Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

We are considering moving to Calgary from UK (Surrey). Has anyone moved from London suburbs and regret it?

I’m worrying about winters :( Please can you tell me how you cope with driving etc in snow?

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Last year you wrote that you hated the idea of moving to Canada even before you got there?

.... and you are still c onsidering moving? to Calgary? even though you worry about winters - which are really cold and snowy in Canada!

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

We didn’t move. I really want to think this through properly again - to be sure we are not throwing away a really nice life just because I fear unknowns or uncertainty.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Lots have moved and regretted it, lots have moved and loved it.

Honestly, there’s nobody else that can make this decision for you. You’ve been agonising about it for so long now, at some point you have to just either go for it, or accept moving isn’t for you and be content staying put.

I’d say go, as you can always move back if it doesn’t work out. But you seem to have so many doubts that perhaps moving just isn’t the right thing for you?

I can’t remember your visa status, have you got any time constraints like PR status at risk or similar?

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

If you're a skier, you love it there. People can be a bit shallow in mind there and a bit more racist, but most likely not against Brits.

And yes, the winters can be cold, however it's a dry cold, not that moisture coldness you'll be getting in the UK.

Driving in snow is just something what you're either used to, or have to get used to depending on where you've lived before or on experience.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Depends where in Canada one is. Not all of Canada is cold and snowy. The world does not turn white at the 49th parallel!

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Driving on snow is a heck of a lot better than in the UK! We laugh at hearing the trouble an inch of snow can now cause. It didn't used to be the case of course .............. where I lived, on the edge of the Pennines we got lots of heavy snowfalls when I was a child in the 40s and 50s.

For one thing, roads are cleared quickly here, gravel spread, and cars have snow tires by law within most jurisdictions .......... even in BC. Even in Vancouver cars have to have good winter tires, preferably with the mountain symbol if one wishes to drive outside the Lower Mainland ........... and even within it on the odd occasion because there are lots of hills in the city that can halt traffic.

You learn!

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

I think, overall Calgary offers a good value and a good starting place for any immigrant. Property or renting is not too expensive at least compared to Vancouver or Toronto, taxes and car insurance seem to be lower than in the rest of Canada, plus the international airport is big enough to have decent direct flights to Europe and parts of Asia. And whether you like skiing or hiking the mountains are just around the corner. Only drawback is probably the mentality, people seem less friendly, a bit more conservative, a bit more single minded or boring or any combination of all of that

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

You've been asking questions about Canada - first Toronto and then Halifx - for 4 years now. From earlier posts you are both IT specialists and have 2 children.
Have you looked into the job situation is Calgary?
Finding a job is much more important than worrying about driving in the snow in Canada - although if you don't like cold winters and snow, then probably Canada is not the best place for you.
Yes, it is cold. Winter temperatures in Calgary range from -1C to a low of – 12C and with the wind chill, it could drop to below – 20C. The only way to enjoy the winters in Calgary is to layer and dress warmly! The coldest month in Calgary tends to be January and (usually), Calgary is colder than Toronto.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Hi
i havent been to calgary, I am in BC

but regarding canada

my theory was

if you dont move you may always wonder
.........
what if for the rest of your life
.........

its better to try and fail than not try at all

cheers
jerry

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

You appear to worry about many aspects of living in Canada, (whether it's Toronto, Ottawa, Oakville, Halifax, Calgary or anywhere in between), but there are pros and cons no matter where you live in the world.

I would suggest you try and decide on a Province based on a) what you like to do as a family and b) what work is available to you. and c) what you can afford.. Rather than concentrating on the biggest cities perhaps consider some of the smaller ones, or towns, which will be cheaper and possibly less overwhelming. Have you checked the availability of jobs in the finance support sector and the type of housing you want (4 bed detached, 2500 sq ft, not including basement) at an affordable price in Calgary (or elsewhere)? That should really be your priority. Prices have gone through the roof in many parts of Canada in the last couple of years.

Our wiki may be of use about Calgary. https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Calgary - what draws you to Calgary?

If you are not confident about driving in snow, you may want to live downtown in a town/city where you can use public transit / cabs... or consider a course on 'winter driving'.
https://ama.ab.ca/driving-school/cou...driving-lesson
online: https://ama.ab.ca/business/corporate...driving-online
https://www.fleetsafetyinternational...g-skid-control
online: https://www.fleetsafetyinternational...driving-course
:)

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Winter wouldn't be my biggest concern moving to Calgary. Culture and values would be my biggest concern trying to fit in there. You can learn how to adapt to winter. You can't change the values or culture of the locals.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

“If you are thinking, then canada is not for you.
if you are not uprooting your family and just moving, then canada is not for you.
If you’ve been considering multiple cities, then canada is not for you.
Oh and the last one, if you aren’t worried about jobs, then canada is not for you! “

Do you realise, not all immigrants come with the same set of circumstances?
do you realise people have different risk appetites?
If Ive been thinking for 4 years, do you realise there could be a lot at stake and I really need to think this though to be double sure?

<snip>

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

answer is YES.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

thanks a ton. Our personal circumstances have considerably changed in the last few years. We have new parameters to consider and have to carefully weigh, filter and prioritise our needs.

thanks for your post.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Please can you explain? Are they more reluctant to hire immigrants / racist / xenophobic ?

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

exactly!

thanks for this :)

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

No more than anywhere else in Canada :)
https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Categ...Hunting-Canada

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Canada is a different culture from the UK.

It is not UK version 2

Of course culture and values are likely to be different from that in any city in the UK.

Just as the culture and values in Manchester/London or wherever in the UK would be very different from a Canadian's culture and values when they move over.

I will say that I have been here for 53/54 years now and MY values and culture are very different from what they were when I grew in Lancashire, and from what some of my still-living relatives have expressed now.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Alberta has that reputation but Calgary is a reasonably sized city and I do know of some Asians (American usage) being able to work there so I don't know how redneck it would actually be day-to-day. It's not like, say, Regina or Cape Breton. On the other hand, I wouldn't expect it to be like Toronto either. Several people I work with in the GTA play in cricket leagues, I doubt Calgary has the ethnic population to support anything similar.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

The Calgary & District Cricket League is one of the largest and oldest cricket leagues operating in Canada. Currently, the C&DCL has 21 member clubs with over 64 teams participating in organized cricket playing different formats of the game across various quadrants of the city of Calgary.

https://cricclubs.com/cricketyyc/vie...o?clubId=15482

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

OK then, there must be Indians in Calgary.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

I've answered my earlier question by a quick whizz through your posts, looks like you need to get back to Canada fairly soon to avoid risking losing PR? Can you maybe do a pros and cons list as suggested by somebody above, to work out if it would be worth moving or not? Or could one of you go ahead and see what they think before the whole family moves?

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

As per this post looks like poster arrived in Canada in 2019 got PR cards and then returned to the UK

https://britishexpats.com/forum/cana...ill-uk-935473/

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

It's not the xenophobia or racism so much as being immersed in a city and province whose economy mainly revolves around oil and gas, and the values of the locals voting in a government hellbent on maintaining the status quo of that industry, despite the crisis we're currently facing and the reality that things need to change.

I wrote this in another thread a few weeks ago, but it applies here too:

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

I moved from Surrey UK to a small city (80k) in the BC interior and we loved the snow for the first two winters. Now we are approaching our 14th winter here, the Wife and I absolutely HATE the snow. Who would chose to live in the cold and damp for 3-4 months of every year. God knows what we will do when we are old, hopefully move somewhere warmer!

Remember, a move to Canada is for life, not just for Christmas :lol:

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Old Canadians don't live year round in Canada. That's why the Canadian banks have such a presence in Florida and Arizona.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

It's that description of yours which I experienced in a similar way. I also noticed a bit of a racial undertone in Alberta when I was there, even towards people of white and European backgrounds. It was a bit of an "us" as Albertans and "them" as immigrants kind of feeling. I didn't notice that same in Ontario.

Other that hat, I don't know if it has to be Calgary? If considering Alberta in general, it's also wise to compare Calgary to Edmonton.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Having lived in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer Alberta ( I've been in Europe for 15 years, Ireland for one year) and in B.C. Vancouver for over 10 years and in the USA for many many years, lets see, Alberta was for 10 years, I'm going to express my opinion that going from UK to Calgary is just too much of a culture change for most people. Very tough IMO. I think going from UK to anywhere in Canada is a huge culture and weather shift, but more so going into Alberta, Saskatchuan and Manitoba. The older you are the more difficult it will be to adjust and adapt even without a language barrior. I'm still surprised at how vastly different cultural attitudes and social behaviors differ between Brits, Canadians and Americans. Quite amazing actually.

On the other hand if you had a very good employment position to go to and this means a very good opportunity for you economically it could be worth it, depending on how much you are willing to accept people at face value and adjust yourself to fit in with them, especially as you will be working with them. It is not easy, but it is not impossible for some people.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

I've been married, or equivalent to married, with one of each. What are the primary differences in cultural attitudes and social behaviors I should have noticed?

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Cricket is played all over Calgary.

I have never heard of the "No Canadian experience..." issues, that are frequently reported on this board, in Calgary either. I know of, for example, many UK solicitors that had to return to the UK after failing to be able to find work in Toronto. I have no knowledge of anyone having such issues in Calgary. I would sum up Calgary's work environment as being, "If you can to the work, we don't care where you come from." I would say that that still holds true, even in today's economic climate.

Likewise, the comment above, not yours, that made reference to the "culture" issue in Alberta is wide of the mark too. I can't imagine that the cultural issue of somewhere like High River would be much different to the cultural issues of a similar sized place in BC either.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

How much time have you spent in Alberta?

Do you honestly believe that Albertans drive their vehicles, or use aeroplanes, any more than those in BC? Do you honestly believe that Canada is going to stop using oil and gas anytime soon? Do you believe that it is preferable to import the vast amounts of oil that Canada imports, rather than obtaining if from Canada, processing it in Canada and then selling it to Canadians for Canadians to use?

Are you doing any lobbying to stop BC exporting coal to international markets?

Please provide a link in support of your assertion the Government in Alberta has sought to remove all reference to residential schools in its curriculum. Not a news report someone has written that suggests that they might, actual proof that this has been done or that the government intends to do it.

Do you have a problem with people with little education being able to earn a high salary?

What COVID safety did Alberta recently throw out the window?

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

That's a good reason to reproduce an old favourite.

Diary of a Snow Shoveller

December 8 - 6:00 PM It started to snow.The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven.It looked like a Grandma Moses Print.So romantic we felt like newlyweds again.I love snow!

December 9 We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape.What a fantastic sight!Can there be a lovelier place in the whole world?Moving here was the best idea I've ever had!Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again.I did both our driveway and the sidewalks.This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again.What a perfect life!

December 12 The sun has melted all our lovely snow.Such a disappointment!My neighbor tells me not to worry- we'll definitely have a white Christmas.No snow on Christmas would be awful!John says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow againI don't think that's possible.John is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14 Snow, lovely snow! 8 inches last night.The temperature dropped to -20.The cold makes everything sparkle so.The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks.This is the life!The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again.I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way.I wish l wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15 20 inches forecast.Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer.Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels.Stocked the freezer.The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out.I think that's silly.We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16 Ice storm this morning.Fell on my ass on the ice in the driveway putting down salt.Hurt like hell.The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17 Still way below freezing.Roads are too icy to go anywhere.Electricity was off for 5 hours.I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm.Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her.Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her.God I hate it when she's right.I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20 Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night.More shoveling!Took all day.The damn snowplow came by twice.Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey.I think they're lying.Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out.Might have another shipment in March.I think they're lying.John says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me.I think he's lying.

December 22 John was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white sh-t fell today, and it's so cold, it probably won't melt till August.Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to go pee.By the time I got undressed, went to the bathroom and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel.Tried to hire John who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter, but he says he's too busy. I think the a--hole is lying.

December 23 Only 2 inches of snow todayAnd it warmed up to 0.The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning.What is she, nuts?!!Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago?She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24 6 inches - Snow packed so hard by snowplow, l broke the shovel.Thought I was having a heart attack.If I ever catch the son of a b-tch who drives that snow plow, I'll drag him through the snow and beat him to death with my broken shovel.I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been!Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.

December 25 Merry freaking Christmas!20 more inches of the damn slop tonight -Snowed in.The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil.God, I hate the snow!Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel.The wife says I have a bad attitude.I think she's an idiot.If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26 Still snowed in.Why the hell did I ever move here?It was all HER idea.She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27 Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze; plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28 Warmed up to above -20.Still snowed in.My wife is driving me crazy!!!

December 29 10 more inches.John says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in.That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30 Roof caved in.I beat up the snow plow driver, and now he is suing me for a million dollars.The wife went home to her mother.Nine more inches predicted.

December 31 I set fire to what's left of the house.No more shoveling.

January 8 Feel so good.I just love those little white pills they keep giving me.Why am I tied to the bed?

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Nor me. That's a board specific thing, like the fixation with winter tyres.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Whenever I see your posts I honestly can't decide if you are just winding us all up or if you are really struggling with the decision for so long. You have asked some incredibly detailed questions from tutoring opportunities in Waterloo, rental options in Toronto, commuting from Oakville and how to transport a violin to Halifax.

Assuming you aren't just having fun winding us up then I feel that you are massively over thinking this - you cannot work out every little detail of a move as big as bringing a family to a new continent. The fact that someone else moved and regretted it (or indeed loved it) has little to no relevance to your decision as there are people who hate and others who love most places. I get that you don't want to make a mistake (none of us did) but I think that your biggest mistake at the moment is the number of years you have lived wrestling with this decision and the uncertainty to your life that must bring. When we got our opportunity to come, we thought about it for a couple of weeks - honestly that was the hardest two weeks of the whole process - the indecision and uncertainty is tough. The thought of being in that state for over 3 years - well wow!

Part of your problem may be that you have the opportunity to move anywhere in Canada - most are limited to where jobs are, or family is etc. This is presenting you with too many options, if you really want to give it a try then narrow down to at least a Province and then find a place that matches your lifestyle, aspirations and work requirements, accept that a leap of faith is going to be required and then make the decision whether you are prepared to take that leap!

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

Yep, exactly. So not too long before a decision has to be made, which maybe isn't a bad thing. They don't have long to move if they want to keep their PR status and have the flexibility of being able to travel outside of Canada in the next few years.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

I tried to express these same sentiments to the OP, (think you've done it much more positively than me by the way), but got shot down in flames.
Personally, I think that if you have numerous questions/anxieties about numerous subjects regarding where you are contemplating moving to, plus worries about would you miss your life/friends/family in the UK, and have expressed the feeling of 'hating to move to Canada' then you are probably going to be that person who never settles in their new country.
Like you hubby and I had the opportunity to move to the US and spent about a week discussing it before taking the plunge.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

We didn't discuss moving to Canada any longer than OH saying "they've offered me the position", and my reply "let's go"! :nod:

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

I would suggest coming over in winter before you commit. I did that 4 years ago and it was a great way to work out if you can handle the cold. It's very dry here. I live a few hours north in Edmonton and love it!! So much so we just purchased our forever home. Its a bit of a culture shock when you move over at first but it is now home for us. Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.

Re: Anyone regret moving to Calgary?
 

it was Calgary in the late 90s when my snow sport loving British girlfriend [now wife] experienced her first Canadian cold... to be fair, it was chilly even by Calgary standards with daytime highs somewhere around minus 25. At one point somewhere in Kananaskis, she turned to me, with ice in her eyelashes, and hissed 'for the avoidance of doubt, I am NEVER moving to this country'.

So far, she has been right, but has since learned that Canadian specific clothes are needed for the winter.