Southern Alberta
Jan 28th 2009, 9:37 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Southern Alberta
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!!!
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!!!
Jan 28th 2009, 9:43 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Okotoks Albetra
Posts: 459
Re: Southern Alberta
Welcome to the expat site and good luck in April - Sam
Jan 29th 2009, 1:13 am
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Okotoks AB
Posts: 276
Re: Southern Alberta
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!!!
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!!!
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
Jan 29th 2009, 2:42 am
#4
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 2,484
Re: Southern Alberta
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
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
Jan 29th 2009, 4:19 am
#5
AB Realtor
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Okotoks, AB
Posts: 58
Re: Southern Alberta
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!
) 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!
Jan 29th 2009, 5:04 am
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Okotoks, Alberta
Posts: 1,639
Re: Southern Alberta
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!!!
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 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.
Jan 29th 2009, 5:48 am
#7
Permanent Resident
Joined: May 2008
Location: Okotoks - Alberta
Posts: 275
Re: Southern Alberta
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
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
Jan 29th 2009, 9:09 am
#8
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Re: Southern Alberta
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
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
Jan 29th 2009, 12:26 pm
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Re: Southern Alberta
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
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
Jan 29th 2009, 5:01 pm
#10
BE Co-Founder
Joined: Feb 2000
Location: Florida
Posts: 25,928
Re: Southern Alberta
Welcome to BE
Jan 29th 2009, 8:10 pm
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2006
Location: Lethbridge AB
Posts: 4,250
Re: Southern Alberta
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
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
Jan 29th 2009, 8:22 pm
#12
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4
Re: Southern Alberta
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
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
Jan 30th 2009, 1:53 am
#14
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 417
Re: Southern Alberta
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
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
