Yet Another Moving-To-Vancouver Question

December 1, 2008 11:12 AM

I'm thinking of moving from Ottawa to Vancouver. How would you compare these cities in terms of: a) their green-tech/environmental and software/high-tech sectors; b) the nightlife, specifically live music and indie/foreign films? (More inside)

This previous Toronto vs Vancouver question had some great responses. Ottawa's a lot quieter than Toronto though, and I wondered if Vancouver would have more music/film/etc going on than Ottawa? Do major acts skip Vancouver (or the West Coast) the way they skip Ottawa? Vancouver has more of a film industry -- is that reflected in more independent cinemas / film festivals?

Secondly: I am interested in exploring green tech, especially related to energy and transportation. BC has a reputation for being forward-thinking in terms of energy and the environment. Does there seem to be a lot of business/industry activity in this area in Vancouver? What about environmental consulting? I'm also interested in software jobs, of which there seem to be enough in Vancouver. How would people compare the *sorts* of software jobs there are in Vancouver and Ottawa? One comparison I've heard, for instance, is that Ottawa is more about hardware and government, and Vancouver is more about videogames, the arts, and web 2.0.

Any other comparisons between Vancouver and Ottawa would be welcome, especially from people who have lived in both.

(I looked at this previous question on moving from Ottawa to Vancouver, but I'm less interested in the logistics of moving and specific neighbourhoods. Apologies if this seems too close to the above-mentioned previous questions.)

posted by blue grama to work & money (7 comments total)

I've heard, for instance, is that Ottawa is more about hardware and government, and Vancouver is more about videogames, the arts, and web 2.0.

I don't have data but my experience is that this is true. Vancouver has the Emily Carr University and a lot of other design/art schools which is sort of why web 2.0 and videogames have sprung up there but it's become a self-reinforcing thing. Design schools bring design jobs which encourage people to open design schools, etc. Outside of that I think Vancouver is a bit dry for straight-up software work, although lately it seems like there's less and less of that in Canada in general but Vancouver is as strong as anywhere in that respect. TechVibes has some news and job listings for the Vancouver high-tech scene.
posted by GuyZero at 11:35 AM on December 1, 2008

Between the Pacific Cinematheque, the Vancouver International Film Center, a bunch of small film festivals, lots of Asian/Indian film runs, the queer film festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, tons of films open to the public at Emily Carr/SFU/UBC, and smaller events at bars and media centers, I think Vancouver has you covered on that front. OK, it's not NYC or London. But you pretty much could go to an independent film or event every night of the week.

Indie music, yeah, it still leaves a bit to be desired. What kind of music in particular? If the major acts hit Canada, they're often coming to Vancouver. Check Richards on Richards, and Pollstar to see if the acts you like are coming through.

What do you mean in terms of nightlife in particular? Bars or other activities?

BCTechnology runs news on that sector - maybe scan that for a while to see if it's up your alley.
posted by barnone at 11:47 AM on December 1, 2008

I guess by nightlife I mean, are there still people around downtown (or elsewhere) after supper? Sometimes it's nice to hang out in a coffee shop until late; but here in Ottawa, late means 9 or 10pm. Quiet pubs and lounges are also good, and I gather that Vancouver has those.

The film scene sounds dangerously good -- thanks for the info.
posted by blue grama at 12:13 PM on December 1, 2008

Yeah, Vancouver has maybe ten arthouse screens and Ottawa -- as of this morning -- has one. (However, it seems the Mayfair will be reopening under a new owner in a month).

Major acts, if they hit only one place in Canada, will typically visit either Toronto or Vancouver. If they hit two, it will almost aways be those.

And I have lived in both: the weather is obviously milder in Van than in Ottawa, but the perpetual overcast for seemingly the entire winter can get a bit dreary. I enjoyed my time there, but I do not pine for it. Curiously, whenever I ask people in Vancouver why they like it so much, they almost always speak to me of the mountains and the ocean and the admittedly beautiful interior of BC and the the easy access to Seattle and the west coast of the USA. In other words, they tell me how easy it is to leave Vancouver. I find this is not indicative of a thriving urban life.

But you will find a lot more people out and about after 9 pm in Vancouver.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 12:28 PM on December 1, 2008

I went to school in Vancouver and currently live in Ottawa.

In my opinion, Vancouver is much more cosmopolitan than Ottawa: night life, restaurants and an arts scene, though Ottawa is much improved over 20 years ago. Vancouver has a small but functioning 24-hour activity, Ottawa still rolls up early. Neither is diverse as Toronto or Montreal.

Bands seemed to hit Vancouver more often Ottawa. Still, we'd often go down to Seattle for gigs (3 hour trip). In Ottawa, you can go to Montreal (2 hours).

Both are excellent for outdoor sports. Ottawa has the edge on winter sports, Vancouver has better water activities and trails, and of course, downhill skiing.

What about environmental consulting?

Neither are hotspots: southern Ontario and Alberta are the places to be for both. Ottawa has an edge because of the Federal government. Environmental consulting in BC often means mining or forestry-related work. There's a little bit of oil and gas work, but the field is small. There are a couple of NGO's in Vancouver too, though most are branch offices.
posted by bonehead at 12:31 PM on December 1, 2008

I live in downtown Vancouver. So do 80,000 other people. This is very much a live, work and play area. You will find 24-hour places, such as at least one grocery store, at least one pharmacy (Shoppers) and several coffee shops. You can definitely find lots of places open after midnight and many Shoppers Drug Marts and other places are open till midnight. If you go shopping on Robson, lots of stores are open till 9 or 10 pm, depending on the day of week and what the weather is like. There are people out on the streets at all hours. (That being said, I do sometimes take a cab when it's dark, since a mom I know was jumped in the very populous West End. People on the street are not necessarily with you every step of the way.)
posted by acoutu at 2:35 PM on December 1, 2008

There are lots of people out and about in Vancouver after 9pm. It's one of the more happening live/work downtown areas I've ever lived in. Commercial Drive, Main St., Denmen, Davie, Yaletown, Gastown (more and more), etc.
posted by barnone at 3:17 PM on December 1, 2008