Weather In Canada/points
 

Hi Everyone!

Could someone please tell me just how bad the Canadian climate is? We are looking to go to Toronto area.

I know the winters can go to -10 but people have said that because it is very dry air it does not seem that cold???!!
Do the winters really drag on or is the country so geared up for it it is not an issue?

Any info would be much appreciated. Also the points being at 67 aT the moment can they just change the points again at any time and they get assesed at that level? I would have exactly 67 points so a point more and I am out.

Please help any info!

Re: Weather In Canada/points
 

I think coping with the winter is all a matter of personal preference, I think u get used to it, but if you hate winter here then a life in Toronto may not be ideal. I know it's alot milder in the West and very harsh in the East.

On the issue of points, you are judged on the points level in place at the time your application is made. So as long as u get your app in you'll be OK.

Re: Weather In Canada/points
 

While there's plenty of snow on the ground it doesn't snow all the time and the main roads are kept drivable. Even though there's snow there's usually plenty of sunshine.

brrrrr
 

yes, yes, it gets cold in Toronto.. minus 40 with the wind chill factor..

however, there are plenty of people walking around saying "oh, what a beautiful day" even when its cold.. because its sunny.. the snow is crisp..the smell of a fireplace is in the air.. you have a down filled coat on.. hat , and mits.. the crunching of the snow beneath your feet..

its something..

if you dress for it, you will be fine..

be prepared like a good girl scout..

learn to ski, skate, go tobaganning.. enjoy the seaons and you wont notice that its cold out..

sorry, cant help ya with the points.

Re: brrrrr
 

It's a matter of adopting the Scandanavian approach to snow. I understand that the Norwegians look forward to it.

You do get one hell of a lake chill factor in Toronto. I'm moving to there from Spain so gawd knows how long it will take me to get used to it.

I really dont like the cold
 

but I have "tolerated" it for 36 years now.. I am moving south for awhile, or longer.. we'll see.. but like I said, if you dress the part anywhere can be enjoyable..

I'd rather be cold than hot. Summer here was the hottest on record. We literally had birds falling out of the sky. I think it hit 45C. I never again want to be that hot. If it's cold you can always dress warm. Heat like I have in summer is just no fun.

Er good luck Soul Canuk! ;)

Re: Weather In Canada/points
 

Compared to the UK the canadian climate is obviously more extreme, I arrived in Eastern Ontario in February a few years ago, and my first night here was -28C!, but there are only a handfull of days it gets that cold (maybe 10?). Having said that, as other posters pointed out that if you dress appropriately, winter is an enjoyable season. Really it is the wind chill you have to watch for. On a still and sunny winter day minus 10C doesnt seem too cold, honest! Minus 10F is cold however you dress!

Most of the time the sun shines and when it does snow people are equiped to deal with it. I have enjoyed learning to skate and ski, which I dont think would have been high on my "To Do" list in the UK. I cant say I enjoy shovelling though! Generally roads are cleared within a few hours of a major snowfall (especially on school bus routes), so driving is not too bad. If its really bad, just dont travel seems to be the rule of thumb

The biggest surprise for me was how hot and humid the Summers are. Often in excess of 30C, (up near 40+ with the humidity factored in) Air Conditioning is almost a necessity at home for a pale skinned englishman abroad! Again, being by lake ontario has a big effect on the local weather, higher humidity in the summer, more of a breeze, and more localised lake effect snow in the winter.

Speaking for myself, I enjoy the big contrast in the seasons, but I think you have to get outside in the winter to avoid "cabin fever", and the feeling that winter is dragging on. Get out there and embrace what mother nature has to offer, at least it won't be raining for 3 months on end!

Sorry, cant help you with the points, All the best.

Iain

Re: Weather In Canada/points
 

I would agree with the above, winters are long and cold and summers hot and humid.

However, if you can get out and play in the snow, the winter shouldn't seem too bad but beware of the wind chill!

Canada is geared up for the winter though so you shouldn't NEED a 4x4 to get about.

I live in Saskatchewan, where its much colder than Toronto, but very, very dry. When it gets to be 35 below -- its cold. It sort of hurts your lungs to breathe. But thankfully its not that cold that often and also, like someone else said, its often sunny and doesn't look so miserable as warmer murky weather.

The only thing that I really hate about the winter is how once it snows you have to put shoes on and a jacket to go outside - I like to slip into my Berks but I find them too slippery in the snow!

The other thing is when you get a heavy snowfall - more accidents are likely to happen - often not very serious but enough to damage your car. I always say it doesnt matter how careful I am - you can't control the other driver.

Apart from that I look at seed catalogues and wait for spring to come. I actually really hate the winter but tolerate it like someone else said!

Here is a pic from one winter in T.O. (toronto)

Re: Weather In Canada/points
 

How does not travelling work out with employers? We are likely to live in a rural area with a commute to Edmonton along HW16. Do people stay home from work until the roads have had a chance to be cleared or, as in the UK, you get in somehow? The reverse of course is that it snows whilst at work and it is not fit to drive home in - does everyone crash out in the office until it clears up?

Any comments appreciated!

Re: Weather In Canada/points
 

In Canada it has been my experience that people/bosses/radio stations watch the winter weather closely. I lived and worked in Ontario for 10 years and not once did I get stuck at work. Most employers will send you home early. Nobody wants to be stuck in a blizzard! While I lived in Edmonton (Toefield) we had more snow days that I ever had in Toronto. Canadians seem to have a knack for predicting weather and tend to respect it (bosses as well)

I hope this helps,
Fried

Re: Weather In Canada/points
 

Hello All

This is a very interesting subject and something that was concerning me about my move to Toronto Etobicoke.

Can anyone tell me when to expect snow in this region? (i.e. Nov to Feb?)

Also how many days would I be expected to shovel snow??

I appreciate your help.

Bob