To the editor:
As someone who swapped the frenetic pace of Toronto for the peaceful calm of North Bay, I can say with confidence that I’ve found my little slice of paradise in the True North.
You might wonder why anyone would leave Toronto's glitz and glamour behind, but this move has been transformative. And it’s not just because I can now walk outside without inhaling car exhaust with every breath.
When I first arrived in North Bay last November, I had my doubts. The skies were grey, the trees were bare, and daylight hours seemed to be on a tight budget. It was a stark contrast to Toronto's vibrant energy, where the constant buzz of activity could distract you from the fact that you hadn't seen a real star in years.
As winter settled in, I discovered something magical about North Bay—stars. Not just a lone star poking through the city lights, but a whole sky full of them! It’s like living in a postcard, and I’ve taken more photos of sunsets, sunrises, and moonlit lakes in the past six months than I did during my entire time in Toronto. I might be single-handedly keeping the cloud storage industry afloat.
Quality of life in North Bay is a revelation.
Toronto’s skyline and crowds are exhilarating, but it’s also like running on a treadmill—you’re moving fast, but are you really getting anywhere? In North Bay, I’ve swapped skyscrapers for sunsets over Lake Nipissing, and I haven’t looked back. Life here moves at a more relaxed pace, almost as if the entire town collectively decided to take a deep breath and chill out. And people actually listen. There’s a real sense of community here, something you don’t realize you’ve been missing until you experience it.
In Toronto, you might live next to someone for years and only exchange awkward elevator nods. In North Bay, your neighbors talk to you, invite you over for a barbecue, and genuinely care about how you’re settling in. To me, it’s reminiscent of Cairo, where neighbors are like extended family, always ready with a hot cup of chai. The friendliness in North Bay makes you feel like you belong, even if you’ve only just arrived.
Now, let’s talk money.
If Toronto is like shopping in Paris on a student budget, North Bay is like discovering your favourite store is having a 50% off sale. Housing prices are significantly more reasonable, and daily expenses are easier on the wallet. It’s like finding a treasure chest, where every coin is a reminder that life doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
North Bay’s natural beauty is another treasure. Imagine waking up to take a morning stroll along the beach—yes, North Bay has beaches. The air is crisp, the water sparkles, and you’re surrounded by more green than you ever thought possible. The city is framed by the Laurentian Mountains and pristine forests, offering a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing, boating, skiing—you name it, North Bay’s got it.
For someone who’s lived in the hustle of Cairo and the heat of New Delhi, where outdoor activities often involve dodging traffic, this place is a breath of fresh, pine-scented air with a couple of weeks of shadflies thrown in for good measure.
Another major perk is the work-life balance. In Toronto, commuting can feel like a second job. I’ve spent more hours stuck on the Gardiner Expressway than I’d like to admit. In North Bay, commuting is a breeze—if you can even call it that. Most places are within a 15-minute drive, and there’s hardly ever traffic. The time I used to spend stuck in gridlock on the Gardiner Expressway is now spent on things that actually matter—like spending time with friends, pickleballing, baking bread, or simply enjoying a lazy evening on the patio.
North Bay feels like the kind of place where kids can still play outside until the streetlights come on, and where community ties keep everyone connected and safe. It’s a far cry from the sometimes daunting streets of Toronto, where you’re always a little on edge, especially at night.
Of course, moving to a new place isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about the people too. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous about building a social network here. But as it turns out, North Bay has a way of welcoming you that’s both heartwarming and humbling. While I’m still working on expanding my social circle, I’ve already found so many friendly, welcoming hearts that I could not have imagined back in Toronto. This warmth and sense of community have inspired me to think about how I can contribute to life in North Bay.
So here I am, settling into my new life, still marveling at the stars, and slowly but surely finding my place in this wonderful community.
Moving to North Bay has been an adventure, and while it hasn’t always been easy (I’m still figuring out how to shovel snow without looking like a flailing octopus), it’s been more rewarding than I ever imagined. The combination of natural beauty, genuine human connection, and the opportunity to make a difference has made this adventure totally worth it.
Sure, there are still moments when I long for the convenience of a 24-hour grocery store or the excitement of a bustling nightlife. But while the grass is always greener on the other side, in my case, that grass is a lot more lush, a lot more peaceful, and a lot more filled with friendly faces than I ever could have imagined.
And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll stop taking so many photos of the lake. But probably not. It’s just too darn beautiful. Here’s to new beginnings, North Bay!
Gary Lavania
North Bay
