Cost of Living in Assiniboine, Manitoba?

[Mcgyver]

Good day,

I like to inquire regarding the cost of living in Assiniboine region? I am an IEN and will be working there,2nd quarter of 2009.Just want to prepare my self since my contract says that I have to provide for my living expenses.

Your input will be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Mcgyver

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

The Assiniboine covers a lot of ground. Which community are you going to?

Overall the cost of living isn't horrible. The communities are mostly small towns. Rents will be lower than in the cities (Winnipeg, Brandon and Portage-la-Prairie) but commodities are sometimes a little more costly due to transportation costs. Housing is largely older stock with upgrades that range from very minimal to extensive. Prices to purchase a nice older 2-3 bedroom home in many of these communities will run around $100,000 to $150,000. Property taxes are quite low, and amenities are what you'd expect in a small town. My favourites are Minnedosa and Neepawa.

[Mcgyver]

The Assiniboine covers a lot of ground. Which community are you going to?

Overall the cost of living isn't horrible. The communities are mostly small towns. Rents will be lower than in the cities (Winnipeg, Brandon and Portage-la-Prairie) but commodities are sometimes a little more costly due to transportation costs. Housing is largely older stock with upgrades that range from very minimal to extensive. Prices to purchase a nice older 2-3 bedroom home in many of these communities will run around $100,000 to $150,000. Property taxes are quite low, and amenities are what you'd expect in a small town. My favourites are Minnedosa and Neepawa.

Nice to hear that. Like the idea of small town ad less crowded places.

I will be assigned probably in Minnedosa, Neepawa,Russell, Hamiota Virden, Souris, Deloraine,Killarney.

I also heard their are lakeshore cabins where in I am also considering buying in the near future.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

You do know that it's REALLY cold there in the winter, right? And incredibly windy. With lots of snow. But the summers are really nice. Of course, they come with mosquitoes the size of jumbo jets. Minnedosa is very scenic with a lovely river valley and Neepawa is the birthplace of one of Canada's acclaimed novelists, Margaret Laurence. Neepawa is well-known for its lily festival in July. Virden used to be the place where the TransCanada Highway went from four lanes back down to two, but it's been twinned now as far as Wallace. Virden is also the place where the western oil fields begin. Its where you see the first pump jack on the way west. Souris and Killarney are the southerly towns on your list. Russell is on the Yellowhead Highway and very close to Saskatchewan. They're all lovely little towns.