Basics

For the prospective student, Winnipeg represents an ideal balance. It is large enough to possess a thriving cultural scene, with an abundance of theatre, music and other arts, as well as good restaurants and shopping. In fact, it has more cultural events and more restaurants per capita than Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. Nevertheless, Winnipeg is small enough to preserve the sense of a coherent academic community so prized by “college towns”. Professors and students have ample opportunities to meet both formally and informally, to socialize and to talk philosophy.

Winnipeg is also an affordable city. Rents remain low relative to most large Canadian cities, and there are plenty of good restaurants and bars that are within a student budget. Farmers markets provide access to terrific local produce at low prices. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the city is close to numerous parks for hiking and camping and lakes for swimming and boating. While the weather is cold during the winter, summers are hot and dry, and the sun shines year round – indeed, the number of sunny days in a given year rivals that in Los Angeles. As the geographic centre of the country, Winnipeg can boast direct air service to most major Canadian cities.

Some people would go so far as to say Winnipeg is actually a cool city. We can certainly point to great local bands, such as The Weaker Thans and Chic Gamine; talented film-makers, such as Guy Maddin; and prominent authors, such as Miriam Toews and Andrew Davidson. It is perhaps significant that CBC’s programme Definitely Not the Opera, the network’s fast-paced guide to popular culture and to the cultural landscape of Canada, is hosted here. It would be difficult to measure coolness quantitatively in any definitive way, but one can probably say that with concerts, screenings, readings and other events happening every week and indeed every night, someone who claims to be bored of Winnipeg may merely be bored of life.

Housing

In 2009 the average price of a detached house in Winnipeg was $159,801. Housing prices have continued to rise steadily even through the recession, making them a reliable investment. The centre of Winnipeg has a number of neighbourhoods with many homes built before the Second World War and possessing considerable character. The neighbourhoods themselves are leafy and picturesque. St Boniface, just across the river from downtown, has preserved its Francophone character, while the historic Exchange District has become home to numerous new condos. In no sense are we a suburban town. That said, the city also possesses a number of new suburban developments that remain within easy access of downtown – and many are within walking distance of the university.

In 2007 a two-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg averaged $740 per month. Rental apartments remain easy to find throughout the city, including in the Osborne Village and River Heights neighbourhoods – home to numerous restaurants, bars and interesting shops, and the areas of choice for many graduate students and faculty.