Ontario, Canada Report of what it's like to live there - 09/06/10
Personal Experiences from Ontario, Canada
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I also lived in Prague and Vienna.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Home base is Washington, DC.There are direct flights from Ottawa to DC.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Foreign Service
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There is housing for every budget and lifestyle. We live in a condo down town int eh Byward Market. Some people choose to have a row style house in New Edinburgh and others prefer a single family home in the Glebe. The U.S. Embassy doesn't provide housing, so it is up to you where you want to live and what type of housing meets your needs.if you have a car, it is important to make sure you have snow removal in your lease.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries and household supplies are about 30% more expensive in Canada than the U.S.We drive to Ogdensburg, NY when possible to buy milk for $1.50a gallon instead of $5.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most of the fast food places in the states are also available in Canada.the Canadian stores are Tim Hortons (donuts and sandwiches) and Harveys (burgers).
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The Embassy maintains an address in NY that we use for US mail/shipments. The US Postal Service can send mail/packages to Canada but charges a premium for that service.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Lots of people at the embassy have domestic help. Canadian immigration has a special track for domestic servants (mostly from Indonesia) to come to Canada and pursue permanent residency.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Goodlife gym has locations all over Ottawa.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Credit cards and ATMs from the states work here but you will incur an international transaction fee. If you are going to be here for a long time, it is better to t a Canadian credit card (we found PC Financial to be the best company for us.others wanted proof of a Canadian credit history which we didn't have.)
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, all denominations are available.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
The main paper of Canada, the globe and Mail, is available for home delivery or at newspaper stores. You can also have the New York Times, or Financial Times delivered to your house.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Ottawa is a bilingual city, but English is all you need to get around.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The sidewalks are be tough to navigate, especially during he winter when they often become icy. Most buildings are handicap-accessible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. The train cost about the same as Amtrak.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
We have an Acura and have it served in Ottawa without trouble. Local car insurance is very expensive.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We have high speed internet from Rogers and pay about $50 per month for it.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We have the Verizon US/Canada package that treams Canada like a part of the US.It works fine for us, but it is long distance for Canadians to call us and they don't have free long distance in Canada so some people are reluctant to call us.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
It is not as easy as you would think to get jobs on the local economy. Canada has lots of licensing requirements that can be challenging to navigate through.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Canadians are generally less formal than we are. The Embassy is a suit and tie kind of place.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care can be tough. Diplomats aren't eligible for the state run health care. We get out health care in NY.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality is food, there isn't much pollution here.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Winter runs from about October to March. As soon as it warms up, even a little, shops open outdoor seating and people enjoy their meals (in their parkas) on the sidewalk.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There no international school here but there are several good schools that accept expatriate students. Ashbury, Elmwood, and Turnbull are the most popular in the U.S. embassy.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The Ottawa Rec League (OSSC) has organized sport programs for all ages, children to adult.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Ottawa has about 800,000 people. I don't know how many expats there are.
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Pubs are everywhere. Canadians love pubs.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Ottawa is good for families, singles and couples.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Hiking and skiing (nordic and downhill) in the beautiful Gatineau Park.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Soapstone carvings.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
11. Can you save money?
Not really. It's pretty expensive here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Fromemer's Ottawa; "Ottawa: theUnknown City" by Rob McLennan; "Secret Ottawa" by Laura Byrne Paquet
