Newbie to BC: a request for help.

[Fiendish Thingy]

We will be relocating to BC, probably Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows/TriCities area by the end of summer.

For some background on the reasons why, and our journey so far, see my DU2 journal post of 1-16-10 here:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Fiendish%20Thingy/73


I an writing to request help from BC DU'ers in our settling process. If the group members don't mind, I would like to post a series (not all at once) of separate requests for advice on various topics, from cell phone carriers and ISP's to neighborhoods, insurance, etc. I thought separating topics would help me screen information easier, rather than a random free-for-all. Hopefully, my posts won't distract too much from the serious political discussions and news updates posted here.

I'm doing my own research on my options of course, but wanted to hear from like minded DU'ers about their own personal experiences and preferences.

So, to start things off on a lighter note, can anyone recommend a good doughnut/coffee shop in the Maple Ridge/Tricities area that isn't Tim Horton's/Starbucks, and a good natural foods store in the same area that isn't Whole Foods?

I'll post more meaningful requests in the near future.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[TrogL]

1. I'm in Alberta but can tell you some stuff

Telus is the best all-round communications company for phone/ISP/wireless. Avoid Shaw like the plague. Bell has billing issues.

I'm using Rogers for my iPad and it isn't too bad if you can get the right person on the phone, which can be tricky. Last call it took me 7 people to get somebody competent.

Second Cup has good coffee, but I hate Starbucks (and Seattle's best which is the same company) and don't mind Tim Horton's.

TD is a good bet for insurance and banking in general. I used to work for them.

[southernyankeebelle]

2. Oh I love Alberta. In fact I love Canada and the people. Very friendly. We didn't stay

long. It reminded me so much of europe. I wouldn't mind living there.

[tuvor]

3. I lived in Vancouver for nine years

That was almost a decade ago, but I'm still in BC. If I think I have some useful into to offer, I'll be glad to do so.

Good luck and welcome!

[Tindalos]

4. Welcome to the neighbourhood.

I live in Vancouver and know MR/PM/TriCities fairly well. Feel free to ask me any questions.

Phones: Short answer is they all suck, pretty much. I use Mobilicity, which is cheap but doesn't have a lot of coverage. Avoid Rogers. Telus isn't much better, based on comments from friends.

Coffee: Pick a place. You're moving close enough to Vancouver that good coffee is a necessity.

Natural Foods: There used to be a Roots natural food store in MR, not sure how their prices are. There's also weekly farmers' markets in MR and PM, and probably in other places too.

[Fiendish Thingy]

5. Thanks everyone!

New topic specific threads coming soon!