Hi,

We are still in London (got our PR in place but estimate we'll emigrate in 2013), and we'll go to Ottawa now in September to check it out

Even though it is true that the amount of information available nowadays is huge and that it should help, it is still somewhat unsettling to read all the frustrated/angry (not to say bitching) opinions and arguments around the forums.. Been reading them for a while now and never really dared to reply to any thread mostly because I'm becoming increasingly confused...

I understand that we are all different and our level of adaptability is therefore different too, but struggling to sieve just honest factual experiences

We'll be emigrating with an 18 month old, so things such as education and health care are some of the things we really need to understand..

Ideally we wouldn't want to go too far away from the city centre (otherwise I think I'd go mad !) so we are thinking of Westboro, Britannia, Lincoln Heights, etc.. Anyone know/lives/has lived in such areas with kids in school stage?

Been reading how much the city has to offer both in winter and summer, but can't help being a bit scared about the move... Did love Vancouver but it's now too expensive, and Montreal is out of question because we don't speak French (will this be a restriction for us in Ottawa?)

Anyway, any help will be extremely appreciated, and if anybody is up for a coffee and a chat whilst we're there just let us know ! (we're mostly going to have questions, so whoever is the brave soul that will be coming along, will have to put up with our ignorance.. you've been warned!)

Again, thank you for any information you can give us!

x

I can't offer any useful comment on Ottawa - other than to say, it's somewhere I've visited a few times, have a sister in law live there, and would be comfortable living there. (With the possible exception of the summer heat, but thats the same in most of mainland Canada). And I have a 2 1/2 year old with another on the way.

With respect to the forum, take what anyone says with a pinch of salt. Everyone has a point of view, some a valid, some are not. Everyone's experience will not be the same as your experience. Most happy immigrants to Canada will not find this place, or if they do not post. Same for unhappy immigrants. Really it's all about you and your family and how you make it work, or not.

Very wise words.. thank you Atlantic Xpat!
I guess there are so many things to account for that it sometimes feels a bit overwhelming..
The good news is that at least we can take our time and go and explore again before making the final decision

I can understand this, and I think it is a shame.

I have nothing to offer about Ottawa. However, if you do like Vancouver don't just give up on it yet. Yes, it is expensive to buy a home here compared to much of Canada. Some parts of the Westside or West Vancouver will likely be out of your reach, but there are cheaper areas to live.

People live here, work here, buy homes here, are happy here. Immigrants come from all over the world. By and large they get by and make new lives for themselves.

Buying a 5,000 sf house and putting a couple of hundred thousand dollars of toys on their drive/garage may be the motivation of some Brits in emigrating to Canada. If it is yours then Vancouver may not be the right destination. However, living in a modest home in a place you like makes for more happiness than living in a massive pile in a place you don't.

Hey, thanks for the support and advise..

We definitely do not intend to buy a huge house nor spend silly money in gadgets, but yes comfortable (specially as our families will be coming to stay with us from different parts of the world, so we will need space for us and any family visiting)

The main thing about going to Canada is to find a better balance between the working life and the family life, and after reading a thread from somebody that seemed to be a reasonable person about Vancouver got seriously scared in quite different ways (schooling, social life, job hunting, the cost of living, etc., etc.) and that's the reason we sort of decided to try somewhere else, where at least the financial side would not be a constant worry, running after earning as much as possible to cover a large mortgage, school stuff, etc.. I don't know... maybe we are wrong in crossing it out as an option specially having liked it so much.. We've been thinking of starting at a place where finances will not be such a worry, and once there (understanding more about the country and lifestyle) revisit the Vancouver option..

Again, thanks for the advise !

Fair enough, but keep in mind that some people post a load of old rubbish.

very true....

Ottawa's not too bad. We came here in 2000 and live in the suburb of Kanata. When our realter came to show us houses to buy he said I'll show you anywhere in Ottawa except Britannia - you really don't want to live there. He was right - cross that of your list - it's kinda rough.

Ottawa is often accused of being a bit dull. True it's not vibrant like Toronto or Vancouver, but we chose it because we wanted city life but not too big and noisy.

Westboro is a nicer area but expensive. Of course the further out of town you live, the cheaper it is, and the difference is quite dramatic.

For speaking French in Ottawa - it's not vital. I don't speak it and have always found work in IT. I know I could have had more opportunities if I spoke French, but I manage OK. My wife speaks Euro-French and can't understand the Quebecers at all!

As for being nervous about moving - well how would you feel if you didn't move? Would you spend the rest of your life wondering what would have been? You won't be held prisoner here, so if you didn't like it you can move on. At least you would have given it a go!

Can't help you with anything on the kids as we don't have any, but there are others on this forum who live here and have kids, so perhaps they will look in.

Yes avoid Lincoln Heights and Britannia if possible, it is a bit rough. Avoid Vanier too. Centrepointe is ok, about 20mins from downtown. Wesboro is nice, but a bit expensive.

We live in Barrhaven, which is further south but it's very residential and great for a young family. There are buses every 5 minutes to and from downtown and express buses during peak hours which makes the trip even faster.

As for knowing French, my wife and I both speak fluent 'Parisian' French but we never have to use it unless we are in Gatineau. In terms of work, it wasn't a requirement at all when we were looking in the private sector.

We have a 17 month old. Daycare centres costs is about $45-$53 per day, home daycare costs less. If you live across the river in Quebec, it's about $7 per day, but pay more in taxes. There's a centralised waiting list for most daycare centres, but you are free to contact the daycare centres directly. For daycare at elementary schools, you have to be on the centralised waiting list to get a spot.

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

lol I was about to say avoid Lincoln Fields and Vanier. lived in Ottawa nearly two years, lived in Richmond, Pinecrest and now in Kanata. Love Kanata and Richmond as I'm not a city boy...though Pinecrest had better public transport.

I love it here it's a great city, and not too crowded. I found work in a little over two months, but had a job lined up within a few weeks of landing that fell through.

feel free to message me if you have any specific questions.

We've been in Ottawa for 4 years and love it! Fabulous place to bring up kids.

Great place if you want that work/life balance because its so laid back.

It doesn't seem to suffer the recessions like other parts of Canada because of the huge employment of City, Provincial and Federal workers. Good for the local economy as house prices seem to be pretty healthy yet not a boom and bust scenario.

Its lacking an edge to the City because obviously we don't have the crime like Toronto and Montreal (6 murders so far this year). It can be a bit "beige" but thats when we normally drive to the US for a bit of change and then nearly kiss the tarmac when we come home!

I think we had moderate expectations of Ottawa and its exceeded our estimations. Still has a small town mentality ie: manners, courtesy, tolerance and acceptance.

There is a lot to do in Ottawa in all the months you've just got to get stuck in.

I shouldn't worry too much about areas you'll see when you get here what feels right, use your instincts. Schooling is good and so far we've found the healthcare first class.

We've had the most positive experiences but I do think its a lot about what you had before and your willingness to start afresh rather than repeat what you had in Blightey. Everything just felt so right about our move to Canada and we've been blessed but you've got to make the effort to fit in with your new environment not expect it to fit you. Do this and you'll have a great time.

If I knew 4 years ago what I know now would I do it again? In a heartbeat its been the best move we've ever made, good luck xx

I would agree with Mardyarse, you need to get out and look at the areas to get a feel for the City. It is not a big city so other areas might come into play once you have a look around.

French only plays a small part in the city, depending on your trade depends how much it will impact employment oppotrtunities. Generally the West of the city is more English and the East is more French but that summarising it very simply.

Depending on when you are coming out in Sept for a recce trip, me and the wife could be available for a coffee. I know it made a big difference to us when we meet up with some Expats that had already made the move (thanks to TrishB now TrishP for that).

Hello everybody !

Thank you so much for the insight ! We've already taken note of all your comments and even though surprised that some areas might be rough (I mean, Britannia, etc have the marina and beach and that's why we thought they'd be nice) all feedback is really useful as sometimes when you go with 'tourist' eyes, you don't see the reality of the place

We really appreciate all the help you've given us so far

Keep well and may even see you soon ! ! !

We have been in Ottawa since April 2010. We have a 3 year old, a 19 month old and I am due in 5 weeks with number 3. When in September will you be coming over? I'd be up for a brew and chat. Area wise it depends very much on your budged and whether you want more outdoor space or rather live "downtown"-ish. Have a look at Barrhaven, Hunt Club Park, Riverside South and Findlay Creek. It's still close to the centre but cheaper and child friendlier than Westboro or the Glebe.
I'll pm you my email address and phone number, so if you want to meet then drop me a line or give me a ring.

Not to be contradictory, but what is not child-friendly about the Glebe??

I live there, we have just had a kid, and there are a ton of community-based things out there for parents. Some bordering on middle-class parody - baby massage, stroller-cize etc etc

Even better, its all in walking distance and no need for a car.

There are tons of yummy mummies with pushchairs shopping at the very many kiddie stores in the Glebe and Westboro too.

I think both areas are great - if you are not a millionaire but are prepared to trade off a 3000 sqft house with something a bit smaller but perfectly adequate, then the quality of life is superb.

Each to their own of course. Plenty of Brits seem to move to Ottawa and live in areas in the burbs because they can have a stonking big house that you couldn't easily get in the UK.

But don't be put off of downtown areas for raising a family here. If North American suburbia doesn't appeal, you can live in great areas at a moderate price by UK/Vancouver/Toronto standards.