llywelyn 1982

Hi.

I been offered work as a electrician in Fort Mcmurray, it's 21 days on 7 off, I have a wife and 5 year old, I don't want them moving to Fort Mcmurray as its not exactly a family place I've been told. I was thinking Calgary, Red Deer or Edmonton. But of course we are open to suggestions. I'm going over on a LMO and them applying for SWV or PR or what ever is the easiest.

David

TheThornes

Hi David

I live in a town close to Calgary and there's tons of families here where the husband/dad works up in Fort McMurray on similar work patterns to what you mention. I'm sure there are many families in similar situations in all the places you mention so you're family certainly wouldn't be alone. Any of those cities or nearby towns are fine; if you can, visit them to get a feel for the places to see what you like. Do you prefer city/town living, rural, location to mountains etc?

All the best with your new venture!

llywelyn 1982

I couldn't live in the city. Town to semi rural would be ideal. I have friends in Cochrane, they say it's lovely. We'll have to rent to start with. My wife has family in Canada, we are hoping it will help the permanent residency visa once we are over there.

christmasoompa

They're the same thing. SW is just a way to apply for PR.

I'll amend your thread title so it's a bit more specific, hopefully then those with Ft Mac experience will take a look at it.

Good luck.

llywelyn 1982

Thanks for you help. Just would like a few suggestions so we can have look about first

Piff Poff

Red Deer is very popular for young families because of the schools and amenities.

nldfc

If you are 21/7 you dont really have to restrict yourself to Alberta - There are people living all over the country working that rotation

TheThornes

Your friends are right; it is lovely! Also fits the town to semi-rural box too. Perhaps I know your friends already! LOL

lufc87

I often work in Fort McMurray, flying in direct from Toronto. I personally could not do a 21/7 living in Eastern Canada, you lose time travelling and it becomes very tiring after a while, even with a 14/14.

cjones

Although mostly populated by the equivalent of country bumpkins, technically all three of these places are cities, so may not be quite up your street.

ann m

How will you get back and forth from Fort Mac? Will the company fly you? If so, pick somewhere not to far from the relevant airport, to keep commute time to a minimum. Don't lose a day either end of your "7 off" if you can help it.

Or will you have to drive? That might take best part of a day depending on where you end up... one more bit of the "food for thought".

llywelyn 1982

I get my flights to work included, so I only have to pay for my flight home, not really a issue seeing as my current diesel bill is about £500 a month.

christmasoompa

You've looked in to the price of internal flights in Canada right?! it's not like Europe where you can fly for £30..........

ann m

Just tried to find some single fare quotes but couldn't on a quick search. Return flights are in the region of $500 to $600 for Calgary/Fort Mac. That's a fair whack to find every month...

Piff Poff

One way flights from Fort Mac to Red Deer in the region of $200. There are lots of little satellite towns around Red Deer that might work for you.