I was with 440 Sqn, Edmonton and then moved to Winnipeg..posted to 435 Sqn during their upheaval.
I also worked in 402 as a reserve after I left the reg force.
My opinion, winnipeg sucks.
If you like motorcycles, don't come here. Insurance is outrageous. They run a system where you pay for a year, no rebate if you cancel, even though we only have 4 good riding months. If you ride a bike over 1000cc and declare it's value at less than $1000 (basically, you get nothing if you write it off) you'll be lucky to get insurance for less than $1500.
Property taxes are nuts. I moved from a house in Gibbons, north of Edmonton to Winnipeg. Smaller cheaper house, double the taxes.
As far as teh squadrons go, I don't have an informed opinion these days, it's been too long. I know I hate the long cold winters and short wet summers, I miss being able to insure and ride my bike on a whim.
Housing is fair though, but rising at a sickening pace. There are jobs here for dependents as well. For me, it's quality of life. I'm getting back in and it looks like i'm heading to Borden.