evets

True. I have been a few times and aside from the initial culture shock, same could be said for SQ1. No qualms about them.

plasticcanuck

Well you probably wouldn’t feel like walking around Markdale Mall/Pacific Mall/or many such places in North York and Markham.

JGK

I was in the GTA in 2007 - 2009 working on the border of Mississauga/Oakville by the QEW.

Our IT guy bought a place in Barrie and ended up quitting two weeks later as the 2 hour each way commute was a killer. I'm betting things haven't got quicker.

DandNHill

Last Christmas I went to a little mall in Brampton and there were no xmas decs or music... very sad.
However Bramalea mall is huge, was very festive and diverse.

Horses for courses and all that!

Lichisadave

Hi thanks for the replies we have been looking on Kijiji and craigslist for properties if anyone can suggest any other sites that would be great. We will need a pet friendly furnished house as we have a black Labrador we are going to bring over (that's a whole different thread).

dbd33

Furnished rentals are uncommon and expensive. I would take an unfurnished place and buy mattresses for the floor. We managed quite well with that arrangement for the first ten years.

Lichisadave

There is that option or just buying flat pack etc or at least making do until our stuff comes over unless we decide to sell and buy new. Seems there are some for this option and some against. Which ever way we decide it's a good opportunity to get rid off all our surplus stuff. I can see a few carboots coming in handy.

dbd33

It's the internet, there will always be three opinions on each yes/no question.

I'd ship everything that doesn't spin or heat up, rent unfurnished and call the first few weeks an indoor camping adventure.

Lichisadave

Thanks the indoor camping will please my youngest. It's certainly going to be an adventure.

Siouxie

Be very careful of Craigslist, there's a lot of scammers on there. It would be very difficult also to find a furnished house (except for 'executive rentals' which are mega expensive). 2nd hand stores / Ikea / Walmart etc., will be of use if you need to purchase furniture. White goods (fridge, stove etc.,) generally are included in rentals.

Once you have decided on a specific area that you want to live in, ask for referrals for a Realtor. They will help find you a place to rent with no charge to you and is the most secure way of doing so from a distance.

It's unlikely that you will be able to secure a rental whilst you are living overseas (unless using a Realtor) - and you wouldn't want to risk it either! For Ontario, you will be required to pay 'first and last' months rent on signing the rental agreement. There's no key deposit or security deposit for Ontario. More here: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/re...h/fash_009.cfm

You could also look at padmapper.com or https://www.point2homes.com/CA/Singl...r-Rent/ON.html / or check out some of the suggestions in the wiki Renting-Canada : British Expat Wiki

Lichisadave

Thank you for the info will definitely have a look at the links. How on earth people emigrated before the internet I do not know. 😁

Siouxie

Most welcome!

There was no internet when I emigrated to Hong Kong... it was very difficult not knowing what to expect! Exciting though, lol.

dbd33

They were courageous, almost heroic, figures, ignorant of the most basic facts about the land to be explored but bolstered by their self-belief and great personal beauty.

Ignorance and stupidity also helped.

Mr Bean

I once spoke with a lady who lived on Tiny Beaches Road in Tiny Township. I went there to fix her fireplace and when we got talking she was English. Turns out she came over at age 17, on her own, and has never been back since. Never learned to drive etc.

Now that's a trooper.

BristolUK

Phwoar...