Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

Hi, we are thinking of a possible move west, been researching but obviously would like peoples views too. Looking for info on schools, cost of schools, areas to live and if children play out in suburban areas.I am leaning more towards Calgary, but the flooding there worries me. Also once PR has been applied for how long realistically is the waiting time. Any info on these ares would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

It will vary, depending on the visa route you apply under - if you can tell us what we're thinking of, then we can hopefully advise. Alternatively, you can look at the CIC processing times page on their website.

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

I would not consider taking Calgary off my list simply because of the flooding, as that's a bit like saying you will not take a tube in London in case it gets blown up.

Most of the info you are seeking can be found by searching this site. For example: what info about schools do you want? Ditto cost of schools? Ditto areas to live? Children do play outside in most areas of Calgary.

Best of luck

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

Dont live in high river and you will be fine

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

Thanks, we would be coming on an lmo, truck driving, Do the schools do french immersion? Where we are at the moment it seems if you don't opt for the french immersion then then grades slip as the "brighter" kids do immersion not the english programme (teacher told me this today) Also i believe in edmonton you have to pay fro school buses and lunch supervision, is this the same for calgary?. As for where to live, simple places to avoid would help, but was looking for a more "suburban" way than here... no kids play out here. ALL arranged play dates. Doesn't have to be "posh" just family based.

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

I live in High River and I was fine, as were many of my neighbours.:p

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

French Immersion is available in Calgary.

My kids are not in French Immersion but I would not describe them as stupid.

In Calgary, you will have to pay if your children use the bus. The way to get around this is to live close to the school.

Lunchtime supervision is paid by those children that don't take the bus, but not by those that do, if you wish for them to remain in school over the lunchtime. Again, if you don't want to pay for it, live near the school and have your children walk home for the lunch break.

I don't believe that there are any bad areas of Calgary. I am sure that others would disagree but then, I am not posh. What will be best for you and your children is something that only you know. Would you like to live downtown, would you like to live in the suburbs, would you like to live on an acreage? All of these are available in Calgary.

Most families permit their children to play unsupervised in most areas of Calgary. However, there are many parents that insist that their children only participate in supervised activities. Again, what you wish to do is a matter for you.

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

Thank you Almost canadian. I by no means allow my children to wonder around till all hours on their own, but in the uk they had a great core group of kids in the local area and they would all play out, riding bikes, playing footy, so they are really struggling here. We live in a "suburb" of town here but no one plays out also nothing to do, if there was a skate park etc sure it would help them settle. I really don't want my kids to do immersion unless they want to, but i also don't want them to fall behind because they don't! They are so un happy here at the moment and at the end of the day we moved to Canada for a better future for them. I like the look of calagary, wanted more suburban living with town within reach, and not having to drive 2 hours for a kids play area??

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

Ok, so then there's only one way you can apply for PR, under the semi-skilled stream of the PNP. You (or your husband, not sure who's the truck driver) would have to work for 6 months in AB before being able to apply, and then the first stage usually takes around 3 months.

For the second stage (Federal) you can look at your visa office processing times here - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...provincial.asp

HTH.

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

I live in High River, I was fine & the kids play outside around here.:p

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

Thank you Christmasoompa.

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

But you don't live in High River do you? You live in the High River area. Big difference ;)

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

The difference is whether the area in which one lives was affected. This applied in High River, in Calgary, in Medicine Hat, in Canmore, in Bragg Creek, in [insert any area affected];)

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

Generally Calgary is nicer than Edmonton however like anywhere there are sought after more expensive areas and cheaper areas. In our area young children play out on the streets and local parks without any problems. Public school costs for supervision/transit are not significant. The flooding in Calgary directly affected a very small area so wouldn't be an issue generally - High River is a little different. I expect the vast majority of children who get top grades at school in Calgary are not in French immersion. French immersion is available for those who think it offers benefits but the vast majority do not appear to think it does.

Re: Alberta, edmonton/calgary
 

This is not true as of the last school year. If your kids take the yellow bus the fee is $295 per year, per child. If your Kindergarten to Grade 6 child stays for lunch the fee is $135 per year, per child whether the child takes the bus or not. This fee is going up to $165 next school year. This is for the Calgary Board of Education.
Those costs can be pretty significant for a lot of families :(