hey T-R many many thanks for your efforts. i have been checking out heaps of property and employment websites but there is nothing better than getting info from a local.
i feel this is all a bit premature to be looking into such things, as the immigration authority are still assessing my medical results and so i am a few months from being given a green light (assuming all to be well); but i am a cautious fella and so it is good to be forewarned i think.
thanks especially for the fotos of little italy. i have read that during the 1970s, the italocentric aspect dwindled and now the areas around Commercial Drive are more diverse. diversity is no stress for someone who's lived in London for the past 12 years tho.
the fotos will do much to suggest to my missus that vancouver isn't entirely filled with cloudy, rainy days.... in fact, it seems that you get as much drizzle as we do in the UK except that when summer arrives, it is actually warm and sunny!
i will be searching out those construction company names which you kindly listed and seeing if they have recruitment opportunities. i had figured i would want to get a job secured before i left to get over there permanently; but if the worker shortage is such that finding at least something quickly is assurred, such cautious steps might not be necessary? i have no skills beyond the office to speak of, but i can lift and carry and learn fast..... so if i have to make like a mexican and petition for site work on street corners for a few months.... well so be it!
property prices with that many zeroes seem scarey... but when you consider that UK prices are identical, but in pounds sterling, you realise that BC real estate is effectively half price for me! i just hope that salaries aren't half too! (of course they will be!
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cheers mate!