Moving to Ontario: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs

Moving to Ontario certainly came with its ups and downs. Relocating is always a stressful endeavour, but crossing provincial borders adds a unique set of challenges. Let's begin this blog post by recounting my experience of selling my condo in a particularly tough real estate market. In the face of economic uncertainty, inflation, and rising mortgage rates, I consider myself fortunate to have received a good offer for my condo. I attribute this success to my condo's prime location in one of Montreal's most sought-after neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, the sale was not without its share of skepticism and negotiation. The process was certainly demanding, not to mention the effort required for staging the condo and vacating it for showings. However, in the end, all the effort proved to be worth it.

I distinctly remember stumbling upon my dream home online. Last summer, during a visit to my boyfriend in his quaint Ontario town, I arranged with a real estate agent to see the house. Its exterior and interior exuded the charm of a cherished dollhouse my father had crafted for me as a child. I was immediately captivated by its beautiful antique allure, and I knew I had to make it my own. While I did explore other properties in the area, my heart was set on this particular house. That very day, I made an offer, and fortunately, the seller accepted it. As I anxiously awaited the sale of my condo (a condition of my offer), I spent countless sleepless nights.

Bought my dream home! So exciting!

Once I sold my condo, I embarked on the task of packing boxes and leaving only the essentials for moving day. The closing date for my condo was set for September 12, but my new home wouldn't be ready until October 3rd. Fortunately, my boyfriend lives in close proximity to my new home, making it convenient for me to stay with him for a few weeks during the transition.

Another challenge I faced was continuing my studies. I was determined to remain a student at Concordia University, known for its exceptional English Literature and creative writing programs. To do so, I needed to purchase a car for commuting back and forth. Thankfully, I was still within a reasonable distance from Montreal, and my school offers paid parking as well as a shuttle service on campus. The only hiccup was that I had allowed my driver's license to expire for over three years. This meant I had to retake both the practical and driving exams. At the time, I believed I didn't need a driver's license as public transit was readily available in Montreal. I couldn't justify the expenses of owning a car – payments, insurance, gas, and parking fees – when I had a public transit stop just a few steps from my front door. Admittedly, it wasn't my wisest decision, but we learn from our mistakes, don't we? I passed the practical exam but failed the driving exam, as Quebec's standards are quite stringent. Despite the disappointment, I realized that obtaining my license and purchasing a car while juggling school was a daunting task. Therefore, I made the tough decision to defer my classes for this semester and focus on settling into Ontario first. While it was disappointing, this approach allowed me to retake my exam and buy a vehicle on my own terms, without feeling rushed by class schedules. Additionally, given the demands of the move and other commitments, I had only registered for two classes this semester. I hope to catch up by taking additional classes during the spring and summer semesters. Sometimes in life, things don't always go as planned, but sometimes, these unexpected turns lead to blessings in disguise. As Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones sang, "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you'll find what you need." These words hold true in my situation.

Next, I had to make choices regarding my driver's license. Since mine had expired for more than three years, the license bureau advised that reinstating it in Ontario would require starting from scratch, essentially as a new driver. As soon as I was eligible, I rescheduled my driving exam in Quebec for early October, as there was a mandatory 28-day waiting period before retaking the exam. Travelling back and forth between Ontario and Quebec by bus or train proves costly. 

When it came time for my exam, I felt confident, calm, and prepared. As a result, I passed the exam with flying colours and had my driver's license reinstated. I returned home that day with a sense of pride and newfound freedom. With my driver's license in hand and no rush to buy a car immediately, I could take my time to find the perfect vehicle. I had specific criteria: a compact car with excellent fuel economy, equipped with AC, a remote starter, electric windows and seamless Bluetooth connectivity to my smartphone. After careful consideration, I chose the Mitsubishi Mirage as the ideal fit for my needs. I am quite content with my little car!

My new ride!

Overall, leaving my hometown of Montreal, the city I grew up in and lived in all my life was a mix and whirlwind of emotions for me. It meant leaving friends as well as a sense of familiarity. I felt sad and scared at the same time. On the other hand, I felt excited to start fresh, in a beautiful old-fashioned house, in a small town. I look forward to many years in my new home and hopefully in a few short weeks, I will be giving off the ''crazy witch lady of the neighbourhood'' vibes!