When have you witnessed golf ball hail? I have been in Calgary for 5 years and have never seen it. I understand that the powers that be spray something into the atmosphere to ensure it doesn't happen anymore.

We live in Airdrie, July 2011...check this out! (you can look at the dents on our car if you don't believe me )

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/you...4/upload/2/786

Some five years ago I experienced a hailstorm here. Damage to the house was $24,000 and to the cars $7,000.

IIRC there was an incident not so long ago within Calgary too. But frequent it is not

1. Sweet potato fries - mentioned numerous times, but worth another
2. More house for less money
3. There`s more of a general sense of optimism instead of impending doom
4. Great scenery, lots of space
5. My guilty pleasure; hockey. I know, I know

I like this list !

I like this list but I will be kind and add:
2. proximity to ocean (for us in NS)
3. lakes for swimming in summer and skating in winter
4. Nope can't think of anymore
5....

This is the view of someone who used to live in the UK & Canada but now living in the US:

1. Universal healthcare - not having to deal with health insurance companies.
2. A multi-party democracy - not the 2 party system we have in the US that creates political gridlock.
3. The great outdoors - scenery, wildlife, space, sports and other recreational activities.
4. The people - generally friendly, helpful and welcoming of immigrants - I feel more welcome and safer there.
5. The education system - consistently ranked high globally and ranked higher than the US and UK - relatively low cost of attending university.

Getting a dirty great Tax refund !!!!

Pretty much agree with many of the above but also...

1. Supermarkets are no way near as crowded as UK ones. I can walk around with my trolley, sorry, shopping cart with ease and rarely have to queue at the checkout. Such a difference from my Asda shopping days!! Plus the staff are usually more cheerful and bend over backwards to help you pack and even offer to to help you take your groceries to the car.

2. Which leads me on to more relaxed, less uptight service generally. Even in the bank, friendly laid back staff, no glass petitions either.

3. Talking of banks, drive through ATMs!

4. Easy free parking when I go to the shopping mall. In the UK when I went into town for a bit of girlie shopping, I'd spend about half an hour looking for a parking space which would cost me a fortune for just a couple of hours.

5. My in-laws don't live here!!

Being back in the 1970's

Being able to carry out witchcraft, while naked, in the front yard[/QUOTE]


So true, and I love your last one - it's perfectly true

Love No 5, why didn't I think of that

1. Having a 2,400 Sq ft house near-ish to the downtown. No way in hell we would have had that in London.
2. Public education generally in a pretty good state.
3. Annoying family are miles away.
4. Numerous tax credits available if you seek them out.
5. Proper seasons, the space, generally friendly people (another 3, sorry!)

I agree with 1, 3, and 5. For 2 I'd say easier access to higher education (left school in 1979 with 2 CSEs..now have a degree gained in Toronto) and 4 is proximity to the USA which I love.

6. Is proximity of Toronto to UK.

1) my Canadian husband
2) my Canadian family
3) our wicked awesome rural way of life
4) summer
5) all the outdoorsy stuff I would never had had the opportunity to do in the UK that seems so normal and everyday here.