After a 17 year stretch in Newfoundland Im moving to Ottawa . What I'm trying to figure out is... Quebec or Ontario? Or is the difference marginal? I know about higher taxes in Quebec. But how high are the taxes? One of my children is not bilingual, is there a chance he will be alienated in the Gatineau schools because he doesn't speak french? What we are looking for in the community is being more laid back, hanging out with the neighbours...Any in put would be helpful. Are there any pedestrian only bridges going from Gatineau to Ottawa. Just trying to get my head around the commute

Quebec is best!!! seriously the Ottawa/Gatineau region is one of my favorite place, a lot to do and a lot to see. My sister lives in Gatineau so we go there often. I'm french canadian so I could not tell you about living in english in Gatineau but from what I see everybody is used to live with people speaking a different language, a lot of quebecer live in Gatineau but work in Ottawa. As for cycling I can't help. I live in St-Césaire so I'm not used to ride in a busy town. I hardly risk it with my car so forget about the bike.

Talk to some people in Ottawa/Gatineau about how the education works. The Quebec side is certainly more beautiful, but you need to think what services you need and what languages you need them in.

How old is your child who is not bilingual? I guess that child has to learn french then. He/she will be best off becoming bilingual in any case, because I can only assume that being bilingual would be an advantage to finding employment in that area.

Your child may feel alienated at first but the younger they are, the faster they catch on.

I love both Ottawa and Gatineau. I am happy for you. It is one of my favourite regions in Ontario. And there is a beautiful pedestrian bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau. You are moving to a very cycling friendly area.

Bonne chance!