Moving from Ottawa to Winnipeg

Trusted Partners and Accreditations

Cassidy’s is a long standing and respected member of the moving industry. We strive to uphold the very best in service, standards, and care no matter how far you’re moving.

We are members of and/or accredited by the following organizations:

• Better Business Bureau
• United Van Lines
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Association of Movers
• Air Miles

Pros & Cons of Moving to Winnipeg

Pros of Living in Winnipeg

Affordable living

Winnipeg, Manitoba remains one of the most affordable major cities in Canada to buy a home. Both renting and buying properties tend to be more budget-friendly, allowing for more spacious living options without breaking the bank.

In fact, the overall cost of living in Winnipeg is relatively low. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are more affordable, making it easier to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Lower living costs mean that you can potentially save more money, invest in other areas such as education or travel, and enjoy a higher quality of life without financial strain.

Great education system

Winnipeg boasts a variety of high-quality public and private schools, providing excellent education options for families. The city is home to several respected post-secondary institutions, including the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, and Red River College.

Cultural diversity

Winnipeg is one of Canada’s most culturally diverse cities, with a vibrant mix of ethnic communities. This diversity enriches the city’s cultural landscape and fosters an inclusive atmosphere. 

Indigenous and Francophone experiences are cornerstones of Manitoba’s story, and these cultures are represented in all sorts of museums, galleries, and performances—for example, the Agowiidiwinan Centre, the the Museum for Human Rights, the Centre culturel franco-manitobain, and the cre8ery.

Winnipeg also hosts plenty of cultural festivals throughout the year, such as Folklorama, which celebrates the multicultural heritage of Winnipeg’s residents. 

Healthcare

Winnipeg has several well-equipped hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers. Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital are two of the major healthcare institutions providing top-notch care.

Healthcare services in Winnipeg are generally accessible, with efforts made to reduce wait times and improve patient care, although like many places in Canada, there can still be challenges in certain specialties.

Growing job market

The job market in Winnipeg has been growing steadily, with increasing opportunities in emerging industries such as technology and renewable energy. Winnipeg has a diverse economy, with strong sectors in finance, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and information technology. This economic diversity provides stability and a wide range of job opportunities for the population.

The city encourages entrepreneurship with various programs and resources available for startups and small businesses. Organizations like the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and North Forge Technology Exchange offer support and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Public transportation

Winnipeg Transit operates an extensive bus network that covers the entire city, making it relatively easy for you to commute to work, school, and other activities. There are plans for further developments in public transportation, including potential rapid transit expansions, which will enhance the convenience and efficiency of getting around the city.

Outdoor activities

Winnipeg is home to numerous parks and green spaces, such as Assiniboine Park, Kildonan Park, and St. Vital Park. These areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like picnicking, walking, and cycling.

The city’s location at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers offers beautiful river trails for walking, running, and biking. In winter, the rivers freeze over, creating beautiful skating paths and areas. Winnipeg’s proximity to natural areas like the Whiteshell Provincial Park and Lake Winnipeg allows residents to easily escape the city for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor adventures.

Sports, festivals and events

Winnipeg has a passionate sports culture, home to professional teams like the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL). Aside from the major leagues, there are plenty of other sports teams too, like the Winnipeg Roller Derby League, University of Manitoba football team Manitoba Bisons.

The city is home to tons of festivals throughout the year, including the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, and Winnipeg Jazz Festival. There are also a variety of community events, markets, and fairs that bring people together and celebrate the local culture. 

Cons of Living in Winnipeg

While Winnipeg has many advantages, there might be some challenges that can affect the overall living experience, and they should be considered if you’re thinking about a move to the city.

Tough weather

Winnipeg is known for its long, extremely cold winters, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing and significant snowfall. The harsh winter conditions can make daily life challenging, particularly for those not accustomed to severe cold.

Winnipeg also has hot summers that can sometimes feel oppressive due to humidity, and the transition between seasons can be abrupt and intense. However, if you’re moving from Ottawa to Winnipeg, you’ll already be quite familiar with the seasonal changes of Canada.

Limited job opportunities in certain fields

While Winnipeg has a diverse economy, certain specialized fields may have limited job opportunities. For example, highly specialized tech jobs or certain niche industries might not be as prevalent as in larger metropolitan areas like Toronto or Vancouver. If you’re coming from Ottawa as a government worker, you might also find less opportunities in that field in Winnipeg.

Transportation challenges

Despite having a comprehensive bus network, Winnipeg’s public transit system can be less efficient and slower compared to those in larger cities. The infrequency of buses and limited routes during off-peak hours can be inconvenient.

Like any major city, certain areas will experience traffic congestion during rush hours. The road infrastructure sometimes struggles to handle the volume of vehicles, leading to delays, and the short summer season means a large volume of construction projects going on at once.

Crime rates

Winnipeg has higher crime rates in certain neighborhoods, which can be a concern for residents in and nearby those areas. Like any big city, there are more property crimes and incidents of violence than in smaller towns and cities.

The perception of crime might impact your overall feeling of safety, and could influence your choice of neighborhoods and lifestyle. While the city has initiatives to reduce crime and enhance public safety, these challenges remain a notable concern for many residents.

Limited nightlife

Compared to larger cities, Winnipeg has a more limited nightlife scene. There are fewer clubs, bars, and late-night entertainment venues, which can be a drawback for those who enjoy an active nightlife. While there are cultural events and festivals, the frequency and variety may not match the vibrancy of nightlife in cities like Ottawa or Toronto.

Poor public infrastructure

Winnipeg’s roads can be in poor condition, with issues such as potholes and cracks being common. The freeze-thaw cycle in winter exacerbates these problems, leading to frequent repairs and maintenance. Some of the city’s infrastructure, including public buildings and facilities, is aging and in need of upgrades. This can impact the quality and reliability of public services. While there are efforts to invest in and improve infrastructure, progress can be slow.