STATION REPORT
CANADIAN FORCES BASE (CFB) BAGOTVILLE
ALOUETTE, QUEBEC, CANADA

1. LOCATION. CFB Bagotville is located in the Saguenay River Valley, approximately 135 miles north of Quebec City. It is not normally shown on a map, but is located between the towns of Chicoutimi and La Baie.

2. NEAREST CITY. Chicoutimi is 10 miles west of Bagotville and has a population of approximately 80,000. The towns of Jonquiere (15 miles west) and La Baie (6 miles east) are also fairly large with populations of approximately 50,000 and 30,000 respectively.

3. CLIMATE. The climate is similar to Minnesota or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Summer months (July and August) have day time highs in the mid 70s with an occasional high reaching into the 80s. Summer low temperatures average 40-50°F. Winter months (October-May) have average lows hovering around 0°F with occasional cold spells dipping down to -40°F. There are four distinct seasons with abundant precipitation in each.

4. PROXIMITY TO LARGE CITIES. The closest large city is Quebec City located 135 miles south. Additionally, the following are driving distances to other major cities:

Montreal, Quebec 295 miles
Plattsburgh, NY 350 miles
Ottawa, Ontario 425 miles
Boston, MA 530 miles
New York City, NY 675 miles
Toronto, Ontario 695 miles
Washington DC 920 miles

5. FACILITIES AVAILABLE.

1. Housing. Military housing is available on base. Most of the units are either duplex or row style housing. You pay monthly rent, but current OHA rates more than cover rent and utilities. The size and number of bedrooms is based on rank first and number of family members second. There have been single majors living in 4 bedroom, 3 level duplexes. Expect no special treatment because you are on exchange. In general, the units are extremely small (1000-1500 square feet) and are unfurnished. If you are the "average" American family with 2 children, then a 3 bedroom PMQ is the best you can expect. The current exchange officer with 3 children lives on “Senior Officer Row” (majors and above) and has a spacious 4 bedroom, 3 level duplex with a detached garage. There are no guarantees that we can keep this as “the American House”, but we’ll try. All of the PMQs have basements, however not all PMQs have a garage, which can make winter more difficult. The townhouse style PMQ has no garage, the "older" PMQ (which is a little more spacious) has a single car, detached garage. A three bedroom unit costs around $500.00 Canadian/month; the newer/smaller units cost $650.00 Canadian/month. Although the units are small they are well taken care of and very convenient. A walk from the housing area to the squadron, CANEX, or Post Office is about 5-15 minutes. If the spouse speaks very little or no French, consider base housing. Most people are bilingual in the housing area. Off-base housing is very limited unless you are willing to buy. Purchase prices are very reasonable. A very nice three bedroom single family home can be easily found for $150,000 CDN. Some Canadian squadron members live on farms, or in the country on nice lakefront property and paid $150-170,000 CDN. At current exchange rates, that is just about $100,000 US! If lucky enough to find a rental, expect to pay around $650-$800 Canadian/month. Furnished units are rare and even rentals do not always include a refrigerator and stove. Also expect the lease to be written in French and it may not include any type of military clause. The base housing office should be able to assist in these matters.
    
2. Schools. The base has no school, but does have base run day-care located in the center of the base housing area which is a type of “pre-school.”  There child minders speak English and French and this is a good way for young ones to start picking up a second language. Primary education is below U.S. standards in general, but the French school is better academically than the English one.  The only English grade school and high school in the area is located in Jonquiere, a 30/40 minute bus ride from the base.  The school supports the small Anglophone population in the region and Francophone families who want their children to learn English.  Some Canadian children who attended this school and subsequently went to the U.S. on assignment required remedial education to bring them up to standard.  There are separate buses for grade school and high school students. The bus picks base students up at 0730 and returns them just after 1600. Unless it is raining or the temperature is below freezing, students are not let into the school until 0825. At lunchtime, children who live too far away from school to go home for lunch are given an extended outdoor recess with minimal supervision from 1105 - 1245. In the lower grades there are several students who can barely speak English.  The current and previous exchange officer’s children attended French grammer school in La Baie.  The first year was very hard on the kids who had no French training prior, but now they are bilingual for all intents and purposes.  The school offers minimal French language training, but have been sensitive to the fact that my children are not native speakers.  The kids are bused home for lunch at 1200 and return to school at 1250.  The University of Quebec at Chicoutimi offers a variety of subjects (all instructed in French) including French language courses. The tuition fees are very high and you must obtain a student visa in order to attend. The embassy is currently working to fund this training for spouses.  Additionally, French language training is available on base for spouses through continuing education programs at very reasonable rates Monday through Thursday for 3 hours either in the morning or afternoon. Daycare at the base day-care center is free if the spouse is enrolled, and if she misses less than about 4 classes, the tuition is reimbursed at the end of the semester.  It’s a good deal!  Upon arrival at Bagotville, contact the Family Support Center for information concerning family member education.
    
3. Commissary.  There are no commissaries available in Canada.
    
4. Base Exchange.  There is a Canadian Exchange (CANEX) located on the base. It is a Shoppette versus an AAFES Base Exchange. It has a gas station, movie rental, barber shop and post office.  There is no exemption from the 14.5% sales tax in the CANEX system.
    
5. Shopping.  The area has ample markets and stores available within 10 miles. There are numerous grocery stores, a large mall, a variety of service and supply stores, and a wonderful assortment of restaurants. The only limitations are the hours of operation. Most service stores and malls close at 1700 hrs, except for Thursdays and Fridays, when closing is at 2100 hrs. Keep in mind that you'll pay a "federal" Goods and Services Tax of 7% and a Provincial Sales Tax of 7.5% on most sales and services.
    
6. Recreation.  The region is an outdoor person's paradise. Winter activities include downhill and cross country skiing (one small ski area 10 miles away and one major ski area 40 miles away), ice fishing, hockey, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Summer activities include camping, fishing, boating, good mountain and road biking, and hiking. The base facilities include a gymnasium, indoor pool, outdoor tennis courts, library, and theater (English movies). Woodworking and auto hobby shops are also available. The region has numerous lakes and rivers, an outstanding zoo at St. Felicien, seasonal festivals, and super restaurants. Quebec City is a reasonable day trip with numerous historical sites, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Satellite or cable television is available including all major US networks. English movie rentals are available at the CANEX.
    
7. Mess Facilities.  Bagotville has an Officers' Mess and membership is mandatory for Canadian officers; dues are $35.00 Canadian per month. The mess is unlike any USAF Officers' Club in that it is more formal, is only open Friday evenings, and does not get much use.  Meals are available for officers living in the barracks or for other officers on a pay as you go basis at the Noncommissioned Members' Mess.  Spouses are welcome for the Friday TGIF when the bar is open and a meal is provided (no charge).
    
8. Public Transportation.  Bagotville's airport serves as a civilian terminal. Commuter service is offered (at a premium) by subsidiaries of Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz. There is a public bus service that runs from Chicoutimi to La Baie. There is a bus stop at the main gate. There is also bus service to Quebec City and Montreal. Train service is available from Jonquiere to Montreal. From Montreal, you can ride on Amtrak to US destinations.
    
9. Medical and dental.  There is a very small hospital on base that is not available for family member care. The extent of operations at the base hospital consists of physical, dental exams, and sick call. A flight surgeon is available. Medical care for family members is available in Chicoutimi, Jonquiere, or La Baie.  Be prepared for nationalized medicine!  This means long wait times for an appointment and primarly care through the emergency room at one of 3 local hospitals for even the most routine requirement.  The current exchange officer has a “family doctor” in La Baie, but finding one was a challenge (most were “full” of patients).  Each family member as well as the officer will get a Blue Cross insurance card from the Embassy, and this is how you pay for care in Canada.  This will be the first thing asked for when you seek care either at the hospital or with a local provider.  You will be under TRICARE Latin America/Canada for care received when on leave in the U.S.  Most doctors in the area are at least moderately bilingual, but the language challenge still exists.  Most receptionists speak only French.  Dental care for family members is provided by local dentists.  You should have TRICARE Dental coverage and after paying the dentist out of pocket for care received, you submit your claim to TRICARE for reimbursement.

6. WHAT TO BRING:

1. Appliances.  Electrical current is the same as in the US so all of your appliances will function here. Purchase prices are comparable and warranties/guaranties normally do not work across the borders. Make sure you bring appliances that will function throughout your stay in Canada. 120 volt appliances use a 4 prong plug versus the US 3 prong; these are readily available at the local Canadian Tire, Wal-Mart, or any other hardware store. Remember, PMQs are not equipped with refrigerators, dishwashers, or stoves.
    
2. Cars.  Prices are similar but due to taxation, recommend that you arrive with a car that will function throughout your stay. Most car warranties are honored in the US and Canada but this would be a good question to ask before leaving the US. Additionally, the winters are long and severe. Reliable transportation is necessary. Four-wheel drive is nice, but front wheel drive vehicles work fine. The roads are heavily salted during the winter so this is probably not the place to drive a classic or an expensive automobile. Block heaters are necessary since there is a high probability you will not have a garage during your stay. Winterizing your vehicles can be more affordable in the Bagotville area than in the US.
    
3. Clothing.  All types of appropriate winter clothing are available and prices are comparable to those in the US and selection is wide. The region is a test market for many of the clothing lines sold in Montreal. As a result, fashion is important to many of the local people. Bring clothing to cover the four seasons with emphasis on severe cold weather as winters are long.
    
4. Furnishings.  If you can fill a house, approximately 2000 square feet, then you may want to store some things in the US. As mentioned before, PMQs are extremely small, there is a wide variety of furniture stores locally, but prices are normally high. The addition of a 14.5 percent sales tax is significant when purchasing high priced items. If unsure of what to bring, contact your sponsor for advice.

7. BANKING AND MAIL.

1. Banking.  There is one bank on base that is very convenient called "Desjardins" located at the CANEX and downtown.  There are several other banks to choose from in Chicoutimi. It is best to keep your direct deposit going to a US account and write checks off that account for deposit here. When opening a Canadian account make certain that the bank chosen does not impose a "hold" on US checks being deposited. Normally arrangements can be made once the bank is aware of your status.
    
2. Mail.  Mail from the US takes approximately a week to get here and is picked up at your PO Box in the CANEX. There is no postal service on Saturdays.

8. COMMUNITY RELATIONS.  There is a good relationship between the base and the local community. If you do not speak French, the locals may appear "cold", this may be due in part to the feeling that all Canadians should speak both languages. However, once people know you’re American, they cannot believe you actually speak French, even if only a little bit.  This goes a long way towards their attitude towards you.

9. CHURCHES OR SYNAGOGUES.  There a church on base with Catholic and  Protestant services. Since most people in Quebec are Catholic, the Catholic services are completely in French. The Protestant Church offers English services with an average congregation totaling 10-15 people.

10. GENERAL COMMENTS.  The important thing to remember about this assignment is that you will be required to speak French--a lot!  Most people speak little or no English so French language skills are very important. The Saguenay - Lac St Jean area is very different from the rest of Quebec and Canada and you will find that most of the people speak only French.  All services on base are available in both French and English.  Canada is very different from the US in many respects, and you will find the culture very different in Quebec than in the rest of the nation. It is much more European in outlook, with an emphasis on rest and relaxation over the 50 hour work week.  Overall, this is a very rewarding assignment.

11. USAF EXCHANGE POSITIONS AT THIS LOCATION.

• Major/Captain/K11F3Z (Fighter Pilot); CF-18 Instructor Pilot; 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron; 3 Wing.

NOTE ON CF-18 TRAINING:  The CF-18 training course is conducted at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta. The Canadians do not conduct a separate transition course so the pace of the course will seem slow for an experienced fighter pilot. Expect a 4-6 month course. The current flow is to PCS the family to Bagotville, then go TDY to Cold Lake for the course.  This places a burden on the family members, especially if they do not speak French.  The USAF Exchange Office is currently working to give the option to the member to PCS to Cold Lake, the PCS to Bagotville upon course completion.  This is the flow the other nations follow when they send exchange officers to the CF.

Last Update: 25Mar03, Maj S.