Canada - British Expat Forum

Hi all,

I would be grateful if anyone with experience of Prince Edward Island could share their thoughs, both positive and negative welcome.

The obvious problem would appear to be employment (lack of) but would be interested to hear comments regarding education, recreation, best areas etc etc

Thanks in advance

Alison

As you mention the employment is mainly seasonal and difficult to get. A lot of the islanders seem to work over the summer and go on EI (dole) for the winter. Education university wise is good, the university in Charlottetown is well known for its Veterinary program, it also has some good programs in arts and sciences. General schooling is much the same as the rest of Canada. Recreation is great in the summer and not always the best in the winter, winter's there can be vicious with the snow lasting until April and starting again in November. A fair number of people go off-island for the winter (Florida is nice). The best areas depend on what you want and where you work, Charlottetown is the big city, Summerland is smaller but has most things available, there are remote parts of the island as well if you want to get away from it all. Good points are that the crime rate is very low, even the drugs are a bit less than the rest of Canada although drinking is one of the main pastimes especially in the winter. Shopping is fair, a little more expensive due to the distance to truck it in. Hospital care is very good there.
There is a good amount of federal government money coming onto the island, there are a few government departments there. It is the birthplace of the Canadian confederation and home of Anne of Green Gables, the main crops are potatoes and sunflowers (seeds and oil).
Hope that helps.
Graeme

Thanks very much Graeme, your reply has certainly helped!

I lived on PEI for a number of years, It is very cheap property wise you get ALOT for your money. Its hot in summer (lots of mosquito's though) and lovely and snowy in winter. The beaches are stunning. Charlottetown is quite cosmopolitan for such a small place (lots of Cafes and arty things going on), and it doesn't feel like hicksville!!! Other parts of PEI do feel like they are inhabited by rednecks, but i guess you get that everywhere. Summerside is a little boring for me, but I really love Kensignton and cavendish areas. It really depends on what your looking for. The island has a lot of artistic types and i think its a really good place to set up the right business as people there are a little behind the rest of Canada (i like this about PEI)
The schools are all generally good and i feel i got a much rounder education than in the Uk (did GCSE, here and then grade 12 in Canada).
I feel the opportunities available there are wide and varied. Like the previous author said alot of the work is seasonal, but it just adds to the slow paced, lifestyle of the island. It reminds me a little of cornwall, but without the hoards of tourists in Summer.
Hope that helps.

P.S As a teenager in Canada we could drive at 16 had wonderful beach parties, camping trips, and all in all we were a very responsible bunch. I don't remember there being a full on yob culture.

Hi Alicat

I was speaking to you on this site a while ago about moving to Kings County in NS. (i don't know if you remember?) Anyway we have now decided on PEI. We are off to buy a house in September so I will let you know a little more when I get back.

Pressie

Hi Pressie,

Yes, I certainly do remember talking to you about Kings County in NS. We are still trying to decide between Kings County or Lunenburg County in NS or PEI.

We had our medicals about three weeks ago now and are just waiting for our passport requests (I'm glad everthing worked out for you, I followed your story on here!).

We didn't put our house on the market until we received our medical requests so we are not able to buy a house in Canada just yet.

Please do let me know how you get on later in the year, I would be really grateful to hear your opinion on areas etc, good luck!

Alison

Alicat - Best keep the general chat info to the socialising board.

We had our medicals about three weeks ago now and are just waiting for our passport requests (I'm glad everthing worked out for you, I followed your story on here!).

We didn't put our house on the market until we received our medical requests so we are not able to buy a house in Canada just yet.

I would have split that section and moved it to socialising but am not sure on how to split with in a post yet.

Alicat

As promised, please find below my feelings on PEI:

Been, Loved it......Bought a house!!!

If you are looking for a relaxed, laid back environment then this is for you.

You or your partner/husband will have to take a pay cut, they do not pay well on the island in comparison to NS or NB.

Everything is well within reach but do not buy a home in a very rural area, we looked at one that we loved but found out that were without heat or electric for over a week last winter because services couldn't get to them. This might be OK for some but not for me with two toddlers.

We found the people lovely and soooooooooo polite.

If you want to know more let me know.

Melanie

Hi Melanie,

Thanks for the reply, great to hear that you loved PEI!!!

Interesting to note the possible winter situation in the very rural areas, can you recall which area this was?

We have been looking on the net ourselves at real estate and have seen some very nice houses at wonderful prices so hoping to mortgage free, which should help with the low salary situation.

Which area did you settle on? Did you feel that the island has everything that you will need?

Our house has now sold so we hope to be over in Canada by early/mid November so I don't have much time to make my final decision between NS and PEI

Thanks again

Alison