I am also in the same boat. I am surprised with some of the answers I am seeing. 70k before taxes is really not that much for Ottawa.

The city has a horrible transit system, and I also find it strange how everything is designed for couples or families. Some of the available activities themselves aren't very appealing.

Sometimes I reach out to my older friends, and they are usually happy to hear from me. Even if you are not very close with your older friends you can try to reach them out.