mohtechnix

Hi

I am a 28 year old single, male geotechnical engineer and I currently live in Manchester UK (Originally from London). I am in the process of relocating to Canada mainly for a new adventure, career advancement and financial incentives as engineers are better valued generally in North America than UK.

I work for a multinational company, so I have been presented with job offers at the Regina, Saskatoon, or Fort Mcmurray offices (Salary range $85-95k). My preference is Vancouver but unfortunately there are currently no vacancies there, so I have decided to move to either of the three aforementioned offices first, then relocate to Vancouver after a a year or two. I have heard nothing but good about Canada as a country and how beautiful the sceneries are, but my main worries is the weather (long extremely cold winters, blizzards and thunderstorms). I can tolerate freezing temperatures as long as I get the best of Spring, Autumn, and Summer.


I love being sociable, I consider myself to be adaptable and I am pretty outgoing. I am not into skiing or hiking, I am more of a beach person and I enjoy watching and playing football, basketball, and gymnastics. Ideally I would like to live in a multicultural city with good and affordable living standard (quality of life), where social amenities (Pubs, restaurants, bars, malls, shops, carnivals, festivals, friendly community, indoor football pitches,and basketball courts) are easily accessible, with good summer albeit short, and decent spring and autumn. I am anticipating 5 months of extremely cold winter at worse. I also don't want to live in a city where there is a lot of crimes and guns hence my preference for Canada instead of America.

I have been given 2 weeks to decide and choose a location, I would appreciate all advices, tips and recommendations. I am very excited about the move, but I am also a little apprehensive.

Thanks

mohtechnix

Also, do people hibernate during winter months? Do people still go out? Are there still social activities during winter?

Novocastrian

OK, here goes. First I should say I've never been to any of the three, so make of that what you may. But $85-95K won't go far in Fort McMurray, rents are stupid and it's got a terrible reputation all round.

On the other hand the same amount in either of the SK locations, for a single guy, would be extremely comfortable. My son lives in Regina and aside from the climate* quite enjoys it. He's your age. I know even less of Saskatoon, but there are several posters from there on here who may post soon.

*Disgusting in all three places.

ann m

Are you going to be working a shift pattern, ie, two weeks on, two weeks off kind of thing?

The reason I ask is that Fort Mac is that kind of place. Costs of living are really high and most people commute in for work on a weekly, bi-weekly pattern - while "living" somewhere else - Edmonton, Calgary, anywhere .... so the part-time accommodation can be quite ropey, and you pay a lot for the privilege

Otherwise - and I've not yet been to either - but Regina or Saskatoon are small cities in their own right and could more likely fulfill a more stable social life. Probably not exactly rocking though, compared to Manchester!

All three will have brutal winters and the beach is a loooooong way. Swap the sea for lakes in the summer time and you'll get a good water fix. None of the three areas are famous for their ski-hills, so you're not missing out there. Spring lasts about two weeks - blink and you'll miss it. Summers in all three are likely to be hot and long, though factor in a lot of mosquito repellant.

If work is the reason for moving, and you only figure on staying for a year or two - then any of the three is a good enough starting point. You'll probably be looking to move on soon.

Of the three, I'd pick Regina.

Atlantic Xpat

The other location in Canada with a lot going on in Oil and Gas & a need for engineering types is Newfoundland. I'd pick St. John's over any of your prospective destinations. But I'd pick Fort Mac absolutely last. Thats based on friends and extended family members who work and live (albeit only for part of the year) there. I'd also observe that $95k is peanuts for Fort Mac & that it would not afford a particularly nice lifestyle there. (This is a place where a static caravan sells for $500k).

Oink

As a beach person I'd say you can't go wrong in any of those places, but I'd have to go for Ft. McMurray, its a sweet, charming place.

magnumpi

I suspect you are correct, hence the high price of rent ect, must be a big demand with nature lovers and such, like Vancouver, that is expensive and I hear good things about that town.

christmasoompa

We all know you're both being sarcastic, but for the sake of the OP, include a smilie or two would you?

OP, as somebody that doesn't want long winters, doesn't like skiing and loves the beach, I wouldn't choose any of them for you!

magnumpi

Oops sowry here one in lue.

Novocastrian

Lieu, you illiterate twat.

Oink

Get people these days. Anyway, is it French for the bog?

magnumpi

Loo to u too

Tangram

Aren't his posts 'post-ironic' something or other ? Surely deliberate ffs ?

magnumpi

No, that's how I smell all the time

ninaDGBCA

Fort mcMurray is really rough. Regina and Sask are both supposed to be nice. Sask has some arty festivals on every year I think. Winters are long, cold and tons of snow. Summers are nice and hot. Vancouver is nice and the weather comparable to Manchester (bit higher temp in summer but equal amounts of rain). We moved from Manchester almost 3 years ago to Ottawa and to be honest I prefer the -25, blue skies and sunshine we usually have to the grey, damp and rainy winter in M'cr. Only when it gets to - 40 windchill it's bit nippy . Life goes on winter and yes we still go out and socialise, we just dress appropriately and do wear a winter coat, boots and gloves in opposite to the Manc girls, going clubbing in a skimpy dress without a jacket in December