Living in Calgary, Alberta
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2019 08:41:06 +0000
Looking to move out West? Calgary, Alberta, has a lot to offer newcomers. Our ‘Find a City’ series explores ‘Cowtown.’
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, the fourth largest city in Canada, and boasts the largest immigrant population after Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. In 2010, Calgary’s immigrant population was roughly 304,000 — or nearly 30 per cent of the total population. As a nod to its growing diversity, in 2012 Calgary was designated one of Canada’s cultural capitals.
Dubbed the Heart of the New West, Calgary attracts newcomers to Canada with its opportunities, affordability and beautiful scenery. Located where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the city has it all: picturesque charm, small town friendliness and the amenities of a large city.
Calgary had its early beginnings as a commercial and agricultural hub in the early 1880s, when the Canadian Pacific Railway extended west from central Canada. Just over 100 years later, Calgary had the honour of becoming the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter Games. It is also home of the Calgary Stampede, an annual 10-day rodeo that draws more than a million visitors each July.
City of Calgary population statistics
Incorporated as a city: 1894
Population: 1,392,609 (2016 Census), a rise of 14.6% from 2011
Average age: 37.4
Number of citizens: 1,220,070
Number of non-immigrants: 942,785
Number of immigrants: 404,700
Number of non-permanent residents: 27,170
Number of immigrants from:
U.S.: 12,110
Americas (other than U.S.): 44,350
Europe: 81,045
Africa: 40,865
India: 46,945
Philippines: 53,450
Korea: 7,280
Mother tongue:
English: 937,055
French: 20,715
Non-official languages: 383,320
Total visible minority population: 146,310
Chinese: 89,675
South Asian: 122,900
Filipino: 70,660
Black: 54,190
Southeast Asian: 23,240
Latin American: 27,710
Arab: 26,320
Neighbourhoods in Calgary
Calgary is home to 180 neighbourhoods within its city limits.
Eau Claire is located north of the downtown core and includes the Festival District. Eau Claire Market is the place to find fresh produce, artisan gifts, unique shops, a food court and six-screen cinema. In close proximity is Prince Island, a sprawling park perfect for picnics and the site of the annual Calgary Folk Music Festival.
Calgary’s densest neighbourhood, the Beltline, is currently being rejuvenated with plans to include more commercial development alongside condos and apartment towers. Victoria Park is a community within the Beltline and includes several historical sites. It is home to the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, and the Calgary Stampede grounds.
Forest Lawn — one of the most diverse areas in the city — is also known as International Avenue. Take in the neighbourhood’s ethnic shops and restaurants. One-storey bungalows and lower cost housing dominate the residential area. A community redevelopment project aims to make Forest Lawn a desirable and affordable neighbourhood in close proximity to downtown.
Housing in Calgary
Housing prices in Calgary have been on an upward trend for the past several years. Condo sales in particular are on the rise with a relatively affordable price tag of around $300,000. Single family homes within the city limits typically starts at $500,000.
The average cost of rental housing is between $1,100 and $1,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on location. Families can expect to pay between $2,000 and $2,500 to rent a three-bedroom apartment in or around the city.
For more info on rental and housing options, visit:
Calgary – Rent Faster
Rentals in Alberta
Economy in Calgary
Calgary’s economy is supported by the energy, financial services, high-tech, tourism, film and television, manufacturing, aerospace, health and wellness and retail sectors. Excluding the recent fluctuations in the oil and gas industry, residents enjoy a strong job market, and small businesses tend to do well here. Calgary’s low taxes make the city an attractive place to set up a brick and mortar shop, corporate headquarters or an e-business. The Calgary-Edmonton corridor’s fast-growing population also contributes to making this one of the healthiest economic regions in Canada.
The top five employment sectors (by industry) are:
- technology
- agribusiness
- manufacturing
- financial services
- transportation & logistic
Cost of living in Calgary
Calgary is one of Canada’s wealthiest, cleanest and most liveable cities. Like Edmontonians, Calgary residents enjoy a lower cost of living, a good job market and low taxes. The province of Alberta has no provincial sales tax, provincial general capital tax, or municipal sales tax. Calgarians also have the lowest provincial personal income tax rate in Canada at just 10 per cent.
Transportation in Calgary
The Calgary International Airport (YYC) serves the city and outlying areas, and is a major transportation hub for western and central Canada.
Calgary Transit provides bus and light rail transit services throughout the city. Calgary’s C-Train has the distinction of being North America’s first wind-powered public transport system.
The city’s monthly transit pass cost $99, with low income passes available for $44/month.
Taxi fares start at $3.50. For an hour long ride around the city expect to pay around $30.
Climate/Weather in Calgary
A prairie city, Calgary enjoys a dry, sunny, windy climate with seasonal temperatures that range from winter lows of −3 °C to temperate summer highs of 30 °C. Calgary is one of the sunniest cities in Canada. Its’ elevation and location near the Rocky Mountains are to thank for its mild climate.
Calgary summers typically are warm and prone to thunderstorms. Winters can see a fair share of snow, but dry Chinook winds can quickly raise the temperature by 20°C or even 30 °C in a few hours.
Things to do in Calgary
The Calgary Stampede is one of the biggest summer events in Canada and is more than 100 years old. The first exhibition took place in 1912 and includes a parade, rodeo tournament, derby, family rides and games, and a concert series.
Calgary also hosts a number of lively annual festivals including the Calgary Folk Music Festival, the Calgary International Film Festival, the FunnyFest Calgary Comedy Festival and many other cultural and ethnic events.
A visit downtown wouldn’t be complete without checking out Eau Claire Market, the Calgary Tower 360° observation deck, or the Calgary Zoo. Art lovers will enjoy the renowned Glenbow Museum which includes a gallery of First Nations art, a fine selection of contemporary art, and interactive exhibitions.
The Canada Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is a family-friendly attraction located at Olympic Park honouring 548 great Canadians with twelve interactive galleries.
Calgary is also a great launching off city for daytrips to the nearby Lake Louise, Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore ski resorts.
Helpful information
These useful resources will help you find your way around the city and the province:
Map of Calgary
City of Calgary
Province of Alberta
Visit Calgary