Mar 8th 2010, 1:17 pm
#4
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Mar 8th 2010, 2:43 pm
#5
Bristolish expat
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Bristol ~ Nanaimo, BC ... It's a bit like Salem's Lot!!
Posts: 1,699
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Hooooooooo boy!
Where to begin?
Seven years ago we moved to Vancouver Island, first to Victoria, then up the coast through Duncan before settling in Nanaimo.
Unfortunately, that impression was based on the geographic beauty of the place. For a few years we kept slapping ourselves on the back for choosing Vancouver Island as our home. And for a few years we were delusional. In her defence, I will admit that my wife was never as enamoured with the place as I was.
Vancouver Island is an incredible place to visit. I've lost count of the number of folks who've visited at some stage in their lives and think we are so lucky "to live in paradise".
God, in his infinite wisdom, did not however bless me with smarts to identify the warts in this paradise...and warts there are...it's a cess-pit.
Americans and Canadians think Victoria is so quaint, so cute, with it's "English" heritage. But then Canadians think anything 140 years old is full of history, culture and heritage. The place is a retirement village. But it is the best that Vancouver Island has to offer.
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
Vancouver Island is still heavily NDP, the one political party that did enormous financial damage to the province during the years it held provincial office not so long ago. A party committed to the ideals of socialism, with tremendous grass-root support here on the island...and especially in Duncan.
By the way, Duncan is a cess-pit. Whatever preconceived ideas you have of Duncan, you need to do more research. A lot more. I've lived here 7 years and don't know anyone who'd choose to live in Duncan.
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island?
Hicks, hoons and druggies.
Hoons? Oh yeah! This island is truck country. The bigger the better. Oooh, lovely big V8s, with raised suspensions (making them pathetically even less fuel-efficient).
BC pretends to be the patron-saint against global-warming whilst her island hicks drive cheaply built, 5.7lt V8 trucks slowing down only to toss Big-Gulp paper cups out the window or beer bottles onto the beach.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Bless their little hearts, these dear islanders truly do know how to do the drugs thang. There isn't a day goes by that we don't see kids as young as 12 dragging on pot. "Oh, but it's only pot, practically legal" says the low-life threatening to throw a rock through our windows later that night because we've asked him not to do drugs in full view outside our backyard.
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
Where to begin?
Seven years ago we moved to Vancouver Island, first to Victoria, then up the coast through Duncan before settling in Nanaimo.
Unfortunately, that impression was based on the geographic beauty of the place. For a few years we kept slapping ourselves on the back for choosing Vancouver Island as our home. And for a few years we were delusional. In her defence, I will admit that my wife was never as enamoured with the place as I was.
Vancouver Island is an incredible place to visit. I've lost count of the number of folks who've visited at some stage in their lives and think we are so lucky "to live in paradise".
God, in his infinite wisdom, did not however bless me with smarts to identify the warts in this paradise...and warts there are...it's a cess-pit.
Americans and Canadians think Victoria is so quaint, so cute, with it's "English" heritage. But then Canadians think anything 140 years old is full of history, culture and heritage. The place is a retirement village. But it is the best that Vancouver Island has to offer.
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
Vancouver Island is still heavily NDP, the one political party that did enormous financial damage to the province during the years it held provincial office not so long ago. A party committed to the ideals of socialism, with tremendous grass-root support here on the island...and especially in Duncan.
By the way, Duncan is a cess-pit. Whatever preconceived ideas you have of Duncan, you need to do more research. A lot more. I've lived here 7 years and don't know anyone who'd choose to live in Duncan.
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island?
Hicks, hoons and druggies.
Hoons? Oh yeah! This island is truck country. The bigger the better. Oooh, lovely big V8s, with raised suspensions (making them pathetically even less fuel-efficient).
BC pretends to be the patron-saint against global-warming whilst her island hicks drive cheaply built, 5.7lt V8 trucks slowing down only to toss Big-Gulp paper cups out the window or beer bottles onto the beach.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Bless their little hearts, these dear islanders truly do know how to do the drugs thang. There isn't a day goes by that we don't see kids as young as 12 dragging on pot. "Oh, but it's only pot, practically legal" says the low-life threatening to throw a rock through our windows later that night because we've asked him not to do drugs in full view outside our backyard.
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
No, it's not perfect here, it has it's problems, same as anywhere else but, opinions are like a**holes & you are entitled to yours but, that's what it is ..... yours!
Last edited by bananahammock; Mar 8th 2010 at 2:56 pm.
Mar 8th 2010, 2:52 pm
#6
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 230
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Hooooooooo boy!
Where to begin?
Seven years ago we moved to Vancouver Island, first to Victoria, then up the coast through Duncan before settling in Nanaimo.
When we arrived we were convinced that the island was heaven...God's gift to the lucky few.
Unfortunately, that impression was based on the geographic beauty of the place. For a few years we kept slapping ourselves on the back for choosing Vancouver Island as our home. And for a few years we were delusional. In her defence, I will admit that my wife was never as enamoured with the place as I was.
Vancouver Island is an incredible place to visit. I've lost count of the number of folks who've visited at some stage in their lives and think we are so lucky "to live in paradise".
God, in his infinite wisdom, did not however bless me with smarts to identify the warts in this paradise...and warts there are...it's a cess-pit.
Americans and Canadians think Victoria is so quaint, so cute, with it's "English" heritage. But then Canadians think anything 140 years old is full of history, culture and heritage. The place is a retirement village. But it is the best that Vancouver Island has to offer.
For as you move north out of Victoria is when you discover the "island folk". In fairness to Victorians, they do represent 50% of the island's population...so there is some hope. But don't hold your breath.
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Do I exaggerate? Hmmm...nah!
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
Vancouver Island is still heavily NDP, the one political party that did enormous financial damage to the province during the years it held provincial office not so long ago. A party committed to the ideals of socialism, with tremendous grass-root support here on the island...and especially in Duncan.
By the way, Duncan is a cess-pit. Whatever preconceived ideas you have of Duncan, you need to do more research. A lot more. I've lived here 7 years and don't know anyone who'd choose to live in Duncan.
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island?
Hicks, hoons and druggies.
Hoons? Oh yeah! This island is truck country. The bigger the better. Oooh, lovely big V8s, with raised suspensions (making them pathetically even less fuel-efficient).
BC pretends to be the patron-saint against global-warming whilst her island hicks drive cheaply built, 5.7lt V8 trucks slowing down only to toss Big-Gulp paper cups out the window or beer bottles onto the beach.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Bless their little hearts, these dear islanders truly do know how to do the drugs thang. There isn't a day goes by that we don't see kids as young as 12 dragging on pot. "Oh, but it's only pot, practically legal" says the low-life threatening to throw a rock through our windows later that night because we've asked him not to do drugs in full view outside our backyard.
Practically legal? Ugh, no. It's top of Schedule 3 of the Banned Substance and Drugs Act 1996 list of offences. But do the RCMP do anything about it? No. Why? Because everybody's doing it man!
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
Where to begin?
Seven years ago we moved to Vancouver Island, first to Victoria, then up the coast through Duncan before settling in Nanaimo.
When we arrived we were convinced that the island was heaven...God's gift to the lucky few.
Unfortunately, that impression was based on the geographic beauty of the place. For a few years we kept slapping ourselves on the back for choosing Vancouver Island as our home. And for a few years we were delusional. In her defence, I will admit that my wife was never as enamoured with the place as I was.
Vancouver Island is an incredible place to visit. I've lost count of the number of folks who've visited at some stage in their lives and think we are so lucky "to live in paradise".
God, in his infinite wisdom, did not however bless me with smarts to identify the warts in this paradise...and warts there are...it's a cess-pit.
Americans and Canadians think Victoria is so quaint, so cute, with it's "English" heritage. But then Canadians think anything 140 years old is full of history, culture and heritage. The place is a retirement village. But it is the best that Vancouver Island has to offer.
For as you move north out of Victoria is when you discover the "island folk". In fairness to Victorians, they do represent 50% of the island's population...so there is some hope. But don't hold your breath.
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Do I exaggerate? Hmmm...nah!
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
Vancouver Island is still heavily NDP, the one political party that did enormous financial damage to the province during the years it held provincial office not so long ago. A party committed to the ideals of socialism, with tremendous grass-root support here on the island...and especially in Duncan.
By the way, Duncan is a cess-pit. Whatever preconceived ideas you have of Duncan, you need to do more research. A lot more. I've lived here 7 years and don't know anyone who'd choose to live in Duncan.
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island?
Hicks, hoons and druggies.
Hoons? Oh yeah! This island is truck country. The bigger the better. Oooh, lovely big V8s, with raised suspensions (making them pathetically even less fuel-efficient).
BC pretends to be the patron-saint against global-warming whilst her island hicks drive cheaply built, 5.7lt V8 trucks slowing down only to toss Big-Gulp paper cups out the window or beer bottles onto the beach.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Bless their little hearts, these dear islanders truly do know how to do the drugs thang. There isn't a day goes by that we don't see kids as young as 12 dragging on pot. "Oh, but it's only pot, practically legal" says the low-life threatening to throw a rock through our windows later that night because we've asked him not to do drugs in full view outside our backyard.
Practically legal? Ugh, no. It's top of Schedule 3 of the Banned Substance and Drugs Act 1996 list of offences. But do the RCMP do anything about it? No. Why? Because everybody's doing it man!
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
All I'll say is that one person's view (and clearly some bad experiences) is not an accurate description of life here.
We live in Victoria, with our 3 kids. Agreed, we don't live in Duncan.
Nowhere is perfect, but we are happy here. Very happy here.
Last edited by charlottyb; Mar 8th 2010 at 2:52 pm. Reason: spelling!
Mar 8th 2010, 3:01 pm
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
Posts: 1,377
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
"Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)"
And the poster doesn't even have children
And the poster doesn't even have children
Last edited by fuschiagirl; Mar 8th 2010 at 3:20 pm.
Mar 8th 2010, 3:03 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Posts: 157
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
And now for the defence m'lord
I grew up on the island from age 7 to age 20.
I have moved my family from "sunny" Norfolk to the island cause I got fed up of exactly what you wrote about so please don't pretend it is just an island point of view that drugs are OK. I worked a socially deprived area in the UK and while the island has its not so nice spots so does ANYWHERE you go.
Drug life is exactly that - a lifestyle choice - you will find it in the interior, on the lower mainland, in Alberta, in Sask, blah blah blah.
These days you will have to be pretty isolated to get away from BC bud. I was even offered it one night out in the UK and nearly died laughing that it had followed me all that way.
The opportunities that living on the island gives me and my family outweigh the down sides - at the moment - granted we have only been back a few months but I don't see much difference from when I grew up here.
My kids can still go down to the beach and troll through the rock pools, we can still go fishing, still go hiking, my wife feels safer here than anywhere she has lived and she has lived in some dodgey places so spots them quickly
We have views of the ocean, the mountains and its not too crowded yet.
You want lots of retireees try Norfolk - anywhere!!!!!!
Is the island perfect - NO - but right now it is what we want for a place to live. I have not seen or heard of the ASBO type behaviour that is routine back in the UK. My friends that stayed here have given me a warts and all opinion of living on the island and my Mom still lives here. I have watched it change and still figure that it is better here than most other places.
Not sure what got up your nose and I am sorry that you have not enjoyed your life here on the island and it is good that prospective islanders get the whole picture and not just the tourist bit.
I hate the fact that you have to fly somewhere or drive somewhere by boat to get anywhere but then I also love the fact that I have to drive or fly before I can get anywhere.
Hey its the island
I grew up on the island from age 7 to age 20.
I have moved my family from "sunny" Norfolk to the island cause I got fed up of exactly what you wrote about so please don't pretend it is just an island point of view that drugs are OK. I worked a socially deprived area in the UK and while the island has its not so nice spots so does ANYWHERE you go.
Drug life is exactly that - a lifestyle choice - you will find it in the interior, on the lower mainland, in Alberta, in Sask, blah blah blah.
These days you will have to be pretty isolated to get away from BC bud. I was even offered it one night out in the UK and nearly died laughing that it had followed me all that way.
The opportunities that living on the island gives me and my family outweigh the down sides - at the moment - granted we have only been back a few months but I don't see much difference from when I grew up here.
My kids can still go down to the beach and troll through the rock pools, we can still go fishing, still go hiking, my wife feels safer here than anywhere she has lived and she has lived in some dodgey places so spots them quickly
We have views of the ocean, the mountains and its not too crowded yet.You want lots of retireees try Norfolk - anywhere!!!!!!
Is the island perfect - NO - but right now it is what we want for a place to live. I have not seen or heard of the ASBO type behaviour that is routine back in the UK. My friends that stayed here have given me a warts and all opinion of living on the island and my Mom still lives here. I have watched it change and still figure that it is better here than most other places.
Not sure what got up your nose and I am sorry that you have not enjoyed your life here on the island and it is good that prospective islanders get the whole picture and not just the tourist bit.
I hate the fact that you have to fly somewhere or drive somewhere by boat to get anywhere but then I also love the fact that I have to drive or fly before I can get anywhere.
Hey its the island
Mar 8th 2010, 3:08 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Posts: 157
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Sorry
forgot to add that if the OP wanted to PM me I could give some info etc about the island and life here.
We are in Nanaimo which used to be the lower class area of the island but now is realy quite nice with some great little stores and great views
forgot to add that if the OP wanted to PM me I could give some info etc about the island and life here.
We are in Nanaimo which used to be the lower class area of the island but now is realy quite nice with some great little stores and great views
Mar 8th 2010, 3:09 pm
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: "Teh Westurn Zone D'oh Quebec"
Posts: 334
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Hooooooooo boy!
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? . . . Hicks, hoons and druggies.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
The people of Vancouver Island consist of retirees (from many parts of Canada) who are generally good people; other folks under the misguided impression that this is paradise, and others who are either trapped here or haven't found employment elsewhere (or anywhere). Oh...and then there's the hicks, the hoons, the druggies and the unionised who perpetually believe that British Columbia and Canada owes them. Socialists to the core.
Life on Vancouver Island will expose your children to the wonder that is the BC teacher, a curious individual, devoid of fault, righteous to the point there shall be no debate...a breed created with divine right through our Maker. And with the mighty BC Teachers Federation wielding its awesome power, your children will constantly face the enjoyment of extra days off school through teacher strikes but, more importantly, will be the beneficiaries of grade-less education. For these walking-saints among us, BC's finest teachers, would not have your poor dears suffering the anxiety associated with passing grades...that's archaic...so disgustingly capitalistic (and if it means they don't have to mark papers...oh well, ho-hum, we're doing our duty and making our little socialistic heaven a little more...well, less-competitive, no?)
So what do you have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? . . . Hicks, hoons and druggies.
What do your kids have to look forward to on Vancouver Island? Well, apart from the "no-anxiety gradeless" schooling, drugs baby, drugs yeah!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
You have no children . . . only shitty and negative experiences with kids? You don't relate to your community, the schools, the children or the teachers with any positive insight or interaction? You're not happy with you life, eh?
Sadly enough you fit your own description of an ignorant hoon pal
.
Mar 8th 2010, 5:06 pm
#11
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
All that money, and he still can't get away from the hoi polloi. That sucks.
Mar 8th 2010, 5:10 pm
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
Posts: 1,377
Mar 8th 2010, 5:53 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Location: Kamloops, British Columbia
Posts: 233
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Suninspired has clearly had a tough time to be moved to write in such a way, and clearly that is not the experience of all Islanders.
Re Victoria we went there on a recce in 2006 and were gobsmacked, in a good way, admittedly however we did not explore that far and stayed pretty much round the centre.
Since then we have been offered employment in the Interior of BC, in Kamloops. We have not visited so will be arriving in a couple of months with no first hand knowledge
Saying that it does sound a nice friendly place and by all accounts its a great place to raise a family.http://www.tourismkamloops.com/
As for Suninspired's view/perception of the drugs issues throughout BC, drugs are everywhere, a quaint village near us in the UK has a HUGE drugs problem. Education together with 'parental awareness of illicit substances' is the best way of protecting our children. Understanding the nature of the beast is the best way to address it.... Drugs will find the vulnerable anywhere!
Mar 8th 2010, 6:28 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2006
Location: Gordon Head, Victoria
Posts: 152
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Hi,
We moved to Victoria in November with four children.
I have to say that I find it a great place to bring children up in. My children have all settled into the schools very well and are happy. They do many more activities than they ever did in the UK during school time. Out of school time there is also tons of things for them to do, far cheaper than the UK as well.
We've found the people very friendly and of course the scenery is amazing. If I ever have a wobble and think I want to go home, I just drive a few minutes away to see the sea and that amazing view just calms me down again.
We moved to Victoria in November with four children.
I have to say that I find it a great place to bring children up in. My children have all settled into the schools very well and are happy. They do many more activities than they ever did in the UK during school time. Out of school time there is also tons of things for them to do, far cheaper than the UK as well.
We've found the people very friendly and of course the scenery is amazing. If I ever have a wobble and think I want to go home, I just drive a few minutes away to see the sea and that amazing view just calms me down again.
Mar 8th 2010, 7:32 pm
#15
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: Living in Victoria, BC or thereabouts on Vancouver Island??
Bless their little hearts, these dear islanders truly do know how to do the drugs thang. There isn't a day goes by that we don't see kids as young as 12 dragging on pot. "Oh, but it's only pot, practically legal" says the low-life threatening to throw a rock through our windows later that night because we've asked him not to do drugs in full view outside our backyard.
Practically legal? Ugh, no. It's top of Schedule 3 of the Banned Substance and Drugs Act 1996 list of offences. But do the RCMP do anything about it? No. Why? Because everybody's doing it man!
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.
Practically legal? Ugh, no. It's top of Schedule 3 of the Banned Substance and Drugs Act 1996 list of offences. But do the RCMP do anything about it? No. Why? Because everybody's doing it man!
"Hey man, my mum and dad were doing this when I was young" is the excuse. But it was illegal then and in those days contained a fraction of the addictive strength is does today. (But yes, your mum and dad were doing it...and still are, right here on the beach in front of our million dollar property...sharing a few joints whilst their toddlers play next to them...aaagh cute).
Oh, the joys of island life. Pot laced with other serious shit. Ecstacy. You name it, it's a cellphone call away...and they'll even deliver...free!
Listen, I don't have kids. And I'm not a retiree either. I'm 44 years old and came here because we could afford to. Now, we're running as fast as we can away from this puke-hole.
You might find some of my ramblings extreme...they're meant to be. You have kids. I would NEVER bring a child up here. We've lived in South Africa, Australia, the UK and here. Your child will do drugs here. It's in the islanders' blood.
P.S. And don't think Vancouver is any different drugs-wise. Google Hastings Street and Drugs. You have been warned.