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Where to live? Thoughts?
Hi,
My husband and I have recently discussed moving to Canada in a year or so (we want to give ourselves time to be sure on our decision). However, I have done a lot of research into the process and the only thing I keep getting stumped on is where to go. We have looked at Alberta, Ottawa and Kelowna. We come from a small seaside town, however seems very busy and over populated. Houses being built left right and centre with the countryside just dissipating. We love the countryside and also love seeing the ocean (can be substituted for lakes). We like a fairly quiet life, but within an area where there are still things going on, good work opportunities and not too expensive to like. We aren't keen on busy burley cities. Anyway, would anyone recommend anywhere, what would you say about the above locations I've mentioned? Thank you! |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Alberta is a long way from the sea.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
The problems you are trying to avoid in the UK are the same problems you will find in Canada.
Given where you currently live, it sounds like you may like living on the Sunshine Coast, Sooke, the Cowichan Valley, or the Comox Valley of British Columbia. Alll these areas provide access to rural countryside with seaside immediately nearby. However, with most of Canada's major cities unaffordable to the average resident, those idyllic mix of rural/seaside communities in Canada are in a real estate boom with people, such as yourselves, wanting to move there and buy up the houses. Prices have skyrocketed, especially in the past two years. Growth is everywhere in the west right now. Houses are being built everywhere. You're not going to escape it here either. Plus, you'll then have the culture shock to deal with of moving to Canada, with different values, foods, ways of socializing and relating (or not relating) to others, preferred hobbies, pop cultural references, infrastructure, conveniences (or lack thereof), etc. compared to the lifestyle you may be used to in the UK. I do recognize these are first world problems, but are you truly wanting to make a serious lifestyle change? I also agree that if you are wanting the seaside, Alberta and Ottawa are about as far away from the seaside as Moscow is (and share a similar continental climate). Kelowna is about a 4-hour drive away from the sea, though it has a lovely lake and vineyards and arid Spain-like climate. However, Kelowna is the definition of suburban sprawl these days. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Culturally, Alberta, Ottawa, and Kelowna are quite different worlds.
If Alberta were in the UK, it would be pro-Boris, pro-Brexit. If Alberta were in the USA, it would Texas, pro-Trump, anti-immigration, white patriarchal, "traditional family values" pick-up truck, country music culture. Originally a ranching and agricultural province, the oil industry has dominated its boom/bust economy heavily for the past decades and many of its residents, used to large wages due to oil, are in denial about the changing values and realities of the world, and will fiercely protect it at the expense of everything else. I believe the current conservative government in Alberta has recently tossed all COVID safety and health care out the window and are restructuring the education system to remove references to Indigenous residential schools, for example. Traditionally, people have moved to Alberta for the wealthy oil economy where a person with little education can obtain a high-paying salary to support a large home, a large truck, and all the toys of modern life. Many of its residents feel entitled to these types of wages and are protective of the oil economy for this reason. It's a great place to buy a cheap(er) house, the landscape and climate are not the draw (with exception to the Rockies), but generally speaking, leadership in that province currently has no respect for the land, for science, for the climate, for women, for immigrants, for different races, cultural backgrounds, critical thinking, etc. I would seriously consider the values and culture there before moving there, unless of course, this appeals to you. Note: This is of course a fantastically gross generalization and I recognize not everyone in Alberta shares these values, this lifestyle, etc. But my point is, do not look at geography alone when choosing your new home. The cultural differences between different parts in Canada can be quite significant, and can determine how well you fit in and adjust. And Canada is not like the UK where you can simply "pop over" somewhere else nearby if you're tired of your surroundings. Distances are vast. Travel is expensive. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
We can recommend the Niagara region. It has a micro climate with many vineyards. On the shores of lake Ontario, it is only 60-90 minutes drive to be Toronto. The summers are warm with average around 26c. The winters are bearable with only a few weeks in January and February sub zero. USA border is on the doorstep with a day drive to the beauty of New England.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13035704)
Hi,
My husband and I have recently discussed moving to Canada in a year or so (we want to give ourselves time to be sure on our decision). However, I have done a lot of research into the process and the only thing I keep getting stumped on is where to go. We have looked at Alberta, Ottawa and Kelowna. We come from a small seaside town, however seems very busy and over populated. Houses being built left right and centre with the countryside just dissipating. We love the countryside and also love seeing the ocean (can be substituted for lakes). We like a fairly quiet life, but within an area where there are still things going on, good work opportunities and not too expensive to like. We aren't keen on busy burley cities. Anyway, would anyone recommend anywhere, what would you say about the above locations I've mentioned? Thank you! Canada is an immense country and every province is different, weatherwise, population and amenities, even down to indidual areas within those Provinces. It's a bit like asking where in Europe should you move to. :) Have you been to Canada before? The first thing to determine is if you have a way to come to Canada and become permanent residents - and if you might need a job to do so. It may take longer than a year just for your application to be processed, so better to start looking at the application now. :) https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...te-canada.html What is it you both do for a living? It may be better to ascertain where there is work and concentrate on that, rather than where you might want to live, long term.. it's no good choosing to move to Kelowna if there aren't any jobs available in your professions :) (BC's nickname is 'Bring Cash' - it's not a cheap place to live) What do you like to do in your spare time - swim / walk / ride / ski / etc ? Do have a read of our wiki on ways to immigrate, job hunting and different Provinces :) https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Regions_of_Canada https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Categ...erta_Lifestyle https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Alberta_-_Introduction https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Ottawa,_Ontario https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Categ...itish_Columbia https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Kelowna https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Quick...an_Immigration https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Quick...uctions-Canada |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 13035768)
Canada is an immense country and every province is different, weatherwise, population and amenities, even down to indidual areas within those Provinces. It's a bit like asking where in Europe should you move to. :) Have you been to Canada before? The OP may reasonably want to choose between locations based on the availability of work, proximity to the ocean or relative awfulness of the weather. Ottawa scores poorly on the latter two points. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Lychee
(Post 13035750)
The problems you are trying to avoid in the UK are the same problems you will find in Canada.
Given where you currently live, it sounds like you may like living on the Sunshine Coast, Sooke, the Cowichan Valley, or the Comox Valley of British Columbia. Alll these areas provide access to rural countryside with seaside immediately nearby. However, with most of Canada's major cities unaffordable to the average resident, those idyllic mix of rural/seaside communities in Canada are in a real estate boom with people, such as yourselves, wanting to move there and buy up the houses. Prices have skyrocketed, especially in the past two years. Growth is everywhere in the west right now. Houses are being built everywhere. You're not going to escape it here either. Plus, you'll then have the culture shock to deal with of moving to Canada, with different values, foods, ways of socializing and relating (or not relating) to others, preferred hobbies, pop cultural references, infrastructure, conveniences (or lack thereof), etc. compared to the lifestyle you may be used to in the UK. I do recognize these are first world problems, but are you truly wanting to make a serious lifestyle change? I also agree that if you are wanting the seaside, Alberta and Ottawa are about as far away from the seaside as Moscow is (and share a similar continental climate). Kelowna is about a 4-hour drive away from the sea, though it has a lovely lake and vineyards and arid Spain-like climate. However, Kelowna is the definition of suburban sprawl these days. I just feel lately that I've had enough, just fed up. We aren't sure whether we want to up and leave, hence why it would be at least a year before we even think about doing applications. Just to make sure we aren't just fantasising. THANK YOU for you response, much appreciated :) |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13035793)
Oh I am not naive to think that everywhere is similar, but I imagine given then size difference to Canada and the UK, I wouldn't notice it quite as much?
As Siouxie has said, if you haven't already looked in to visas then that needs to be your first step. If you qualify for a visa without needing a job offer, then you'll have all of Canada to choose from. However, if you need a job offer from a sponsoring employer to get a visa, then you may have absolutely no choice and only be able to get a job in the middle of Saskatchewan. So no point worrying about where to live if that is the case. Also do look in to what you'll need to do to be able to work in Canada. So many professions are regulated there, I'd imagine vet nursing is one of them, so you may have some exams to sit or hoops to jump through to be able to work. What does your husband do? |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by christmasoompa
(Post 13035811)
Canada is much bigger, you're right, but remember that the vast majority live within 100 miles of the US border. I think it depends on where you're coming from and going to, you may find it much more built up than where you are now. We often say on this forum that usually successful expats are the ones that move for the love of their new country, rather than the perceived negatives of the one they've left behind, as often the same issues are everywhere.
As Siouxie has said, if you haven't already looked in to visas then that needs to be your first step. If you qualify for a visa without needing a job offer, then you'll have all of Canada to choose from. However, if you need a job offer from a sponsoring employer to get a visa, then you may have absolutely no choice and only be able to get a job in the middle of Saskatchewan. So no point worrying about where to live if that is the case. Also do look in to what you'll need to do to be able to work in Canada. So many professions are regulated there, I'd imagine vet nursing is one of them, so you may have some exams to sit or hoops to jump through to be able to work. What does your husband do? To be honest, we haven't visited Canada yet, lord knows when we will be able to do that. But I don't THINK we would move without at least seeing our prospective country to live in. Yeah I've done all my research into what I would need to do for my career. It would depends what province I lived in. Some would require exams to become registered and others would. Although, I would most likely want to be registered anyway, since I am in the UK. My husband works in the NHS as a health advisor. I would do the IEC and he would either latch on and apply for a spousal open work permit or the registered organisation route. But as I said in my initial post, I am simply doing my research atm because I need to be sure I'm not fantasising. All these comments haven't helped, not read many positives :lol: but I hugely value the realistic and honest replies. Its very important. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13035814)
To be honest, we haven't visited Canada yet, lord knows when we will be able to do that. But I don't THINK we would move without at least seeing our prospective country to live in.
Yeah I've done all my research into what I would need to do for my career. It would depends what province I lived in. Some would require exams to become registered and others would. Although, I would most likely want to be registered anyway, since I am in the UK. My husband works in the NHS as a health advisor. I would do the IEC and he would either latch on and apply for a spousal open work permit or the registered organisation route. But as I said in my initial post, I am simply doing my research atm because I need to be sure I'm not fantasising. All these comments haven't helped, not read many positives :lol: but I hugely value the realistic and honest replies. Its very important. But if you'll be on IEC visas then it'll be a lot easier and cheaper than applying for PR. And hopefully at some point the job offer requirement will go away, so then you will be free to move wherever you like. You can just give it a go for a couple of years and see what you think. When do you turn 31? |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by christmasoompa
(Post 13035825)
FWIW, I personally think Canada is an amazing country and well worth moving to. Personally for my family the UK is better, but that's due to many different factors and you're young, so go for the adventure and experience and just see what you think. If you were going to be spending tens of thousands on moving a family permanently then moving because your current area is getting too built up may not be a good enough reason to move, particularly when you could just move to a less populated area of the UK for a lot less money!
But if you'll be on IEC visas then it'll be a lot easier and cheaper than applying for PR. And hopefully at some point the job offer requirement will go away, so then you will be free to move wherever you like. You can just give it a go for a couple of years and see what you think. When do you turn 31? This was what I was hoping to do, kind of seeing what it's like and deciding at the end of the IEC whether its somewhere we want to stay long term. We have a house here in the UK that we would rent out (i know about the taxes), that way we would sti have our "home" to come back to if we didn't want to go for PR. But at least we gave it ago and explored it, if that makes sense? So I turn 31 October of 2024. :) husband is 4 years older lol. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
You can have fun planning a Canada holiday, rent a car and go all over. When reading your original post I thought of Creston BC and looked at vet tech jobs, then real estate listings. It's a long drive to get to a big city but there are beautiful lakes and rivers. A short but steep haul up Kootenay Pass from Creston is the summit. Sometimes when travelling west I sit in Creston and wait for the weather to improve before driving over to Salmo.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by caretaker
(Post 13035862)
You can have fun planning a Canada holiday, rent a car and go all over. When reading your original post I thought of Creston BC and looked at vet tech jobs, then real estate listings. It's a long drive to get to a big city but there are beautiful lakes and rivers. A short but steep haul up Kootenay Pass from Creston is the summit. Sometimes when travelling west I sit in Creston and wait for the weather to improve before driving over to Salmo.
I can't wait to book a holiday to Canada, at the least anyway. I hadn't heard of Creston, I'll have a look. Thank you so much! I've heard that vet techs have much more responsibility in Canada which I think is super cool! |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13035857)
This was what I was hoping to do, kind of seeing what it's like and deciding at the end of the IEC whether its somewhere we want to stay long term. We have a house here in the UK that we would rent out (i know about the taxes), that way we would sti have our "home" to come back to if we didn't want to go for PR. But at least we gave it ago and explored it, if that makes sense?
So I turn 31 October of 2024. :) husband is 4 years older lol. Only thing I would say is don't wait until the end of the IEC to decide if it's somewhere you want to stay long term, an application for PR will take a year or so and you don't want to get to the end of your IEC then find you'd have to leave Canada or stop working if you don't have your visa status sorted. Good luck. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13035793)
Oh I am not naive to think that everywhere is similar, but I imagine given then size difference to Canada and the UK, I wouldn't notice it quite as much? Yeah, I have been reading about how expensive it is to live put there in comparison to here in the UK. I do worry that I will lose what I have here, a house, my job (I am a vet nurse, so don't feel I would struggle finding a job in Canada).
I just feel lately that I've had enough, just fed up. We aren't sure whether we want to up and leave, hence why it would be at least a year before we even think about doing applications. Just to make sure we aren't just fantasising. THANK YOU for you response, much appreciated :) |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13035867)
I can't wait to book a holiday to Canada, at the least anyway. I hadn't heard of Creston, I'll have a look. Thank you so much! I've heard that vet techs have much more responsibility in Canada which I think is super cool!
https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/Noc...UPUND34zyFo%3D https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketrepo...ements/4226/ca https://www.canadianveterinarians.ne...aht-vt-careers https://rvttcanada.ca/become-a-rvt/ https://oavt.org/internationally-trained-rvts/ These threads may be of use :) https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana...canada-891935/ https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana...g-help-883069/ https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana...e-help-884363/ There are other job titles / NOC codes that might also work (see below). https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/Noc...NGGL5WoScyE%3D https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketrepo...ation/14241/ca
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
I would echo Christmasoompa and say give it a go. You are young and life should include some adventures. You are also fortunate that you both have jobs where opportunities will exist all over Canada, as opposed to someone whose occupation constrains them to a big city - financial sector for example. You just need to do your research to work out how to convert your UK qualifications into the most useful ones here and it sounds like you have started that. I don't think you are ever safe from housing developments but you can mitigate the risk by choosing location carefully. We moved from the Greater Toronto Area a few years ago about an hour north to a township with two villages and a few hamlets. The villages are due for development and the last thing I read said that over the next few years one will go from a population of just over 500 to 2500 and the other one from 2500 to approx 5500. Our postal address is one of the hamlets, although we are 5km away from it, I think we are reasonably safe for the foreseeable future.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
I’d take a look at Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Chemainus, BC might fit the bill for you, where it is a sort of “locked in time” seaside town, compared to Parksville for example that has been experiencing a lot of new construction.
Not much inventory anywhere at the moment though due to covid. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Great points from Lychee and dbd33 as usual. Echoing CanadaJimmy, Vancouver island might be a fit. Personally, I'm not sure that Canada will fit your bill given your initial concerns and frustrations but YVR Island is at least more laid back. It has a high tsunami risk in the event of an earthquake.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13035704)
Hi,
My husband and I have recently discussed moving to Canada in a year or so (we want to give ourselves time to be sure on our decision). However, I have done a lot of research into the process and the only thing I keep getting stumped on is where to go. We have looked at Alberta, Ottawa and Kelowna. We come from a small seaside town, however seems very busy and over populated. Houses being built left right and centre with the countryside just dissipating. We love the countryside and also love seeing the ocean (can be substituted for lakes). We like a fairly quiet life, but within an area where there are still things going on, good work opportunities and not too expensive to like. We aren't keen on busy burley cities. - I'd summarise your *prospects* for the move as quite good, in that both you (immediately) and your husband (potentially with more effort needed on the visa and job-search front) seem to have highly-portable skills, that are useful in any number of out-of-the-way places, 'seaside' or other. - The mystery from your OP is why you picked "Alberta, Ottawa and Kelowna" as potential settlement targets. Alberta is a province, Ottawa is a major city (in Canadian terms, anyway), and Kelowna is an idyllic, yet expensive part of inland British Columbia which might well be regarded in the same "very busy and over populated" terms that you're attempting to escape...? Just curious if you have any other factors that you're considering for your move? |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
I think you should do it for the adventure. You're not signing up for a career position in a fixed location and your chances of finding work are about the same anywhere so pick the place that looks like it'll be the most fun. Assuming that is, that either vet techs don't specialize or you deal with small animals; if you're focused on horses, cows or elephants different criteria come into play.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 13035926)
You mention vet techs have much more responsibility in Canada - have you checked to ensure that you have the necessary experience and certifications to claim the Vet Technician title/NOC? Canada is the land of certification, without them you will struggle to obtain work in this field. To use it for your NOC in a permanent residence application, you will need to be doing at least half of the main duties.
https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/Noc...UPUND34zyFo%3D https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketrepo...ements/4226/ca https://www.canadianveterinarians.ne...aht-vt-careers https://rvttcanada.ca/become-a-rvt/ https://oavt.org/internationally-trained-rvts/ These threads may be of use :) https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana...canada-891935/ https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana...g-help-883069/ https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana...e-help-884363/ There are other job titles / NOC codes that might also work (see below). https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/Noc...NGGL5WoScyE%3D https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketrepo...ation/14241/ca
I am a Registered Vet Nurse here in the UK. Depending on which province, would depend on whether I would need to become registered with their governing body. So yeah, I am aware of what I need to do. The only extra responsibilities they have are thing that I can do, but we just don't usually do it here in the UK. However, if I did make the decision to go Canada then I would probably get registered with their body anyway because I think its important. Which would require exams. I have spoken to quite a few people who have been UK vet nurses and moved to Canada and not found an issue since we are very sought after :). Thank you for those links, I will bare them in mind 😊 |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by jackinthetree
(Post 13036392)
Great points from Lychee and dbd33 as usual. Echoing CanadaJimmy, Vancouver island might be a fit. Personally, I'm not sure that Canada will fit your bill given your initial concerns and frustrations but YVR Island is at least more laid back. It has a high tsunami risk in the event of an earthquake.
Hiya, thank you for your reply. Can I ask why you think Canada wouldn't be a fit with the information I gave? We plan on booking a holiday at least next year to see how much we like it. We thought of Canada because we know a few people that have moved there and have nothing but great things to say. We love the landscapes and heard the people are nice and great job opportunities. Plus we wouldn't struggle with a language barrier as much as we would elsewhere. X |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by abner
(Post 13036403)
So, having read the back-and-forth in your thread up to August 3:
- I'd summarise your *prospects* for the move as quite good, in that both you (immediately) and your husband (potentially with more effort needed on the visa and job-search front) seem to have highly-portable skills, that are useful in any number of out-of-the-way places, 'seaside' or other. - The mystery from your OP is why you picked "Alberta, Ottawa and Kelowna" as potential settlement targets. Alberta is a province, Ottawa is a major city (in Canadian terms, anyway), and Kelowna is an idyllic, yet expensive part of inland British Columbia which might well be regarded in the same "very busy and over populated" terms that you're attempting to escape...? Just curious if you have any other factors that you're considering for your move? To be honest, I haven't the faintest idea where would be best for us to move. We know we definitely don't want a busy city as find crowds uncomfortable. I had heard ottawa, although a city, felt more like a town? But honestly, this is just Google and fb pages. I think we both just feel fed up, stuck in a rut, family dramas, rude people. We kind of wanted a "new start" or an adventure. The prospect scares me to death, but I don't want to live with regrets! X |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 13036478)
I think you should do it for the adventure. You're not signing up for a career position in a fixed location and your chances of finding work are about the same anywhere so pick the place that looks like it'll be the most fun. Assuming that is, that either vet techs don't specialize or you deal with small animals; if you're focused on horses, cows or elephants different criteria come into play.
Haha, whilst elephants would be super fun, I work with small animals and will hold an additional certificate in animal behaviour. At least if we went on an IEC, if it changed our lives to the point where we didn't want to come back, then we would cross that bridge if we came to it. X |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13036495)
Haha, whilst elephants would be super fun, I work with small animals and will hold an additional certificate in animal behaviour. At least if we went on an IEC, if it changed our lives to the point where we didn't want to come back, then we would cross that bridge if we came to it. X
If you want to be by the ocean and not in the tundra, then your choices are, BC (expensive, damp, population of dull stoners and retirees) NL (cheap, damp, cold, wild drunks with squiddly diddly music) NS (moderate, moderate, moderate, moderate) Qc (need French) NB (just no). Other opinions may differ. Ottawa is a government town, Even by Canadian standards it's a bit dull. I'd look at Halifax. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 13036507)
If you want to be by the ocean and not in the tundra, then your choices are, BC (expensive, damp, population of dull stoners and retirees) NL (cheap, damp, cold, wild drunks with squiddly diddly music) NS (moderate, moderate, moderate, moderate) Qc (need French) NB (just no). Other opinions may differ.
Ottawa is a government town, Even by Canadian standards it's a bit dull. I'd look at Halifax. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13036515)
Thank you for this advice, its good to hear from people who know tbh. I'll have a look at Halifax. We dont have to live by the sea, but thought for the familiar feel it may be nice. We also love the countryside.
Better to take advice from people who actually live in the areas.. :D |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 13036559)
Perhaps bear in mind that dbd is known to be a little biased when it comes to Canada and has a tendency to be creative in his opinions.. his comments should be taken a little tongue in cheek.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 13036559)
Perhaps bear in mind that dbd is known to be a little biased when it comes to Canada and has a tendency to be creative in his opinions.. his comments should be taken a little tongue in cheek.
Better to take advice from people who actually live in the areas.. :D |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Ljh93
(Post 13036561)
Oh, I'm new here so wouldn't have a clue. But he's put Halifax on my radar and I've had a look and doesn't sound too far from what we would be looking for. I'm glad to have gotten some advice from this thread, even if a lot of it has been a bit disheartening.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Danny B
(Post 13036595)
Wherever you decide upon, please make sure you go for a visit in the middle of January beforehand.
On reading "We also love the countryside." I thought of last evening. I was riding and looked around, the view was bucolic, verdant even. Then I saw that the woodpile needs two cords, the hay barn isn't full, the snow blower wants servicing. "Oh dear" I thought, August already, snow's coming, get on those jobs. I considered pointing out that the countryside in most of Canada is buried for six months of the year. I didn't post because I didn't want to seem negative. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Ottawa is a government city, but like Canberra in Australia, it is city built specifically in a certain place to be a government city. That's quite unlike London, or Paris, or most any other European capital that I can think of.
I've been to both Ottawa and Canberra for short visits, and both have lots of concrete buildings, Ottawa is older than Canberra so there are some rather lovely stone buildings 150 years old or more, that being very old for Canada. It is bustling with self-important politicos when Parliament and Senate are in session, but also pretty dull, as dbd said. There are a couple of universities, so students liven up the scene during term time. However most people I know live in the outer suburbs or nearby towns in preference to Ottawa. Weather is hot in summer, and often bloomin' cold in winter. Skating on the Rideau Canal is a major winter pastime. Vancouver Island has only had 1 major tsunami since 1964, but there are often warnings which either result in nothing or a less than 6" surge. You must appreciate that the West Coast is on the same earthquake belt as California. That belt stretches all the way from Mexico up to Alaska. Most of the activity that results in a tsunami warning happens either north off the coast of Alaska or west of the Island, out in the Pacific. I worry much more about earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on the Mainland, from Vancouver north and to the east. That's because one branch of the earthquake belt is between the mainland and the Island, and there is also the ring of volcanoes all the way from California north through Alaska and down the coast to Japan. Most are extinct of course, many have not erupted in 100s of years, but some are still active. Seismic centres in Victoria and on the mainland register up to 20 very small quakes every day, with quakes that people may feel as a gentle shake about every 6 months. or so. I can tell when we have had a small but unfelt 'quake because paintings on the wall in the living room are crooked ............... it's at least once a week. Victoria seems to have more than Vancouver, but then there are plates on both sides of the Island, out in the Pacific and through the Salish Sea. Halifax is a nice city, small by European standards, easy to reach the country, lots of provincial and national parks within say a 1 to 5 hour drive, if you like camping. Which reminds me ........... if you have dogs, be warned that dogs have to be on leash in ALL National and Provincial parks throughout Canada, and most everywhere else as well, except in specified off-leash areas. No letting your dogs run wild as you hike, or even walk in the city/town/village. Those rules are largely for the protection of wild animals, and for the pets (and their owners). Bears, coyotes, cougars, etc are a darn' sight more dangerous even than a stag in rutting season. Sensible people living in even places like Vancouver, do not let cats run wild, and carefully dogs but especially small ones in their own gardens. Coyotes abound even here, someone sees one in our neighbourhood once or twice a month, which probably means s/he lives around here and has a regular "route". Let your cat run loose and the odds are it will go missing within a few weeks. My daughter has lived in Halifax since she married in 1999, found it boring after Vancouver, and quite clique-ish, even some members of her husband's family took time to accept her. There certainly isn't as much going on in the way of entertainment, clubbing or what have you., although it is in a beautiful setting, and there are many even more beautiful areas around. Plus fresh lobsters in season! The downside to Halifax is the weather. In winter, there are the legendary nor'-easters, with icy gale force winds, sleet, etc. The heavy snow falls that occurred during the first 8 or 9 years my daughter lived there seem to have become non-existent, for now at least. In summer through fall, Halifax can get lashed by the tail-end of hurricanes coming north from the southern US and Mexico. Most times, they have been down-graded to Tropical Storm, which means torrential rain and wind like you haven't seen before! About every 2 or 3 years, they still have hurricane status, level 1 or 2, and much damage can be caused. There have been 3 hurricanes hit Halifax since 1999, plus one "snow" hurricane in February 2004 (5 months after Hurricane Juan had devastated the area) an unusual event that did tremendous damage. In essence, summers are now generally becoming hot and humid, while winters are wet, lots of icy rain, and very icy street, with snow occasionally. Currently, this summer is incredibly wet! Mind you, every province has weather that you will never have experienced. Do you want hot summers (30-40C) and cold winters (below -20C), or milder temperatures with humidity, plus risk of earthquakes or hurricanes. Remember though, that Canada is used to these extremes, people know how to live and work in all but the most extreme for that area, houses are centrally heated and mostly airconditioned, except on the coasts (new houses are an exception). Streets, major and minor, are quickly and efficiently cleared after snow fall, everywhere but the West Coast and Vancouver Island. Halifax and other centres even have little Bobcats that can clear sidewalks and lanes. Places like Montreal and Toronto have "underground cities" ........ malls below ground joined by walkways that also have entrances in to major office buildings and are intended for use either by shoppers or people just wanting to move around the downtown areas without having to go outside. Natural events that seem to bother people not used to them, or not expecting them, are the very long winters and short summers across vast areas of Canada. Spring may not come until May, the traditional planting time for farmers in the Prairie provinces is May 24th, as that is considered the time when no overnight frosts are expected (a fallacy!!). Summer can end and winter weather start as early as late September. Thus you're looking at possibly 8 months of winter and 4 months of summer. The exceptions to that are on both coasts, with the West Coast being considered the Banana Belt, the southern end of Vancouver Island has the mildest weather. Halifax's seasons are between Vancouver's and the Prairies. My daughter reckons that spring begins in April to early May, and camping comes to an end at Thanksgiving (October 11) at the latest., with the garden finished before that. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by scilly
(Post 13036609)
..Natural events that seem to bother people not used to them, or not expecting them, are the very long winters and short summers across vast areas of Canada. Spring may not come until May...
It's worth remembering that although you may see some snowflakes in 6 months of the year that's not the same as being buried in it for 6 months of the year. We're one of the more snowy places but we've had green Christmases for something like 3 of the last 4 years, the pre-christmas snowfall having been so small it melted away on it's own. We have a guy clear our snow and my list of when needed last winter shows 18 December for the first one and the last one on 23 Feb. The previous winter, first one was on 31 Dec and the last one 2 March. Of course there's still snow around beyond that but it's generally where it's been 'put' as a result of the cleared roads and sidewalks. Buried might apply if your home is surrounded by fields and your neighbours are a tractor ride away. Luckily there are things called cities east of Toronto. :lol: Small cities but cities nonetheless with normal city activities available. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by BristolUK
(Post 13036656)
Buried might apply if your home is surrounded by fields and your neighbours are a tractor ride away. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
OP think outside of the box and go for the centre of Canada. You will be equal distance to the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean although not too many prefer the Arctic Ocean. You would be about 15 hours from any mountains (not hills). Think Winnipeg.
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Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 13036688)
OP think outside of the box and go for the centre of Canada. You will be equal distance to the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean although not too many prefer the Arctic Ocean. You would be about 15 hours from any mountains (not hills). Think Winnipeg.
..................... and go and stand at Portage and Main??????????? :rofl: |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Anyone mentioned the insects yet?????
I'm not trying to deter the OP, but these are all things that are realities in daily life across Canada. |
Re: Where to live? Thoughts?
Originally Posted by scilly
(Post 13036726)
..................... and go and stand at Portage and Main??????????? :rofl:
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