Q: I will be moving to Winnipeg very soon. It all started with a very good job opportunity. Right now I live in Brantford ( armpit of Canada ), Ont. I have heard nothing but negative about Winnipeg ( hell hole of Canada, cold winter, hot summers+mosquitos, crimes, poverty, boring, un-friendly people, hi-tax, etc etc ) To be honest with you I am kind of worried ( better to say scared...). Tell me the truth , plz.
A: It's really unfortunate that all people do is "bash" Winnipeg. Of course there are many negative aspects to Winnipeg, as there are for all cities. We do not have high taxes, I don't know where that came from. We have a lot of auto-theft but as in any city, you learn where the problem area's are. Our north end can be a rough, it's a tougher end of the city and I think that is where a lot of our negative stigma comes from. Yes, we have cold winters, dress for 'em and your fine. Yes, our summers are hot, it's called an air conditioner, it helps! ;) The last two summers have been almost mosquito free, considering where you live in Manitoba. Poverty? Montreal was once named the "Poverty Capital of Canada" with Vancover and Toronto not far behind it and really that wasn't all that long ago. It's true that there is poverty here but for reasons that are not just unique to Winnipeg. And un-friendly people? Sure, you'll meet some here! But we also have some really great and friendly people here too. I think people like to pick on Winnipeg because it is very different from other Canadain cities, it's somewhat isolated and for our harsh climate. We are the gate-way to the West. Our city has cleaned up, has some wonderful cultural events and sites to see. We also have some of the best restaurants in Canada with so many different ethnic groups that cater to us. Corydon Avenue is a treat in the summer, as Osborne Village can be. We have a wonderful Zoo, ballet, theaters, Rainbow Stage, the Forks and wonderful talent in our population. Try not to let everyones sour taste about Winnipeg get in your head. I've travelled all of Canada and the U.S and Winnipeg is unique and can be beautiful. Don't be scared!