We are planning to move to Alberta. As a carpenter I am following the skills visa route and am looking to line up job interviews for a visit in April 09. Any advice, suggestions and general info to add to our own research from those in the know there would be gratefully received!!

We are relatively young -in our mid/late 30's!!! - with an 8yr son, currently living in France (for 3yrs now) we are thinking of Calgary or south of Calgary and would like to hear from anyone in this region who have made this step, as we know that integration is key especially with young children.

Having already made the break from the UK we are fairly prepared, but know that logistically this will be trickier! Can anyone fill us in on their success stories on the big move?!

Looking forward to April!! Another great adventure!!!

Welcome to the expat site and good luck in April - Sam

Hi

We moved in 2006 to Okotoks which is just south of Calgary with our two sons, who are now 5 and 8. They settled extremely quickly and love it here in Alberta (so do we!) In fact whilst I am writing this my husband is with my 5 year old is at hockey practise!

It has been a fantastic move for us and we haven't looked back.

If you want to pm or email me feel free.

Good luck

Julie

Yep...we are in lethbridge...also known as the windy bridge

Moved over, love it, kids love it, only been here afew months and going through buying our own house
Wouldn't move for anywhere, if i don't get PR they will have to get something strong to get me out, feel totally at home

We are in Okotoks too, (yes.. Little Britain ) with daughter 8 & son 10. Only been here since November, but love it so far. It's great for the kids, and if as you say you are a carpenter, there are lots of houses still being built here, so I would think there is work for you if you want it!

Hi Mennay,

Welcome to BE.

Perhaps, having already transitioned to France, you will be better prepared for the logistical challenge that a move to Calgary and surrounds represents. It is nothing that you cannot handle, we are sure. As others have indicated, Okotoks (errr, we live here too!) is a great location for a young family but it is not the only location and your recce will (or could) be used to make your own judgement on whether Okotoks, Calgary itself or some other location are ideal for you and yours. Where you will work will be key to this decision of course.

The WIKI (link at the top of the page) will be a great aid to your continuing research, on all aspects of life out this way. The websites of at least two of the earlier respondents to this thread (see their signature lines) will also be helpful, as will, I hope, our blogs below.

Best wishes with the job hunt and the recce.

Eamonn & Janet.

Hi Mennay

We are also due out to Okotoks in mid Feb (3 weeks today), seems as though it is becoming a destination of choice for many Brits looking to relocate to Alberta.

Good luck with what you decide in the meantime take at look at the Okotoks website alongside Foothills Division Schools to get more of an idea. Research is the key.

There are many people on here who specalise in helping people relocate such as Eamonn (Getting there), Sam-in-Okotoks and Julie (Wallace), who have already replied to your message, who are a mine of information.

The Ross Family

What a great and positive response, thank you! We will be following up the links and suggestions offered.

Hi

WE moved to NW Calgary in Nov 2008. We really like it here and my son aged 6 absolutely loves it here.

He loves all the activities there are for kids and all the sports for kids etc. He loves his school too- they do really exciting stuff.

WE love the mountains and especially skiing, which was one of our main reasons for the move.

Gryph

Welcome to BE

Hi

Am also in Lethbridge - like Moondevil - have been hear for 18 months or so.

Have to say that the city provides an affordable living with a fab family atmosphere too without the hussle and bustle of living in or nearby a large city such as Calgary.

Good luck with your move

Gaynor

Thanks again, it's so encouraging to hear such positive comments. Will definately include Okotoks in our visit!

We already have Lethbridge in the mix!

Hi Mennay,

Welcome to BE.

We moved to SW Calgary in July, I have an 8 year old and a 6 year old. We had previously lived in the Far East and the Middle East but have found this move the easiest by far. The kids integrated and settled really easily and we've found that there are loads of activities for kids and families.

Good Luck

MrsDV