Kitchener Waterloo Area - Need Advice

[Devlin]

Well I just got some incredible news. I am being hired on at RIM (Research In Motion) in Waterloo. I am new to the area and am going to be staying with family in Burlington until my wife is able to move down with me in June. We're originally from North Bay, and I'm going to be commuting back and forth on the weekends. Looking for some advice from people who are familiar with the area.

I am going to be commuting each day between Burlington and Waterloo while I am down there from Mon - Fri. I've been to mapquest and what not but after looking at a detailed map of the area I'm wondering if the following route would be quicker than using the 401.

The route I'm looking at is catching HWY 5 out of Burlington and following it to Peters Corners and then picking up HWY 8 from their into Waterloo, wondering what traffic is like on this route and whether it is a reasonable alternative to the 401. Any input/advice is welcome especially from those living in the area.

Also looking for just general advice about the area, where to buy a house etc...

Not sure what I'll be doing with my reserve career for now I'm going ED&T until I get used to the new job. I think there are some infantry units in the area, but I'm a SVC BN Log O type so we'll have too see what I can do there.

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

Devlin,
I am PM'ing someone who works there [ RIM}to see if he can help.
Wait, over.

 

[gk404]

Taking highway 8 wont save you a whole lot of time but, it will be certainly be a nicer drive.  Also for housing I would recomend Guelph (I live there) it's about a 20 min drive to Waterloo and house prices are reasonable.

Cheers, and congratulations on your new job!

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

GK,
Please show me the reasonable house price here in Guelph, cause I'm still looking for it............ :crybaby:

 

[Devlin]

I spent some time in Guelph while going to school. I liked the city but found it a little pricey when I was there. To give you an idea when I bought my house 3 yrs ago in North Bay with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths plus finished basement (new construction) I paid $127k. I doubt I'm going to find that in the Kitch/Waterloo area. Also considering the outlying areas like Fergus and St. Jacobs. My other challenge is I had to buy a new set of wheels since my wife will need transportation while in North Bay until she moves down in June. We bought a 2006 Honda Civic DX-G 5 speed manual. My wife is fine driving a stick, she's had one all her life. I learned on a stick but that was 15 yrs ago, I would take my other vehicle 2002 Chev Avalanche if I had access to an unlimited fuel supply, I love the truck but it's a bit thirsty for the commute I'm looking at.

So the ol clutch on the Civic will be getting a work out while I reacquaint myself with the manual tranny.

 

[PViddy]

Devlin,

I work in Kitchener and live in Cambridge.   i think the 401 route would probably be the fastest because from Burlington, you can by pass Cambridge by not taking the Peters Corners route.   All the morning 401 traffic is heading towards Toronto, so you should be good there.

I have lived in the KW area since i was a little Viddy.   it's a great place to live.   As for housing prices, i find that the Cambridge and Guelph are quickly turning into another Toronto commuting sub urb.   :rage: so the pices reflect that.   i am unsure which area is cheaper right now.

The RHF of C is the reserve unit in this area.   Their is also an Arty unit in Guelph.   I am prety sure their are some members from both units floating around the board that could better answer your questions regarding a future regimental home for you.

Any other Q's you have about the area, feel free to PM.


cheers

PV

 

[Cloud Cover]

Congrats Devlin. When do you start?

 

[Devlin]

Congrats Devlin. When do you start?

I start Nov 7th - PM to follow Whiskey601

 

[Pikache]

If you're looking for some nice houses, look into Waterloo area, and may be a bit further above Waterloo.

As for traffic, Hwy 8 is murder to drive during rush hour usually. It's good once you get on hwy 85/hwy 7.

There is 2 log units, 22 Svc out of London, 23 Svc out of Hamilton about an hr's drive from KW. RHFC (inf), 11th field (arty) and 31 CER (engineer) is around KW-Guelph area. Dunno what you, as a logistic officer would do in a cbt arms unit. And your unit might just not keep you in their books if you're going away for a long time.

 

[gk404]

GK,
Please show me the reasonable house price here in Guelph, cause I'm still looking for it............ :crybaby:

Hey, I moved here from TO so to me, the prices are grrrrreat!  ;D

 

[X Royal]

The 401 to hwy 8 route will generally be your fastest route barring any accidents which can really slow things down.

Good Luck

 

[spoon man]

Small world, I'm from North Bay now going to school at Univeristy of Waterloo.

Congrats on the job at RIM.