!!!!! OTTAWA AS CITY TO LAND GROUP GET TOGETHER HERE !!!!!

[aljarreau]

Hi     @ all

I intend to land in Ottawa. So Iam beginning this thread to collect the experiences for those who allready are in Ottawa or are intend to land there like me
Please share your experiences, observations whether there are negative or positive to prepare us to land in this city. First of all the jobs market can be described.

i have heard in Ottawa there are no jobs for new immigrants due of lot of government jobs which required security clearance that the new comers don't have yet. The question is now how are new comers doing regarding the job offers? It's perhaps wiser to land in another town, stay there for a while in order to have security clearance for Canada and then move to Ottawa definitely?

[Baloo]

Just a brief response, I will post more comments later.

I am based on the western side of Ottawa, it is a great city, lots of variety, a wide range of things to do, a good place to be.

There is a wide variety of shopping outlets spread throughout the "city" in shopping malls.
Downtown is generally busy, but the city is quieter as you move away from the core.

Transport (OC Transpo bus network) is quite good and inexpensive (just my personal opinion based on a lot of travel).
The bus service runs quite well in the winter, even if the snow is bad. The streets get cleared of snow, which not the case in all locations of Canada.
There is a Transit way that allows the bus to make the journey easier than being stuck in traffic.
It is not perfect, but in general it works.

Ottawa airport is a much more friendly place when compared to Toronto (personal experience) It has the feel of a smaller regional airport.
Travel to and from the airport - The 97X bus service will get you to the downtown area, you have to have the correct change ($3.25 when I last used it) or a ticket to use the bus.
Tickets can be purchased at the ground level area, at the help desk. Keep the white paper slip that is issued on the bus, it allows you to make changes (transfers) without paying a second fee.
There is a time limit on the white slip.

You can get a taxi from the airport to downtown, but it is fairly expensive.
There is no train service at the airport. But there is the "O train" service that runs roughly North-South through the city.

The security issue is not one that can easily be "waited out", many government jobs require the employee to be a citizen.
But in some cases if you have a specific skill that matches the requirements closely then you may be offered the position.

There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in Ottawa and the surrounding area.

If you need to be de-stressed take a walk along the Ottawa river, very nice.

[tarakrs]

It is very peaceful city but quiet chilled in winter.... Not too far from cities like Montreal and Toronto.... Close to US border..... Not very good for youngsters as it is the hub of government offices and very dull nights compare to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal

[aljarreau]

anyone else?

[aljarreau]

Iam surprise to realize that few people are interested in Ottawa as city to land. It's quite a sign that this city not offers a lot of job opportunities to the new immigrants. I will think twice before I land in Ottawa. perhaps I will choose new foundland or nunawut  

[indira_prab]

Iam surprise to realize that few people are interested in Ottawa as city to land. It's quite a sign that this city not offers a lot of job opportunities to the new immigrants. I will think twice before I land in Ottawa. perhaps I will choose new foundland or nunawut  

Ottawa is definitely on our list, even if it is not to land, to settle

Thanks,

Indira Prabhakaran.

[AZBUTT]

Well, i m waiting my PPR after Medicals. After Visas, I along with my family plan to land and reside in OTTAWA.Can any member, please tell how much is cost of living in OTTAWA, approximately, for a family of 4. e.g;

1.One room Basement Apartment=?
2.Utility bills and transport=?
3.Transportation?
4.Fooding/Kitchen?
5.Laundry=?
etc.

Your comments are awaited and appreciated.
Thanks

[Baloo]

Hmm, a basement for four..... may be a bit tight.

Rentals, try here http://ottawa.rentershotline.ca/rent/basement%20apartment/
Three bedroom house in the west about $1200 including heating and water.

Utility bills, it depends on the season and what you use to cook and heat. Some places only have electrical heating (electricity is called "Hydro").
I am an energy efficiency person - two of us in the house - about $160 - $200 every two months.

Transport, again it depends where you are.
There is a good bus service in many areas, http://www.octranspo1.com/
You can buy tickets a pass or pay cash - Prices are here http://www.octranspo1.com/tickets-and-passes

Food, err, it depends...
Food stores and or their flyers...
http://www.metro.ca/en/on/flyer.html?idFlyer=783&flyerPage=0
http://www.loblaws.ca/LCLOnline/flyers_landing_page.jsp
http://www.foodbasics.com/content/home/default.asp
http://www.farmboy.ca/index.php?action=specials.home
http://www.costco.ca/Common/Category.aspx?whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000&eCat=BCCA|20418&N=4009534&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&cat=20418&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&topnav=

There are loads of shops...


Laundry, less than $1 a load, I put it in the machine, and then dry it
I don't use a service, so no idea on that.

[AZBUTT]

Thanks, your post will definitely help.

[Imanova]

Hi,

I am so happy to read this thread.
Me too, I saw that people are not interested in Ottawa.

But, I am going to settle there. My only one guide is my intuition, my feeling !!

I do not know. Something tells me that life is good there. Why ? probably because it is the federal Capital ??

Any way, I am interested in two things first in governmental or diplomatic missions then in the University of Ottawa. Another point I forget, editions houses ??

Any ideas ?

My point is to settle there but if I find out myself that opportunities are not available over there, then I will change destination after getting this canadian experience.

Where to go, what to do is a very personnal question(s) just follow your plan all the plan that you have drawn when you first applied for your immigration to Canada.

Have a nice day !