How do Brits cope with the cold weather in Canada? I’ve just seen its minus 28. Can’t imagine that type of cold. Do things carry on as normal or do things stop etc?

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Great question,  so I know it ‘sounds’ unimaginable  the cold weather in Canada is really not as bad as it seems it is not too bad for several reasons:

1) Here in Calgary it’s a ‘dry’ cold and so as long as you have your extremities covered up-usually it is quite tolerable for short periods of time!

2) A lot of homes/apartments have garages- so you can choose not to be exposed if you have a car eg, house to car, then a lot of work places/shopping centres etc have indoor car parks.

3) If you work downtown- then they have a ‘unique’ indoor pathway above ground that links all the office blocks together (its called the + 15) 4) Even when the snow comes typically every one is ‘fairly’ prepared (although if it comes over night unexpected- the first morning can be a bit of ‘gong show’- but after that the roads get cleared and everyone carrys on).

Life stays pretty normal, with work, school etc- but if is -20 (or below) then kids don’t go out to play- otherwise they carry on with snow pants/hats gloves etc.

Also- there is so much ‘to do’ during the winter months, ice-skating, skiing, sledging, snow shoeing to name but a few- I lived in the Middle East (U.A.E ) for 3 years, and having lived with small kids there and now here, I can honestly say that the extreme winters here are MUCH ‘easier’ to cope with than the pounding heat of 40+ with 98% humidity. Here you can at least bundle up, and go out and enjoy… IF you want to………

Also on another note, Calgary/area is quite unique as we have ‘Chinooks’ which basically is a ‘warmer’ weather front/wind that comes in ‘warms’ everything up from time to time over the winter, so the really cold snaps generally only last from a few days to few weeks max. I have been here when it has gone form -35 to +15 in a matter of days- crazy really!

Also Calgary/Alberta is famous for its ‘blue skies’- and it really is quite stunning to see the snow covered Rockies in the distance against a brilliant blue sky…..THAT of course is my opinion- I guess not everyone feels the same about how they cope with cold waether in Canada,  but its how you ‘embrace’/choose to live it and note I do love the sun/warmth as much as anyone- but I guess what I am saying is that equally I love the diversity and different things that each season brings (the summers are quite hot too- with tons of out door opportunites- but that is a whole other subject!)

Cheers- and again any other questions, feel free to ask!

Mel McCartney

Pre Schools in Calgary

If you are living in Calgary (or moving to Calgary), and if you have small children, you will soon learn that your child won’t be starting ‘regular’ school at age 4 as they often can do in the UK, but there is always the option of a ‘pre-school’.

This is something that you have to pay for, and it starts at ages 3 or 4, but it is completely optional. It is not always structured- but is a great way to start developing social skills, and seperation, and hence a good way to ‘prepare’ a child for starting school. Of course they also do focus on developing fine and gross motor skills/creative play.

To find a list of current pre-schools in Calgary, a good resource is the Calgary’s Child Newspaper (which has lots of great info in)- and the hard copy of this can be picked up at most of the public facilites, eg Calgary Recreation Centres, and some of the supermarkets (eg Safeway) or you can search it in line and this link below is a direct link to the pre-school section.

www.calgaryschild.com/activity-guides/preschool-junior-kindergarten-and-private-school-guide

There are various types of pre-school, eg Montessori Programs (more independance focused and activities are ‘reality’ based), Play -based programs/learning through play (more hands on/social skills) and traditional learning (more structured/traditional school like setting) and so this may influence which type of program you decide upon. But another thing to consider is that some of these programs fill up very quickly, so you are best to start looking in to these options as soon as you can, and if there is not space for your first choice, try and at least get on a waiting list

However, if you are not quite ready to ‘send’ your child to a learning/play facility indepnedantly- there are of course many otpions , such parent toddler groups and variuos activities. Also, note the The Calgary British Expats Meet Up Group, is starting up a parent/toddler ‘meet up’ for parents with babies and toddlers,so a good way to meet a few new faces/get the children together.

If you have any other questions, or want more help with locating/choosing a ‘pre-school’ or finding a local play group, then please feel free to e-mail me or call- I am always happy to help.

Thanks

Mel

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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.