Brits In Calgary > 2011 > December

CALGARY NEWCOMERS’ CLUB

December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
English: From top left, the Saddledome and dow...
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It’s always hard to make new friends when coming to live in a new city. Calgary Newcomers’ Club welcomes its members with opportunities for social interaction with other women of any nationality who are new to Calgary through shared interests and activities.

Founded in 1961 by Kay Dant, The Club just celebrated their 50th anniversary. Calgary Newcomers’ Club is a member of the National Newcomer’s Council of Canada.

Any woman who has moved to Calgary in the last 3 years or, by special motion of the Executive Board, within the past 5 years is eligible to join. We also accept applications from women who have experienced a major life change (employment, marital etc) who want to experience Calgary in a new way.

Some of the activities are: book clubs, mah jong, hiking and snowshoeing groups, walking groups, tennis, golf, pub night, pot luck dinner parties, wine tasting parties, lunch and coffee meetings at various locations around town.

A prospective member may attend a Hospitality Event where a member of the Club Executive Board will answer all her questions about the club. Just contact the club through the website or by phone.

There is annual fee of $40 to be a member.

Many great friendships have been made through CNC, enduring even after people leave the city. So have a look at the website, come to a hospitality event where you will be warmly welcomed into someone’s home and get meeting new friends straight away!

More information is available at www.calgarynewcomersclub.com or by calling 403-245-8993

Courtesy of Seema- a member of the Calgary Newcomers Club and also member of the Calgary British Expats Meet Up Group

Also, I have mentioned this one in a previous article- but  worth another ‘shout’ and this is the The Calgary British Expats Meet Up Group- check it out for local get together’s, be it a night at the pub, quiz, learn to dance, family outings or just a coffee, just a great way to meet new Brits and ultimately have a laugh!!

Brit newcomers always welcome- whether you have been here 1 week, month or a decade or 2!!

Thanks

Mel

Filed Under: Calgary Life, Events, Featured, Latest News

To buy or to rent when you move to Canada?

December 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When moving to Canada one of the first considerations you have to make is where you plan to live , followed by  do you rent or buy ?There is no real magic answer to this though,  as it depends largely on personal preference, circumstances and knowledge.

So my aim here  is to help provide you with some knowledge that  will help you weigh up your options, so that you can decide.

Map of Canada
Image via Wikipedia

Because it is such a big change some people prefer to rent when they move here,whether it be for just a month or two, 6 months or more,  this gives you the ability to sort out other financial commitments first, and get a ‘feel’ for the communities/areas. If this is the case, one good place to look for a rental, is www.rentfaster.ca  . Here there are lots of private landlords and many of the rental agencies which advertise here, so is a good place to start.With regards to renting/tenants rights a good resource is www.servicealberta.ca/Landlords_Tenants.cfm.

Note most landlords ‘prefer’ long term rental agreements, but do feel free to ask for what you want, e.g. 6 months or so.

However,  if you want to ‘settle’ in and  want to take advantage of the slower market  and  low rates,(as of  Dec 2011) and hence plan to buy soon after your arrival, this most definitely can be possible, and financing (e.g. new mortgage)  when you are new to Canada is an option with a fairly low down payment,, but with the right steps in place. So,  if you are planning to buy fairly soon after your arrival- it is worth speaking to a mortgage broker well in advance ,if possible,  to make the transaction as smooth as possible, and so that you have all your ‘ducks in a row’ for when you move here. (see my local services section for 2 GREAT mortgage brokers- who have had much experience dealing with expats obtaining mortgages in Canada).

Or if you are simply unsure, and just want to discuss your options, and weigh up the pro’s and con’s, I am always happy to discuss, so feel free to email or call, having ‘been there,done it and got the t-shirt’ I am always happy to help.

Mel McCartney

Filed Under: Calgary Life, Featured, Latest News, Real Estate

Parks in Calgary- dogs

December 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
English: Canine friends enjoy Winter play at a...

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Calgary has many parks to enjoy and I will be focusing on of these over time, but for this one I want to focus on dog parks and some of Calgary’s dog owner bylaws. Calgary’s bylaw states that all dogs are to be leashed when they are not on the owners property, unless you are at one of the 149 (current as of Nov 2011)  Calgary ‘off leash’ areas, which are usually clearly signed.

You can go to this web link for info on these and up to date info direct form The City of Calgary

www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Dog-off-leash-areas-in-parks.aspx

Another thing to note is that on ALL pathways (even pathways in ‘off leash areas’ ) dogs still have to be on a leash if you are on the pathway. However, there is one place in Southland Natural  Area where dogs can be off leash in any area of the Park .
When using the off leash areas there are still some rules to observe:
Must maintain control of their pets and that pets obey their simple commands, be courteous to other dogs and pet owners, respect all wildlife and prevent dogs from chasing wildlife.
Also another big rule, which goes for the off leash areas and ALL public areas is picking up poop,  and dropping poop bags in the garbage can where provided- or take home. Failure to do this can result in a $250 fine (current 2011).
However, from my own observation, I am not sure that the fine is the biggest deterrent, as I generally  find that most dog owners here are very respectful and conscientious that there dogs don’t leave any unsanitary ‘parcels’  to surprise the general public and this is just another reason that makes Calgary so  clean and great  for all to enjoy.
Filed Under: Calgary Life, Featured, Latest News