When change does you good

In December 2004, Palestine-born Ihab Abu Assi left Ontario to settle in Bordeaux-Cartierville. “At first, I chose this area to be close from the business I had just bought; I wanted to be close to work,” said Ihab.

After a few difficulties finding an apartment, he soon discovered a great side to his new neighbourhood. “I found a lot of nice people willing to help me; it made everything a lot easier,” he said.

Once settled, he invited his wife and children, who were living in Syria at the time, to join him. Samar Abadi, Sabah (five years old) and Jamal (three years old) arrived in November 2006. “I was so happy to get here, to live with my husband and to raise my children in a country where human rights are protected,” said Samar.

The kids got used to their new home very quickly and the change was positive according to Samar: “They are very happy. Sabah loves her school [Sainte-Odile] and Jamal really enjoys coming to La Maison des Parents with me. They both learned French very fast,” she recalled.

Both kids nod approvingly; they are, indeed, quiet, smiling, and they understand everything.

The kids are not the only ones enjoying living in Bordeaux-Cartierville “It is a good place for business,” says Ihab, looking around at his crowded restaurant. He also enjoys the multiculturalism of the area. “There is not a single country that isn’t represented here. I have friends from all over the world, it’s great!”

Samar also made a lot of friends, especially at La Maison des Parents where she participates in the weekly story time for children with Jamal. She is also part of the community cooking group. “It’s a good place to learn French while bonding with other parents,” she said.

According to Ihab, there might be just one dark shadow casting over the neighbourhood. “Certain sectors seem not to be as safe as others. Close to here, there is an area where you regularly see police cars. But we just go around it, we never had problems,” explained Ihab.

All in all, Ihab describes his neighbourhood as a great place to start for young families. “Rent is cheap, there are lots of parks, schools are nice and people are friendly: that’s what you need when you start your family life,” said Ihab. The family certainly practices what they preach, as Samar is expecting a third child in August.