Originally Posted by Oink

All education whether secular to religious, seeks reproduce and conserve community values, outlooks and perspectives. I'm not sure I'd want to privilege one philosophy over another.

Originally Posted by Siouxie

I wouldn't say that insurance is cheap anywhere, to be honest! However, it would depend where in Hamilton you were, where your vehicle is kept (off road / on road / driveway / secure parking) etc.

As an example, my sons friend age 26 (on an IEC at the time) obtained insurance through TD (who took his driving experience and no claims into consideration). He was residing on Hamilton West Mountain, the vehicle was kept on a private driveway. His annual insurance was, I believe, in the region of $1800.

As an alternative, my sons ex girlfriend was paying more than double that, living in the downtown core; however, she had had 2 accidents and that may have also had an effect. I believe Piffs daughter is living around the East Hamilton/Stoney Creek border and the insurance was quite high, compared to Alberta. (but where isn't, lol)

If you are considering moving to Hamilton, it might be worth your while going to an insurance website and putting in different postal codes to see what the differences are.

Originally Posted by Teaandtoday5

You don't have to be Catholic. Many of my daughter's friends are going, as it is perceived to be 'better' than the public schools. As a bad and neglectful parent I am sending my daughter to the public school. Fortunately her friends will have much time in their school day to pray for her.

Originally Posted by Jsmth321

That's not too bad. Not much over what we pay in BC (1,675) with the maximum claims free discount (43% I believe it is.)

I was curious so I used my old address in Port Hope, and got a quote for $1,187.00/year, which I was surprised, I was expecting a much higher quote.

Originally Posted by Geordie87

Hey guys ,

I thought about this post a million times and couldn't bring myself to admit it, I need friends. Back home in Glasgow I had loads of friends , social events group text chats and I'm really missing it .

So here is my story, I'm a 30 year old gay Scottish lad with a Canadian husband , we lived together for 5 years back in Glasgow before moving to Ottawa , my status is PR. We recently bought a house in arnprior and I work for RBC in the valley . I have been back home twice and and my family come here regularly for holidays but the one thing I can't let go of is I just miss having British mates who know what it's like to grow in the U.K. And have similar interests .

This is a weird post because I'm basically saying "will you be my pal?"

But if anyone feels the same or is nearby and want to see if we hit it off then please reach out . I'm not your stereotypical gay man , guess I'm what you would call "straight acting" but I do love both male and female friends and have always got along with both regardless of sexual orientation.

Geordie \ =D /

I should also mention the reason for these feelings after 3 years , growing up there was a group of 6of us who were the closest friends, done everything together , went through the same life experiences together , started going bar hopping together when we could and generally just very close buddies, this year two died in seperate freak accidents which has caused m to feel further from home than I have ever in the past .

Originally Posted by Shirtback

- both of them.

Also a +1 to "step out of your comfort zone" (paraphrasing: The quote function went wonky).

How long have you lived in Canada/Arnprior? It sounds quite recent?

Some random thoughts:

- it will never be the quite the same as the friends you made as a child/teenager.

- don't restrict yourself to a particular age group when looking for/making new friends. I have made friends aged mid-twenties to mid-eighties, gay, straight, couples, singles, with and without children in Canada. Some are local, some are geographically distant.

- get yourself(ves) out there: go to community events, all of them, even if they sound naff/you're not interested in in whatever activity is the "vehicle" for the event.

- volunteer for a local cause, association etc & persist: I've found myself friends, good friends, with a couple of people who I would NEVER have met nor considered as possible friends if I hadn't pushed into volunteer work.

- join a local club/class for something/anything, even if you don't think it'll interest you! I joined a local line dancing class some years ago, despite 2 left feet & no interest whatsoever in line-dancing, just because I was going out of my mind with boredom and it was the only class that fit my schedule. The line-dancing didn't last long, the friendships have.

Originally Posted by Shakyuk

Sorry for your loss mate.


I think the friends issue is what I'll struggle with, I've worked away before for long periods and it is very isolating to be away from your circle of friends. It can't be easy to makes friend's in the 30's either.


I think looking for like minded expats is a good idea though, I know if I was actually in Canada now and I seen a post like this from someone close by I'd definitely give it a shot.


I've picked up a few friends recently through things like running/walking groups and crossfit. Maybe something like that relational to your interest is a good place to try.


I think those long relationships you had in the UK with friends who you can joke about things that happened 20 years ago are never going to be replaced and while that's sad, it is a sacrifice of emigrating.


I have two friends in Sydney who felt the same as you for awhile, but in the space of a month they went from no friends to a huge group of friends now. I think a lot of it is in a positive attitude and putting yourself out there. Best of luck to you!





I think Oink's reply was more smash the glass and end it

Originally Posted by Siouxie

I hear you! It took me about 5 years or so to make some good friends; though they will never be quite the same as 'me old muckers' back in blighty I've made some lovely ones. It just takes 1 person that you get along with and you will soon meet others of similar ilk.

Would it be too far to go to Ottawa for a meet up once a month or so? Just to get you started? There's a fair few 'meet-up' groups there, including a Brit one.

I agree with Shirtback, you have to put yourself out there and be open to any invites to social occasions, even if they are not your cup of tea - you'll meet others who perhaps you'll connect with.

Best of luck - and if you find yourself needing some Brit humour etc., have a look around other forums on BE as well as the Maple Leaf, there's some good'uns.

Originally Posted by DYOUNG77

I'm moving to Green Valley, ON this year. I'd already looked up the meet up site that Siouxie mentioned and I'm planning on trying it out.
I don't mind the odd small scale social interaction with Canadians but when I'm in a large group of people they are usually all from the same area the conversation always goes to that common ground, you know, clubs they used to go to, tv shows they used to watch as kids, the shitty 80s rock bands that they all seem to love so much.. Where's the 'pretending to blow my brains out' emoji? I know damn well I'm the same with my friends I'd just like to be able to 'chat' and have a laugh with some British people for a change.

Originally Posted by MillieF

Geordie....you might be the reason I move to Ottawa! I'm not thirty, but feel very much the same way...and I am afraid to admit it but some days move to an almost Oinkian point of view I have the dog, but sold the boat!

I've always regretted that I don't live nearer quite a number of posters on BE. I am (certainly feeling older since I've moved here) and am resigned, but you are very much in your 'prime'. I hate to say 'clubs' but what are your interests and passions? Might you find any friends that way? Most of my interests are political, so I have started trawling around council meetings, conferences on medical equity, town planning debates, anything anti Trump and I am meeting new people, who are more broadly like me...It sounds sad...it is! There are women's clubs on weaving and pottery, but they all like God's waiting room. Are you interested in sport?

How does your partner feel? Has he made more friends, or is he happy with what you have now? Are you feeling more sensitive because your friends have recently died?

Very best wishes and good luck