Hi there,

I am here because of a few reasons.... not really s2000 related BUT

I am interested in moving to Western Alberta in hopes of finding a teaching position.

Just wondering which area I should avoid, which areas are similar to Toronto's nature, and pro's and con's, housing costs etc. I just got out of Education school and wants to start a new life in this region.

Hope to hear from you soon



Arthur

 

Calgary's pretty hard to beat.....lots of pros......Mountains, Stampede, friendly, traffic moves, lots to do, great skiing.....weather is a little psychotic...not too much water around (true of anywhere on the Prairies). I've lived in a few places (and know of a few others with similar experience) and feel it is pretty hard to beat. Only drawback I can think of is that it is too close to Edmonton.

Don't know about the teaching end of things (was somewhat scarce job-wise some years back but I don't know right now) but the city has experienced some of the highest growth in Canada in recent years and I imagine there would be a need.

Here's a few web sites to check out:

City of Calgary:
http://www.calgary.ca/cweb/communities/com...CommunityID=203

Stampede (a very large parade included):

http://www.stampede.coolattractions.com/

Calgary Tourism etc.:

http://www.discovercalgary.com/

Best thing I like about Calgary is the "Can DO!" attitude.

Reijo

 

Hey Arthur, you should see if the Calgary Public School Board and the Calgary Separate School Board (catholic) have websites and check out what kinds of opportunities exist in the teaching field here and what their requirements are for teachers.
As for which communities to live in, I don't think it would be wise to tell you which ones to avoid as this would surely offend someone who might live there. In almost any "bad" neighbourhood, you will find the good sections (eg. Bowness) and in any "good" neighbourhood, you will find bad sections (Mount Royal). Can you describe what sort of surroundings you wish to pursue? And the sort of price range you are looking for? PM me if this would work better for you.
Would you be looking at renting or buying? Both markets in Calgary are HOT at the moment and finding good rentals and good real estate will come at a premium.

For you others who might have specific "do's and don'ts", might be a better idea to PM Arthur. I've met Arthur on my trips to the Toronto meets. He's a nice guy and we should help him out.

 

Hi Arthur,

You'll find that no where in Alberta is like Toronto. It's a totally different world out here. I think the closest you'll get to the feel of Toronto is Edmonton. Calgary is much more modern, has a feel similar to Vancouver.

 

Calgary is a nice city and there is lots to do (the weather sucks). If you prefer to teach in a rural area we have lots of "rural" out here. The cost of living is pretty low compared with most other parts of the country.

 

if you came for longer trips....you'd retract your statement.

( to arthur)

anyone from edmonton? gonna be there friday noon onwards....

 

There are a few Edmontonians on here but not many of us...

 

still in edm, but gonna be busy...if you're looking for half decent indian food go to Punjab Sweet House on the 34th ave near millwoods.

 

Thanks guys, and yes please do PM with with your inputs.

I just graduated from the faculty of Ed, and I am at the point where I need to "plant my roots". I've heard many good things about Alberta, Calgary to be specific (What's with the grudge between Edmonton and Calgary?). BTW, I am dying for a Cowboy makeover to join your Stampede.


I do envision myself buying a house in 2-3 years in the rural area tho.

BTW, how far a drive is to to Vancouver? 6-7 hours drive?

Thanks you guys.

 

Vancouver is about 10 to 12 hours from Calgary. It can be done in 7 or 8 but you'd need to be going FAST...

Calgary is a fair bit more modern and clean. lots of nice, new neighbourhoods. Thats not to say that Edmonton lacks nice neighbourhoods, but it has a lot more "old" homes.

Edmonton also lacks a good road system, it has two "freeways" that run east to west, but nothing really north to south unless you go to the outskirts of the city.

Calgary has one major highway that runs through the centre of the city, and it provides access to many other roads that are also fast to drive on... so getting around is quicker, generally.