Winnipeg, Canada Report of what it's like to live there - 08/17/13
Personal Experiences from Winnipeg, Canada
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
We've lived in Manila and Tokyo.
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?
We usually visit family in Pennsylvania and Florida. We drive to Grand Forks or Fargo in North Dakota (across the border, about 2-4 hours drive). From there, flights to Pennsylvania through Minneapolis will take around 4 hours, and flights to Orlando will take about the same. There are cheap tickets and that's helped a lot for a family of 4.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. State Department.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We find our own housing here. We've had a great real estate agent who showed us several options, and were able to find investors we could rent from. Everything is 20 minutes away from where we live. We live in a nice suburban home, with a spacious backyard.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I feel like everything costs more in Canada. The provincial government has monopoly over alcohol and dairy products. We usually shop in North Dakota for non-perishable items. Everything is available here though - fresh fruits, meat. The only downside is the seafood. We have access to lobster, clams, mussels and fish, but not always fresh.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None, everything is available here
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Almost all chains of fast food in the U.S. are available here, except Krispy Cream! So many decent restaurants, we were pleasantly surprised at the gourmet food scene here. Lots of great chefs from Winnipeg. Reasonably priced.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
As far as we've heard, mosquitoes were a problem before, but the city has had it in control. They're everywhere in the summer if you are out in the woods, or in provincial parks. But so far, not that bad.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Just like living in the U.S. except your mail box is in one area in your neighborhood, and it's hard to accept packages because you'd have to go to your nearest post office to pick up a big package.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Not cheap, again, just like it would cost in the U.S.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, they are everywhere. There is a gym in the office building where the consulate is.
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?
Everybody uses the Debit card here, but you can use credit cards everywhere, and ATMs are everywhere as well.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Widely available, all denominations
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Widely available.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
They speak English here. There is one area of the city where people speak French, but that's about it. Everything here though - signs, labels, etc, are in English and in French.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
As far as I've seen, there is access to people with physical disabilities everywhere.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
No local trains, but buses and taxis are safe and affordable.
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?
You'd drive like you were in the U.S.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Just like in the U.S.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Just like the U.S
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?
Yes.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business attire. Winnipegers are pretty laid back so you could get away with wearing jeans and a sports jacket even in upscale restaurants.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just don't go to specific neighborhoods at night near downtown and you'll be fine.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent and free. Only concern is you'd have to wait to get an ultrasound, or other tests scheduled.
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?
Good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Oh, well. Our first winter here was not so bad, as we only had -40C weather for about a week. But last winter was pretty brutal. We probably had a month or so where the temperature never went above -27 C. And the winter could last for a very long time. We still had snow in April.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
My kids are still very little, but so far, we've put them in nursery schools and we've been very happy.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I have no experience, but as far as I've seen, there are a lot of accommodations 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?
Yes, and there are a lot of home daycare services as well. We found a nanny who has a car and can pretty much watch our kids if we need to go to events here.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes. Tons for every age group.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is only one other consulate in Winnipeg, and that is Iceland. There are honorary consuls for different countries, but most of them have lived in Winnipeg for many, many years. We meet almost every month. A lot of the people in Winnipeg were born and raised here, and are never leaving.
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?
We were surprised at the amount of cultural stuff you could do here. Performing arts, live theater, symphony orchestra, art gallery, ballet, live concerts, pubs, discos, etc.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes, a very good city for families. I would imagine for singles and couples too.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. Gay marriage is legal here.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Haven't experienced any.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The friendliness of the people, very comfortable living, like living in the U.S. Free medical care.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
So many things to do around the city and outside the city. In the summer, there are a lot of splash pads, outdoor and indoor pool facilities. Camping in provincial parks is awesome, and people really take advantage of the short summer. Lots of playgrounds, children's museum, parks. We canoe across the street from our house as we have a nearby lake.
In the winter, there are a lot of festivals, winter sports activities. Our nearby lake becomes a place to ice skate and go sledding.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
A nice parka or a hat.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is Canada - so we get all the perks of living in the U.S. as well.
11. Can you save money?
If you don't eat out a lot and budget your grocery money well, you should be okay.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
2. But don't forget your:
Winter clothing - everything from top to bottom. It is a must.
