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	The Rockies Are a Short Distance from Calgary

Just before the new millennium, Calgary had what seemed like a zero occupancy rate. There were stories of people knocking on doors and offering exorbitant amounts for houses that weren't even for sale, and houses that were for sale would sell in an afternoon. Renters had to go on waiting lists, and landlords could ask what they wanted and get it. This was the beginning of one of Calgary's famous booms, bringing plenty of employment opportunities with it.

Whereas previous booms were reliant solely on the success of the oil and gas industry, this boom was based on a diversified economy, which created a confidence that attracted droves of national and international immigrants. While the economy was ready for an influx of people, the housing market was not. While the market eventually levelled out, the boom is back. With oil prices soaring, and oil companies striking it rich, the city is experiencing more growth and an abundance of jobs in all sectors. Once again, accommodations have become hard to come by unless you are willing to (or can) pay the price. Finding affordable rental units (if any can be found at all) is a struggle. And house prices are again through the roof. But there are options that should be considered before moving here, especially for those moving here to find employment.

Canada's fastest growing city, Calgary has just reached a population of one million in 2006. While work is a main draw for moving to Calgary, its many attractions are what keep people here. A look to the west also reveals Calgary's largest attraction, literally. The Canadian Rockies thrust out of the flat prairie landscape and can be seen from many city vantage points, and reached within an hour-and-a-half by car.

For those planning to relocate to Calgary, there are many things to consider before making the big move, and many details to sift through upon arrival, from health insurance to Internet access. As a prosperous city, Calgary offers much to choose from in terms of accommodation, employment, entertainment and social scene.

MUCH MORE THAN COWS AND HORSES

A Cowboy at the Calgary Stampede Photo Courtesy David Howe

Home of the "Best Outdoor Show on Earth," Calgary has been known to milk its cow town image during its famous Stampede. Calgary's business types trade in their suits for jeans and cowboy hats, and the fronts of skyscrapers are plastered with timber for a full Wild West effect. In keeping with the spirit, some restaurants have even been known to serve up prairie oysters, a popular cowboy dare rather than a delicacy. But don't expect this at any other time of year.

While spotting a cowboy in all the gear is not out of place, it is hardly commonplace. Supporting a number of farming communities, Calgary certainly has its fair share of pick-up trucks. Most popular though are SUVs. While gas guzzlers (hardly a problem in oil rich Alberta), SUVs reflect Calgarians' love for the outdoors. With Banff National Park only an hour-and-a-half away, and less to Kananaskis, Canmore and Bragg Creek, many outdoor activities, from skiing to fishing, are close at hand.What results is an atmosphere that is more casual and relaxed than other large centres, with most Calgarians sporting ski jackets than duffel coats in the winter, and trading in heels for sandals in the summer.

Month Average Daily Temperature Average Rainfall Min Max Jan -15 °C (5°F) -3°C (27°F) 12mm Feb -12°C (10°F) -0.1°C (32°F) 9 mm Mar -8°C (18°F) 4°C (39°F) 17mm Apr -2°C (28°F) 11°C (52°F) 24mm May -3°C (38°F) 16°C (62°F) 60mm Jun 7°C (45°F) 20°C (68°F) 80 mm Jul 9°C (49°F) 23°C (73°F) 68mm Aug 9°C (48°F) 23°C (73°F) 59 mm Sep 4°C (39°F) 18°C (64°F) 46mm Oct -1°C (30°F) 12°C (54°F) 14mm Nov -9°C (16°F) 3°C (37°F) 12mm Dec -13°C (8°F) -1°C (30°F) 12mm

Average Daily Temperatures for Calgary, AB

Calgarians embrace summer as though the city was in the tropics. That's because the season is so short that people know to enjoy it while they can. Most Calgarians, however, enjoy all four of the city's seasons, even though winter can be the longest. Fortunately winters here are fairly mild, all things considered. While it receives its fair share of cold weather, relief is never far because of frequent Chinooks—a warm westerly wind unique to this region that comes over the mountains and forms an arc in the sky. And while the weather can be unpredictable (if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes) it is almost always sunny regardless of the season—something that most Calgarians take great delight in.

Whatever the weather, rest assured there is always someone in shorts, even in the coldest of weather. This may say a lot of things about Calgarians, but most important, it shows that nothing stops the people of this city from getting out and enjoying its diverse range of festivals, restaurants, theatres and shops—all of which continue to grow as Calgary becomes more and more cosmopolitan to compete with the likes of Toronto and Vancouver.

WAY DOWNTOWN

The heartbeat of Calgary is located in its downtown core-a business and entertainment district that provides the city's pulse. Home to Calgary's business district and over 70 national and international head offices, over 145,000 Calgarians work downtown. With this, many people make their way here nearly everyday. Several other industries have also excelled in the area, making Calgary's centre a hotspot of entertainment. There are over 1,000 shops, 200 dining locations, 50 nightclubs and pubs, and 10 cultural facilities (including museums, theatres and galleries), proving that just because Calgary's downtown is Western Canada's corporate headquarters, a little fun can still be had.

Calgary's Skyline as Viewed from Prince's Island Park

The City of Calgary began its life in the downtown, between the Bow River and CP Rail. A walk down Stephen Avenue, a national historic site, is like a walk down memory lane with a brick pedestrian walkway and ornate sandstone buildings, some of the few originals that are left standing in the city. This image is juxtaposed against sleek and modern skyscrapers that loom high above as a symbol of the city's progression. Once the city's tallest building, the Calgary Tower stands proud in the skyline. Views from the 360-degree observation deck provide a one-of-a-kind panorama.

Directly north of the tower is Chinatown. Along with a plethora of restaurants, supermarkets and gift shops, sits North America's largest Chinese Cultural Centre. Chinatown is situated right on the banks of the Bow, where there is a pathway system that is well used by cyclists, inline skaters, runners and walkers. Following the river's meander, the path leads to Eau Claire Market, a popular indoor shopping facility that includes a movie theatre, food court, entertainers, restaurants and more. The river path continues on to other main downtown attractions, such as Shaw Millennium Park (one of North America's largest outdoor skate parks), and the Telus World of Science.

The Plus 15 Inclement weather is never a problem downtown. Unique to Calgary, the Plus 15 is a network of almost 60 bridges (about 15 feet above ground) connecting over 100 buildings. Beginning in 1970, the route today stretches for more than 16 km and links over 800 shops, restaurants, cafes and theatres. For those with indoor parking, it is completely possible to never go outdoors, such as the premise of the movie Waydowtown, by Calgary moviemaker Gary Burns. Winning the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival award for Best Canadian Feature Film, the movie is centred around three work colleagues who bet a month's salary on who can stay indoors the longest. The movie was shot entirely in Calgary. The Plus 15 system can be accessed from indoors or out—just look for access points marked '+15'.

Culture hounds flourish in the downtown core, with help of the EPCOR Centre, home to Theatre Calgary (and several other theatre companies), Jack Singer Concert Hall (the home of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra), and much more. Because there is very little old money in Calgary, such cultural events are void of pretension.

LAY OF THE LAND

The rest of the city extends from the centre in quadrants—NE, NW, SW, SE—with each divided into a number of communities, together totalling around 200. Several main arteries lead out of the heart of Calgary, allowing for fairly efficient commuting—most travel takes no longer than 40 minutes, even during rush hour; however, an ever increasing population does mean more cars on the road . Calgary's south is divided by Macleod Trail, which runs south to north, and serves as a major highway into Calgary from the south. It also divides the SW and SE quadrants. The Elbow River, one of two main water sources for Calgary, flows in the south through both southern quadrants. The Bow River, the other water source, divides the north from the south, and Centre Street separates the north's east and west. In Calgary, most areas are set on a numbered grid system, with avenues running east to west, and streets, north/south. The Rockies lay to the city's west and serve as a directional tool for many Calgarians. For a visual guide, see the map of Calgary on the WorldWeb.com Travel Guide.

INNER CITY VS SUBURBIA

There used to only be rental accommodation in downtown Calgary, but today, along with an abundance of apartments, there are many newly built condominiums. Most of these are situated near Eau Claire, in the western side of downtown. Calgary's inner city, however, has the gamut of housing options.

Over the last few years, Calgary's inner city has become more and more popular, with many people deciding that they would rather spend more time at home than on the road commuting. As with any inner city, living here does come with increased crime, but with some precautions, crime can be avoided. It should be noted, however, that Calgary's crime rate is relatively stable, meaning that crime is not rising despite an increasing population. With regard to other major cities in Canada, Calgary's crime rate falls below the national and provincial average.

With little landscape boundaries, Calgary has been able to set its suburbs free onto open prairies, creating many neighbourhoods on the city's outskirts. Suburbia has appealed to many people for years, offering new and large homes. While many suburban areas are now planned to include shopping districts, restaurants and entertainment, the majority of people still need to drive most places, including work. People considering suburbia should also consider the proximity of hospitals and schools. Several new communities are planned with plots of land allotted for new schools, but because of the city's rapid growth, construction could take longer than expected.

CALGARY QUADRUPLED

Southwest Calgary
While the city continues to spread in all directions, its southwest has traditionally been the most popular. This quadrant boasts the most communities (around 80) and is thus the busiest. While some the city's best shopping malls (such as WestHills and Chinook Centre) and movie theatres are located in this area, they are jam-packed and parking is always at a premium. Mount Royal College, a well-regarded post-secondary institution, is located far west in an area that was once on the city's outskirts by a Calgary military base, now closed.

The Pengrowth Saddledome

Near the city's centre on the Stampede Grounds is the Pengrowth Saddledome, home to the Calgary Flames (National Hockey League), Hitmen (Western Hockey League), and Roughnecks (National Lacrosse League). Many big name concerts are hosted throughout the year and have included Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, U2 and the Tragically Hip.

Also located in the southwest are Spruce Meadows, Talisman Centre and Fish Creek Provincial Park, making it a region with diverse activities. The region stretches from the farthest point south to downtown, and so includes many suburban and inner city communities. Popular communities include Mission, Mount Royal, Eau Claire, West Hills, Bridlewood and Garrison Woods to name but a few. Popular Uptown 17 (17th Avenue SW) is also in this quadrant, featuring many boutiques, unique shops, hip restaurants and lounges. While there are many affluent communities in this quadrant, there are the usual sketchy neighbourhoods that accompany any city's downtown. Victoria Park by the Saddledome has, in the past, been given a bad name, however, recent developments in the area may indicate good investment opportunities. Edworthy Park, one of the city's largest parks, is located here on the banks of the Bow River. With picnic areas, hiking trails, cross country ski areas, off-leash dog runs and fishing spots, the park is popular but not over populated.

Southeast Calgary
Located on the eastern side of Macleod trail, Calgary's southeast includes a diverse cross-section of communities. Taking up the bulk of the land is the Foothills Industrial Park. Much like the southwest quadrant, the southeast is comprised of mainly suburbs in its south (such as Lake Midnapore, Cranston, Willowpark, McKenzie Towne and Acadia), with several communities stretching into the downtown, such as up-and-coming Inglewood, the oldest area of the city, and the location of the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. East of Inglewood begins the city's most ethnically diverse districts and traditionally the most economical neighbourhoods, such as Forest Lawn. Good shopping is found at Southcentre and Willowpark.

Northeast Calgary
Crossing the Bow River from Inglewood is the northeast quadrant of Calgary with some of the city's oldest communities, such as Bridgeland, Renfrew and Regal Terrace. The area was also popular with new Italian immigrants at one time and their influence is still found in the area with Italian restaurants and grocery shops speckled around. Once economical neighbourhoods, today these properties command high prices.

The ethnic diversity found in the southeast's Forest Lawn spreads north of the city into such communities as Marlborough, Whitehorn and Temple. Far north are reasonably priced suburbs, namely Martindale and Saddle Ridge, with housing that is ideal for young couples, new families, and young professionals. Far north is the Calgary International Airport. An extensive trail system, great for cyclists or pedestrians, leads along the Bow River toward the Calgary Zoo. A trail system also leads all the way to the airport.

Northwest Calgary
Much of Calgary's northwest is quickly becoming one of the city's most affluent areas. Character homes sit atop a ridge that overlook the city in areas such as Rosedale and Crescent Heights, once economical neighbourhoods that now come with a high price tag. Sunnyside, on the western side of the ridge, is a popular pocket of land with lots of personality. Also called Kensington, this trendy community (with many shops, dining, pubs and cafes) has, in the past, attracted a socially conscious population that is not only involved in neighbourhood watches and recycling, but car sharing and neighbourhood park developments as well. Charming character homes with streets lined with mature vegetation command high property prices. The University of Calgary and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) are also in this quadrant. The Jubilee Auditorium, near SAIT, is home to the Alberta Ballet and the Calgary Opera. Farther north is Canada Olympic Park (COP) and Nose Hill Park. On the outskirts are the suburban communities of Country Hills, Hamptons, Hidden Valley and Tuscany—all with large houses and new landscaping. Between the inner city and suburbia are communities such as Ranchlands and Silver Springs that seem to combine the large homes of suburbia with the mature landscaping of inner city neighbourhoods.

Retiring in Calgary
For those who are seeking a permanent place to retire, the City of Calgary has determined various communities that it deems ideal for seniors based on several factors, such as being valued and respected, staying active, feeling safe and getting around. The Elder Friendly Community Project determined that the areas that best met these needs were Acadia, Haysboro, Marlborough and Varsity.

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

Extended Stay Suites and Vacation Home Rentals
When searching for housing in Calgary, extended stay suites provide a great short-term option. Fully-furnished, long-term rates and convenient locations make them mainly attractive for executives, but they would be suitable for families as well, providing all the comfort and convenience of hotels with weekly rates that are generally less expensive than hotels of the same standard. Oftentimes, hotels offer extended stay options.

Vacation home rentals are usually available in furnished houses or condos on a weekly or monthly basis. In Calgary, such homes are often privately owned, thus quality of accommodation is not standardized, as it is with hotels and extended stay suites.

	The Open Prairies Surround Calgary Allowing the City to Sprawl

Buying a Home
It's not unusual to hear stories of people buying a house in 2005 for $230,000 and selling it for $400,000 only two years later. While there are always rumours that the market will be levelling off, house and rent prices continue to creep. While prices have always been less than Toronto or Vancouver, the disparity now is hardly existent. While finding a home is not difficult, finding something affordable can be a challenge (except for oil execs), especially since the city lacks low-income housing. It is worth seeking housing remotely before moving to Calgary, or securing an extended stay suite in advance.

There are many styles of homes in Calgary from which to choose, from traditional inner city homes, to mansion monstrosities in suburbia. Townhouses and condominiums are on the up-and-up, quite literally, with buildings springing up on almost every corner.

There are so many realtors in Calgary, all trying to make a nickel from the housing boom, that they seem to be a dime-a-dozen. The truth is that they are often worth their weight in gold, especially for those new to the city. Realtors can reduce the amount of legwork it takes to view homes by determining their client needs and then only showing homes that meet those criteria. Realtors also have access to MLS listings (a listing of all the houses that are being sold by realtors) before they are posted online or in papers.

A plethora of websites devoted to new home listings makes it possible to find a home without a realtor. In addition, there's a free housing paper that can be found on most street corners downtown, shopping malls, and supermarkets. Taking time to peruse listings and exploring neighbourhoods may, in the end, be the most effective way to find a home.

Along with realtors, Calgary also has an abundance of mortgage brokers who are only too happy to beat bank rates. In most cases, brokers can find rates that are lower than what financial advisers are permitted to offer at the same institution. Needless to say, it is worth doing research.

Building a Home
For those who cannot find that home of their dreams, building one from the ground up is easy to do. There are several options here. Unlike most other large cities, neighbouring towns or natural obstacles do not constrict Calgary's borders. Surrounded by miles and miles of prairies, foothills and farmland, Calgary is free to sprawl-

at least for the meantime. While there are moderate concerns about the future consequences of urban sprawl (such as watertable contamination and the disturbance of wildlife) housing developments will continue as long as there are buyers. In many new communities, people are given the option to choose a plot of land and the house plan they prefer. Homebuyers can also choose an interior design package to suit their tastes. In some cases, buyers can choose to be as involved in the home building as they wish, from requesting contractors to move walls to installing insulation themselves, allowing do-it-yourselfers to save money.

For those who prefer living in an established neighbourhood but would like the comfort of a new home, building an infill is a popular option. There are many architectural firms, contractors and home builders in the city that specialize in home building, either from scratch or building upon an existing frame. New communities, acreages and surrounding towns all have open plots of land for sale and can accommodate building from scratch.

Renting a Home
The best part about renting is that it allows the renter to live in various parts of the city with little commitment. Houses, townhouses, condos and apartments (furnished and unfurnished) are available in all parts of Calgary. Both of Calgary's daily newspapers offer rental properties in their classified ads section, and there is a Calgary renters' guide available at stands at most convenience stores and supermarkets. Property management companies offer an easy solution whereby renters can either surf their websites or contact them directly for assistance in finding accommodation that meets specific requirements. And for those who can't find something that meets their needs, ask to be put on a waiting list.

GETTING AROUND

Calgary is a driver's paradise. Fast freeways make it easy to get from one end of the city to the other with relative ease. Such roads include Deerfoot Trail, which runs north to south on the northeast edge of the city. Other major freeways include Crowchild Trail, which runs north to south through the southwest and northwest quadrants. Memorial Drive runs east to west on the north side of the Bow River. The Trans Canada highway, known as 16th Avenue within city limits, also runs east to west, but is very busy.

With the city's growing population, these roads are being stretched to their maximum and traffic jams do occur during rush hour (usually from 7 to 9:30 am and then from 4:30 to 7pm). Calgary's traffic jams are normally cleared up quickly and by no means stand up to a Toronto traffic jam, which can last for hours.

The LRT Bridge Connecting Kensington with Calgary's Downtown

For those who work outside of the downtown core, it is unlikely that parking will be a problem, which is to say that those who do work downtown may be faced with a parking crisis. Finding parking is rarely an issue, but rather paying for parking is. Metered parking can be found throughout the city streets, but watch for signs: many areas become tow-away zones in preparation for rush hour. Metered parking is expensive and can usually only be set for a couple of hours at a time, making this an unviable option for long-term parking. There are many parkades downtown, but monthly rentals will cost hundreds of dollars a month.

A cheaper alternative to driving is public transportation. Calgary's bus system and C-Train (Light Rail Transit -LRT) are efficient for navigating around the city. The bus system is comprehensive with routes that reach the city's far corners making it a convenient, albeit sometimes lengthy, mode of transportation. Calgary is particularly proud of its C-Train, an electric powered aboveground train. In 2001, the train became North America's first emission free transit system by switching to electricity that is generated by wind, thus reducing emissions by 100 per cent. The C-Train is efficient, but the network is not that extensive. There are three main lines with one running from the south to downtown, one to the northwest toward the university and one to the northeast, none of which extend far enough to reach Calgary's newest suburbs. Several LRT stations do have parking facilities (often free or nominal) so driving to the nearest station is a viable option.

GETTING SETTLED

Once settled into an accommodation, there are many details that require attention such as finding work if unemployed, finding a school for children, registering and insuring vehicles, sorting out healthcare, finding a doctor, and organizing electricity, cable and Internet access.

Finding Employment
Those arriving in Calgary to find work may find their best luck through employment agencies. There are over a hundred agencies in Calgary, proving that there is much work to be had in the city. Choosing an agency depends on what type of work is sought. Agencies tend to have areas of specialization, such as office administration, executive positions, and industrial work. In choosing an agency, keep in mind that reputable companies do not charge job seekers.

The main bonus of registering with job agencies is that many companies do not advertise employment, but instead work with agencies to help filter-out unqualified applicants. An agency can help their jobseekers tap into a hidden job market. Many agencies also provide immediate temporary employment.

Other ways to find employment is through career websites and local newspapers. Calgary also had a couple of job fairs where people can meet many potential employers in one day.

Schools
Across Canada, there are basically two choices for schools, public or separate. Education is standardized by the Province of Alberta, so the quality only varies by individual schools rather than school systems. The separate school system is Catholic based, with emphasis on instilling a Christian background. All faiths are welcome, but Catholic religion classes, masses and other ceremonies must be attended. The public school system, which is larger than the separate system, is open to all. Education is a right in Canada, and so it is free from grades one to twelve. However, everyone pays school taxes, even those who do not have children attending school. Taxpayers may choose if they want to contribute to separate, public or both.

Calgary also has a few private schools, which charge tuition fees, most popular are schools for girls. For older children who have difficulties with traditional schools, there are a couple of special schools that offer a unique approach to learning. Home schooling is also an option. Standardized testing is still required, and can be obtained from the government.

Drivers' Licenses
Those moving from another province have 90 days, from permanent residency, to apply for a licence—additional identification is required, including proof of residency.

The Centre of it All: Calgary City Hall

Those who are moving within the province of Alberta simply need to get a new license with updated information. Exemptions do apply for students who are moving from another province to go to school in Alberta—contact a registry for more details.

Drivers who are arriving from outside of Canada will require an International Drivers License before arriving, and may drive a car using this license until it expires, at which point an Alberta license must be obtained. To obtain a license as a new immigrant, applicants must first pass a driving examination, consisting of both a written test and a driving test.

Registering and Insuring Vehicles
In Alberta, car insurance and car registration are separate entities (this is not the case in many provinces, which have one-stop shopping). Before registering a vehicle at a registry office, vehicle insurance is required. Since car insurance is privatized, it is worthwhile to shop around as insurance rates can vary greatly. Inspections may be required for both registration and insurance and may have to be performed in a certain order.

Healthcare
Healthcare in Alberta is available for Canadian citizens and landed immigrants who have lived in the province for a minimum of three months. Healthcare in Canada, one of the world's most comprehensive public healthcare systems, is provided provincially. In order to help cover costs, each Albertan must pay monthly premiums, which are often paid for or subsidized by employers. The provincial government also offers students and other low-income earners subsidized healthcare, but this is not automatic and must be applied for.

Healthcare provides free doctor visits, emergency services and some medical care, such as operations. Other medical services are not covered, while some are subsidized, for example, chiropractic care is subsidized while physiotherapy is limited.

Albertans are responsible for the costs of prescription drugs. Companies are required to provide their full-time employees with some additional medical, which usually entails partial prescription drug costs, in addition to dental and optical benefits. In cases where company coverage is not great, or for people who are self-employed, retired or work part-time, additional coverage is available through Blue Cross, a medical health insurance company.

Finding a Doctor
With Calgary's fast growth, finding a family doctor that is accepting new patients can be difficult. The only way to find out who is accepting new patients is through the Calgary Health Region (CHR). Even when a clinic is found that is accepting new patients, it may take up to three months for the first appointment. The CHR also publishes a list of walk-in clinics, whereby those who need to see a doctor can go to the clinic and wait.

Electricity
As with the whole province of Alberta, all electricity is supplied by Enmax. Those moving from outside of Enmax's service area, will have to open a new Enmax account. For those moving within Enmax's service area, contact Enmax to simply transfer the old account to a new address. The majority of homes in the province are powered by electricity that is generated by power plants fuelled by natural gas or coal. Recently, Enmax has introduced a reduced emission energy option-wind power. While Enmax will charge a little more for it, customers can now choose to have electricity that has been generated at the McBride Lake Wind Farm near Fort Macleod.

Gas
Renters and condo owners will not have to organize gas, which is used in heating the home, as heating is normally included with rent or condo fees; however, it is worthwhile to confirm this with the property management company. Homeowners do have to pay for either gas or hot water heating, depending on what the home is equipped for. A meter is installed on the house to monitor usage. ATCO Gas provides gas to most homes; however, there are alternative companies that offer a set monthly gas rate as opposed to meter readings.

The Calgary '88 Winter Olympic Games On February 13, 1988, Calgary stepped into the International spotlight as the host city for the XVth Olympic Winter Games. The Olympic flame warmed 60,000 spectators at the opening ceremonies held at McMahon Stadium as they welcomed 1,423 athletes from 57 nations. Extending the games for the first time from 12 to 16 days, the Calgary '88 Olympics became arguably the most successful Winter Games of all time-a fact that still makes Calgarians proud. Much of this success is owed to 25,000 volunteers that dedicated their time. The legacy of the '88 Olympics continues today at several facilities, including the Calgary Olympic Speed Skating Oval, located at the University of Calgary, and Canada Olympic Park (COP). The Speed Skating Oval, the training facility for Canada's speed skaters, is world-class. COP still hosts many major winter competitions, including ski jumping, and has an athletic residency program, which allows athletes from around the world to train at their facilities. An indoor bobsled track lets athletes practice their starts for luge, skeleton and bobsled. Visitors are welcome daily to visit the Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum, and to tour the facility, including the ski jumps and bobsled run. Mini golf course (summer), gift shop and restaurant are also on site.

Telephone, Cable and Internet Access
Telus is the main local and long distance telephone service in Alberta and British Columbia. As far as long distance service goes, customers may choose to go with Telus or with other competitive companies such as Sprint, who also offers local phone service.

Telus also offers dial-up and high-speed (ADSL) Internet access, with a variety of bundles and services to be competitive in this market. Shaw is Calgary's other major Internet provider service, offering the public cable Internet access, either high-speed or lite-speed. Calgary has several other independent Internet providers, usually offering dial-up access.

Shaw also provides Calgary with the only cable access in the city. Cable access is available on a tiered basis. Shaw also offers Digital Cable, which provides access to many additional channels that are not available on regular cable. A digital box, which is necessary to access digital cable, may be purchased from Shaw or from many electronic stores. Along with Digital Cable come other benefits such as Pay-Per-View movies. The only alternative to Shaw in Calgary is satellite TV.

GETTING A LIFE

As with any city, meeting people in Calgary can seem difficult. A good starting point for meeting new people are right in the neighbourhood. Most communities have associations and include clubs that are open for social events, including pub nights.

Since the workplace is where people spend most of their time, it is natural to place to make friends, but there are many other ways to get out and about in Calgary.

Many people do not realize that Calgary has an abundance of clubs in a diverse range of interests, from mountain climbing to Celtic folk music, bobsledding to ballooning! Clubs offer a great way to meet people who have similar interests. There are also clubs that are specifically designed to welcome newcomers to Calgary, and can be a fantastic resource for getting settled and answering questions about the city. Such clubs include the Newcomers Club. People who are new to Canada may find the Calgary Immigrant Aid, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, and the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association useful organizations. These organizations can help new immigrants adjust to a new culture by providing practical services such as finding a home and learning English.

In terms of being social, Calgary has a plethora of entertainment opportunities, from sports to the opera, so there is no excuse for sitting at home. There are many activities that are free as well, whether it is enjoying a walk along one of Calgary's extensive trail systems, or a book reading at a local library or bookshop.

More Fun than a Barrel of…
Children of all ages have plenty to do in Calgary. There are all kinds of clubs for kids, from Brownies to Beavers. City Recreation offers classes that include painting, acting, dancing, swimming and much more. Many private associations also offer much of the same. There are sport leagues of every kind, in and out of school, including hockey, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, football, gymnastics and ringette to name only a few.

Oh, and the places to go! Calgary has a world-class zoo, a Science Centre with interactive displays, fun fair rides at Calaway Park, Shaw Millennium Park with beach volleyball and concrete skate park, and Calgary Olympic Park (COP), the site of several Olympic events during the Calgary '88 Olympics. Along with a ski

A Bridge Leading to the Calgary Zoo

hill in the winter, COP offers ski schools that include ski jumping, especially for kids. In the summer, the hill is transformed into mountain biking heaven with many trails. Start from the bottom up, or take the chairlift to the top and bike down. The city also has waterparks, public pools, gardens, children's theatre, entertainment centres, laser tag…the list goes on and on.

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