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| Subject: Is anyone in Ottawa? |
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We are narrowing down our decision of where to relocate to a few key cities/areas, and Ottawa is high on our list. We love the location, the access to great wilderness areas, and the winters (yes, we know what we are getting into!). Plus, it is affordable and outdoorsy and seems to fit our casual lifestyle.
One particular concern for us is the importance of French in daily life. Can anyone familiar with the Ottawa area, preferably someone living there, clue us in on whether total fluency is a prerequisite to finding employment (my husband is in energy/project management, and I´m looking to open a business in the next few years)?
Also, does anyone know what a security clearance is, and whether it is accessible for a new PR? Many positions that my husband has looked at deal with the government, and therefore require security clearances. Any details would be appreciated.
Thanks to anyone who can help!
[12-11-2007,17:48]
[**.72.65.164]
wannabecanadian |
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(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
Wannabe,
Ottawa area is very nice, no doubt. Very scenic, out of mega city hassles. However, living cost is relative, in that respect it is more expensive than Toronto area, upto you.
Professional oppurtunities aren´t that much. Mostly related with Fed. Govt.
French is a huge plus there, as some part of the city is within Quebec (Hull area).
Can´t tell about secutiy clearance precisely, looks like it is better to be Canadian citizen.
[12-11-2007,18:56]
[***.254.208.242]
Departed_Canadian |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
I lived in Ottawa for 6.5 years.. Unless you are going to be working in govt. offices, you do not need to know French. I would say more than half the population in Ottawa is not fluent in French. If you really want to learn it once you are here, there are free classes available for new immigrants..
I think security clearance is like a background check.. All new employees in govt. offices are required to get it done. It is very simple as far as I know. But you might want to make sure what all is required for it.
I love Ottawa but it took a while to start loving it.. Best time is summer although it is very short.. If you´re prepared for days when it becomes -40 C then you´ll love it!
[12-11-2007,19:29]
[**.207.236.171]
Soni |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
For Federal Govt. jobs, citizens are most likely.
About temperature, I think almost all Canada except BC is something similar, may be worse.
[12-11-2007,19:49]
[***.254.208.242]
Departed_Canadian |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
DC, what happened to your reliance on stats?
http://www.livingin-canada.com/climate-ottawa.html
http://www.livingin-canada.com/climate-winnipeg.html
http://www.livingin-canada.com/climate-toronto.html
http://www.livingin-canada.com/climate-montreal.html
http://www.livingin-canada.com/climate-halifax.html
http://www.livingin-canada.com/climate-vancouver.html
[12-11-2007,20:26]
[***.121.220.199]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
Thanks DC and Soni. Great to hear about available classes; my husband took French all through University, but has lost most of it, and it would all be new to me. Plus, the local dialect is crazy different than the Parisian French he learned in school.
We lived for many years in Minnesota, which has winters much like Winnipeg, so I think we are prepared for the cold. We love outdoor sports, which in my experience is one of the best ways to deal with long winters.
Thanks again for any advice on the capital city!
[12-11-2007,20:34]
[**.72.65.164]
wannabecanadian |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
you can go skating on the Ottawa Canal! and there is a pretty good hockey team (which I know makes you happy)
hubby´s french could very well be an asset. As US citizens your clearances would likely come quite easily. Even limited french opens up lots of opportunities when working in a government town.
Think state capitol (Ottawa is no Washington DC - thankfully)
[12-11-2007,20:41]
[***.121.220.199]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
Thanks Sharon! (Yes, having the Sens around would make us happy, and skating on the canal is a definite bonus! :) )Good to hear about the clearances; I doubt they are too difficult to acquire (especially having already gone through CIC clearances), but it sounds daunting.
[12-11-2007,21:40]
[**.72.65.164]
wannabecanadian |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
Wannabe,
We´re taking a look at Ottawa too. We´re especially interested in housing choices and prices. Also what IT jobs might be available there.
Another item for us (spouse, really) is if there´s any Polish community there. Perhaps from this aspect, Toronto is our only real choice.
Looks like an 8 hour drive fom Toronto, though (not sure if I´m right about this). But we like the fact that train service is available all the way from Chicago.
[12-11-2007,21:42]
[**.47.168.9]
Richard |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
Richard, think about Vancouver and area. I won´t say the Polish community is huge but most definitely here in some capacity.
one of the great things about the wetcoast is that we have 4 seasons. Summers are not too hot, and winters maybe get 5-10 days of snow (in a good year). If it is not raining, Vancouver is outside doing something. Even in the rain we have folks who disregard the weather and carry on. Probably is not cold enough for Wannabe!!!! I can leave my office and be on a ski slope within an hour.
IT - what sort of area in the industry. Saying IT is like saying breakfast cereal!!! Vancouver is absolutly huge in the animation sector. We have MDA that has a fabulous international reputation. (that is where I hope B. will find work).
[12-11-2007,22:00]
[***.121.220.199]
Sharon |
(in reply to: Is anyone in Ottawa?)
I tried to encouarge wannabe about Ottawa, that´s why advised to not to worry much about cold.
Specially after having the comments like "If you?re prepared for days when it becomes -40 C then you?ll love it".
People need to understand something rather than going crazy for nothing.
[12-11-2007,22:16]
[***.254.208.242]
Departed_Canadian |
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