Hello Guys!

I'm new - have put up an introduction on the forum above which says a bit about me....

However - if you've not read it - I'm a Canadian in the UK - have been for 2/3rds of my life, and I'm now at a point where I want to move back. Scarily I'm thinking of doing this on my own with no family or relatives in Canada anymore(parents became Canadians after leaving Ireland!)....... Call it mid life crisis if you will LOL!!!

I'm at the starting process where I'm doing research on the internet and in books about where to live / what job opportunities there are etc... I've decided that I want to move to the West coast, as opposed to Montreal where I was born. I'm looking specifically at Vancouver or Calgary - notice a few on here are from these places???

So - what are the pro's and con's of each city?
Which has better job opportunities for recruitment consultants?
Am I totally daft to even consider the move on my own?
Is it easy to meet people / join clubs etc?

Sorry to be so vague, just at the start of this and no doubt tonnes more questions - any help along the way would be marvelous.

Bx

I think Vanc and area has twice the population of Calgary? If thats right your more likely to have job opportunities in Vanc, however the house cost is insane there. Exactly twice that of Calgary I think its about 700-750k CAD isnt it? lol

Hi Bandit

Only you will be able to make the choice of where you would be happiest, but finding a job would help in making life enjoyable, so you need to consider what you do and where you might best find employment - research!

Vancouver is on the West Coast, but Calgary is some way inland from the sea - just short of 1000 km!

Reading your profile tells me you enjoy Horse Riding / Skiing / Sailing / Socialising etc...

My opinion - Vancouver for the sea and mountains (sailing, skiing), bigger city and West Coast laid back feel. I love Vancouver and dearly want to live there and visit every year and have made a number of friends over the years and would not hesitate to move there if I were single - happily I'm not and happily OH also loves Vancouver.
Just my take on it, but suggest a Recce trip to have a look and perhaps meet with a few potential employers at the same time. That ought to make it easier for you.
Good luck.
Rob.

It's quite a stroll to the beach from Calgary.

I just moved back to Victoria (hometown) from Calgary (before that 5 years in England). I liked Calgary more than I thought I would. I found most people in Calgary exceedingly friendly and there was lots of stuff to do. By stuff I mean a lot of outdoor recreation, sports and I found the city's art centres excellent (I do pottery on the wheel and the studios were great!). Good restaurants, plenty of concerts, etc... I was never bored. The climate was great and the sky was always messmerizing. And the drive towards the mountains is beautiful. I suspect getting a job in Calgary is way easier than in Vancouver.

Cons - it's an expensive city. It's a bit brash. A lot of people are there just for the money so there is a portion of the population who have their heads up their wahoos. A lot of poverty and homelessness and a government that does SFA about it.

If my choice was between strictly Vancouver or Calgary; Calgary hands down. I personally don't like Vancouver. It's simply too 'big city' for me. Full stop.

http://www.locke-associates.com

try Emailing these guys, strong Vancouver Office.

Thanks Rob! (and for some reason I'd chosen my gender incorrectlly - oops)!!

I am going to be planning a recce, and will arrange one! Before I do though I'd like to narrow it down so that I make the best choices I can from here first.

The findin a job is the most tricky so far - as I'd like to secure one prior to moving - then at least one thing is sorted!!! So, anyone who can help on that front I'm all ears!!!

It's interesting to hear how different people like different places - and I have seen a map so do know Calgary is fairly inland

I hate London with a passion - but I am keen not to be in the sticks, but somewhere in between - with access to the great outdoors... and somewhere nice to go out in the evening should I want...

It's great to have found you guys and no doubt you'll be hearing loads more from me too!!!

B

I assume you mean this:

http://www.lockere.com/

the link you posted is just a landing page.

Also, read: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476602

Locke and Associates are a Management Recruiter with offices across the country, I thought they might be useful.?

This one?

http://www.lock-associates.com/en/home.asp

Thanks - it's just making me more confused as I don't really like rain, however the idea of being near the sea with beaches sounds nice. And I love snow - born in Montreal and getting ski's when I was 5 for Christmas is still one of my best memories.

Looks like I need a trip to decide. Only been to Vancouver Island on the West Coast before, and that isn't for me :-(

Bx

Personnel and Recruitment Officers are listed as occupations under pressure in BC so it may not be that difficult to find a job.

I hear that Calgary is not so bad after all.

Where do you find that information?

Eek - I've learned loads today, but this is just the start and I'm so excited and so confused on locations now!!!!

Thanks for all your help.

B

Hey Bandit,

For me there's no question when it comes to Vancouver vs Calgary - but it really depends on your lifestyle... I couldn't stand the cold winters in Calgary (plugging your car in to get it started is just plain wrong), plus being so far from the coast. However, if you don't like rain, I'm not sure Vancouver is going to be your kind of place. Skiing is great & housing is expensive in both cities - so I wouldn't make a decision based on that. As for culture, Calgary has more of a redneck feel, Vancouver has more of an oriental feel.

Both cities are booming right now, so finding a job shouldn't be too tricky. What kind of recruitment are you in?

Hope this helps!
Rob