What we have experienced while in Canada
Jun 17th 2009 | 7:46 am
#16
Bring on the snow!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,420
From: Chicago, IL
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
Well as promised I have now found time to write about my experiences and why I am returning to the UK.
When we left for Toronto, My partner and I and the Mother in Law was sure it was going to be for good.
We had a house lined up, furnture and dogs packed and had a big farewell party for all our friends.
We now find ourselves returning to blighty on the QM at the end of August. Financially poorer, but richer in many other ways.
Firstly I am going to try and keep this balanced as it would be too easy to blame Canada for all the problems. There are some advantages to the country but not enough to keep us here.
For anyone thinking of coming to the east coast especially, do not underestimate the weather, the winters here really are brutal and seem to be getting worse. I love the snow, but this was just too much. My Mother in Law in particular found it difficult and felt house-bound for a number of weeks. She is of an older generation of course, but even we were fed up by it.
Also if you want to work in the Arts/media be prepared to find very few options here. Most of the TV is imported to Canada from Anerica, even series that are made here are then remade by Americans and get cancelled after a couple of seasons. Their is very little independent theatre scene here. The Mirvishes are the big produving house over here, apart from a few other companies a lot of the theatre is toured to Canada from the states.
There is more space here which is a posistive and the houses are cheaper, but these are the few bonuses we can see. The TTC in Toronto is great and good value for money!
Also there is no denying how beautiful the country is, but you can see that as a tourist.
Also at least Canada politics have not seen the rise of the right - lke the BNP, but when we are back in the Uk we wll be able to help fight the rise!
We have found food prices to be on a par with the UK. Except we have had to go for more organic / local produce which put the prices up.
There are a number of reasons for that. They are
1) The supermarkets have this horrible idea of spraying water on the veg in their chilling departments and I am sure this makes them go off quicker. So we go to a local organic grocers
2)They put sugar in their bread, so again we part the more frehly baked artisan breads.
3) If you are a veggie, there area few retaurants in Toronto, but as far as supermarkets go, think Britain (mid 80's)
4) Everthing prepacked caters for larger families, so be prepared to eat load or waste food.
5) The choice and range here is no where as good as the UK.
6) Dairy is expensive and the cheese is bland. Poultry is alsi quite expensive.
My other big pet hate is it is very hard to get a direct answer to any question in Canada, they start an explanation half way through - as if you already know the first half of the answer.
I am now looking forward to closing this chapter on my life and am looking forward to getting back home, its true "Home is where your heart is!"
Although, I have mentioned a few of my pet hates and a few pros to Canada, I still feel that if its your dream - go for it. As this board testifies, there are so many success stories. I would suggest that if you do come, please rent first, and leave some options open back home.
I have no regrets and wish all people taking the leap the best of luck!
When we left for Toronto, My partner and I and the Mother in Law was sure it was going to be for good.
We had a house lined up, furnture and dogs packed and had a big farewell party for all our friends.
We now find ourselves returning to blighty on the QM at the end of August. Financially poorer, but richer in many other ways.
Firstly I am going to try and keep this balanced as it would be too easy to blame Canada for all the problems. There are some advantages to the country but not enough to keep us here.
For anyone thinking of coming to the east coast especially, do not underestimate the weather, the winters here really are brutal and seem to be getting worse. I love the snow, but this was just too much. My Mother in Law in particular found it difficult and felt house-bound for a number of weeks. She is of an older generation of course, but even we were fed up by it.
Also if you want to work in the Arts/media be prepared to find very few options here. Most of the TV is imported to Canada from Anerica, even series that are made here are then remade by Americans and get cancelled after a couple of seasons. Their is very little independent theatre scene here. The Mirvishes are the big produving house over here, apart from a few other companies a lot of the theatre is toured to Canada from the states.
There is more space here which is a posistive and the houses are cheaper, but these are the few bonuses we can see. The TTC in Toronto is great and good value for money!
Also there is no denying how beautiful the country is, but you can see that as a tourist.
Also at least Canada politics have not seen the rise of the right - lke the BNP, but when we are back in the Uk we wll be able to help fight the rise!
We have found food prices to be on a par with the UK. Except we have had to go for more organic / local produce which put the prices up.
There are a number of reasons for that. They are
1) The supermarkets have this horrible idea of spraying water on the veg in their chilling departments and I am sure this makes them go off quicker. So we go to a local organic grocers
2)They put sugar in their bread, so again we part the more frehly baked artisan breads.
3) If you are a veggie, there area few retaurants in Toronto, but as far as supermarkets go, think Britain (mid 80's)
4) Everthing prepacked caters for larger families, so be prepared to eat load or waste food.
5) The choice and range here is no where as good as the UK.
6) Dairy is expensive and the cheese is bland. Poultry is alsi quite expensive.
My other big pet hate is it is very hard to get a direct answer to any question in Canada, they start an explanation half way through - as if you already know the first half of the answer.
I am now looking forward to closing this chapter on my life and am looking forward to getting back home, its true "Home is where your heart is!"
Although, I have mentioned a few of my pet hates and a few pros to Canada, I still feel that if its your dream - go for it. As this board testifies, there are so many success stories. I would suggest that if you do come, please rent first, and leave some options open back home.
I have no regrets and wish all people taking the leap the best of luck!
Sounds like you've made the right decision given your circumstances.
Good luck on the move back.
Rob
BTW Vancouver has a huge movie/TV industry & the weather is less extreme - trade off is the cost of living
Jun 17th 2009 | 7:50 am
#17
Thinking the unthinkable.
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,136
From: Guelph, Ontario
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
Sugar in the bread - thank God someone else mentioned this. 
Jun 17th 2009 | 7:51 am
#18
Thread Starter
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 85
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
So basically you couldn't find work and the weather sucked - everything else added onto that but not a reason in itself to move back.
Sounds like you've made the right decision given your circumstances.
Good luck on the move back.
Rob
BTW Vancouver has a huge movie/TV industry & the weather is less extreme - trade off is the cost of living
Sounds like you've made the right decision given your circumstances.
Good luck on the move back.
Rob
BTW Vancouver has a huge movie/TV industry & the weather is less extreme - trade off is the cost of living
As for TV, I can't think of too many programmes made here:
Little Mosque ( talks of it being made by fox next year, outta LA)
Corner Gas (Finished)
Canadian air farce (axed)
dont know the title - set in an american hair salon ( New Season not yet confirmed)
The Listener (comes out of Toronto)
Any others?
Jun 17th 2009 | 8:08 am
#20
Bring on the snow!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,420
From: Chicago, IL
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
Movies I kinda agree, although when we visitied last year, the BC government was having to offer huge tax incentives as with the exchange rate, Canada was not so cheap anymore.
As for TV, I can't think of too many programmes made here:
Little Mosque ( talks of it being made by fox next year, outta LA)
Corner Gas (Finished)
Canadian air farce (axed)
dont know the title - set in an american hair salon ( New Season not yet confirmed)
The Listener (comes out of Toronto)
Any others?
As for TV, I can't think of too many programmes made here:
Little Mosque ( talks of it being made by fox next year, outta LA)
Corner Gas (Finished)
Canadian air farce (axed)
dont know the title - set in an american hair salon ( New Season not yet confirmed)
The Listener (comes out of Toronto)
Any others?
Not sure what you do but theres a lot of advertising shot here also - especially car adds. I have a friend that works in the industry during the summer months - he's always very busy.
Jun 17th 2009 | 8:23 am
#21
Thread Starter
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 85
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
No idea - but a much better bet than the other provinces. Quick google turned up this http://www.canadaka.net/content/page...lmed-in-canada.
Not sure what you do but theres a lot of advertising shot here also - especially car adds. I have a friend that works in the industry during the summer months - he's always very busy.
Not sure what you do but theres a lot of advertising shot here also - especially car adds. I have a friend that works in the industry during the summer months - he's always very busy.
Jun 17th 2009 | 8:32 am
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 52
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
Thank you for this honest post. Your 'cons' list echoes my own almost exactly. Few people really tell it like it is on here in regards to life in Canada. It's OK to say Canada sucks..in many respects and for many people it REALLY does. Your reasons for returning, for me, are ENTIRELY valid.
Jun 17th 2009 | 8:38 am
#23
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 821
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
Thats why they invented bread machines 
My bread tastes fantastic, plus our veg/fruit is the best than i ever tasted, i came from a rural area in the uk, but have to say that products you either buy or make yourself.....
Thank goodness that canada is not the UK - or i would have to find somewhere else
My bread tastes fantastic, plus our veg/fruit is the best than i ever tasted, i came from a rural area in the uk, but have to say that products you either buy or make yourself.....
Thank goodness that canada is not the UK - or i would have to find somewhere else
Jun 17th 2009 | 8:47 am
#24
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 228
From: Mississauga, Ontario
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
My only comment is a kind of 'what if' observation. I'm wondering if already having children would have significantly altered your decision. One of the things I noticed when feeling the occasional bout of homesickness, is to counter-act that by living and experiencing Canada through my children. By their very nature, young kids have an open-minded approach and will make the most of their surroundings. I just tried to follow their example and I subsequently found it a lot easier to adjust my mental parameters and accept things for what they are and avoid the comparison trap.
Jun 17th 2009 | 9:29 am
#25
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 362
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
I have to agree on some point. The cheese here is dreadful and like rubber. Loblaw appears to be the only supermarket chain. Every other supermarket chain is Loblaws in disguise. Like No Frills Value Mart etc or an A&P in disguise. I don't find even the biscuit selection that good. everything is a cookie or muffin. There is just lack of choice on everything. Even buying a good used car is hard. Under 1000 pounds forget it. But Canada has lot to offer. Its clean and safe and cheap and really lovely for only 8 mouths of the year before the winter starts and then it becomes hell. I've been here 11 years now and still have no friends. Canadians don't just pop for a cosy chat at random. You have to make dinner and even then it can take almost a year to get someone to come over. So I gave up. But for me I can't go back. I'm here for good. I'm used to it and I like it. Your way from all the problems of the world. Like oasis if you will.
In England I can't even afford the UK if I maintain the same lifestyle. I need 50 grand for a premium on a shop in London on good location. before I'd spent any money on stock or rent LOL. Can you imagine how much 6,000 square feet would cost in London England. I do miss the buzz and the busyness and the people and the telly and some foods. I feel we're in the 1980's here in Canada. It is not a modern county and its a bit run down in parts. But what I hate most about England is it always felt such a struggle. It almost seems to work against you. I don't like the angry violent youths which seam to be every where. Funny all the chav's who don't wear burby look like Americans. Nor the high rents for apartments or the silly low wages.
I wish you all the luck tho.....
In England I can't even afford the UK if I maintain the same lifestyle. I need 50 grand for a premium on a shop in London on good location. before I'd spent any money on stock or rent LOL. Can you imagine how much 6,000 square feet would cost in London England. I do miss the buzz and the busyness and the people and the telly and some foods. I feel we're in the 1980's here in Canada. It is not a modern county and its a bit run down in parts. But what I hate most about England is it always felt such a struggle. It almost seems to work against you. I don't like the angry violent youths which seam to be every where. Funny all the chav's who don't wear burby look like Americans. Nor the high rents for apartments or the silly low wages.
I wish you all the luck tho.....
Jun 17th 2009 | 9:36 am
#26
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,866
From: Cochrane, Alberta
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
Many of the things you mention are not, alone, enough to make one pack one's bags, but I fully understand your list - we all have a list !
Satisfactory work is obviously a fundamental to one's feelings about a place - if you are not independently wealthy, then work is important. Or we have found it so anyway.
You've given it a couple of years - that's a decent amount of time to sit back and weigh up what you really want. I wish you well on your return.
Satisfactory work is obviously a fundamental to one's feelings about a place - if you are not independently wealthy, then work is important. Or we have found it so anyway.
You've given it a couple of years - that's a decent amount of time to sit back and weigh up what you really want. I wish you well on your return.
Jun 17th 2009 | 9:43 am
#27
.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 20,188
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
I don't like the kebabs here. 
Jun 17th 2009 | 9:45 am
#28
Banned
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 15,706
From: In Limbo
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
Hard to take a post seriously when:
a) There so many spelling\typing errors
and
b) The poster CLAIMS to be in an industry that would require (one would assume) a good (or better) grasp of the english language?
a) There so many spelling\typing errors
and
b) The poster CLAIMS to be in an industry that would require (one would assume) a good (or better) grasp of the english language?
Jun 17th 2009 | 10:05 am
#29
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,281
From: Valemount, BC, Canada
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
I moved over here largely for the peace and quiet and yet we have more unannounced visitors that we ever did when we lived in the UK (we lived in the North & South of England, city & rural locations.) And friends often come round for drinks, not just full suppers. Our social life is far more busy than in the UK. We not only have a Barbecue invitation for this Friday evening, but it clashes (to begin with) with someone elses movie-marathon "open-house" that runs from 5pm Friday 'til 5pm Saturday! I think it's got to be largely location based. I sometimes wish that people round here were a bit less friendly (usually when they pop round when the house is a real sh*t-pit!!)
Jun 17th 2009 | 10:11 am
#30
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,374
From: Windsor, ON
Re: What we have experienced while in Canada
An honest post - people on their way here need it from both sides.
I agree the supermarket selection is a bit dreary - especially in Ontario anyway, they all seem to sell the same stuff, little selection, gets tiring after a while. Thank God we live near the US border, we supplement our Canadian shopping with stuff from the US - so much more choice, at least on a par with the UK, if not exceeding it. Windsor might not be utopia, but one thing I'd definitely miss if we moved away would be getting to the US in less than 10 mins!
I agree the supermarket selection is a bit dreary - especially in Ontario anyway, they all seem to sell the same stuff, little selection, gets tiring after a while. Thank God we live near the US border, we supplement our Canadian shopping with stuff from the US - so much more choice, at least on a par with the UK, if not exceeding it. Windsor might not be utopia, but one thing I'd definitely miss if we moved away would be getting to the US in less than 10 mins!
