Canada: Irish In Calgary

IrishGinger

Frostine wrote: »

Well, today our high temp. was 17C, but tomorrow our high is going to be 2 or 3C with flurries. That is spring in Calgary! May is generally warmer, but we kind of go from winter directly to summer here. June is the rainiest month (nothing like you're used to mind you). July and August can be hot and/or stormy. Just in time for stampede, YAHOO!

Brilliant
Looking forward to this Stampede im hearing so much about-should be fun!!

IrishGinger

Calgary22 wrote: »

Seems if you have a trade you will be laughing all the way to bank:D

Thats fine with me, might become a lady of leisure liquid lunches with manicures and all that!!!

NOT!!!

ManFromCheese

IrishGinger wrote: »

Brilliant
Looking forward to this Stampede im hearing so much about-should be fun!!

im thinking of arriving at the start of july, would this be a bad time to arrive to look for work, accomodation etc if its stampede time? i dont want to waste a couple of weeks there when nobody would be interested in hiring etc if its stampede time?

rusheen

ManFromCheese wrote: »

im thinking of arriving at the start of july, would this be a bad time to arrive to look for work, accomodation etc if its stampede time? i dont want to waste a couple of weeks there when nobody would be interested in hiring etc if its stampede time?

It will be very hard to get short term accomodation. hostels , motels etc

come afew weeks before they will be lots of temp jobs going or a week after it will be quieter .

IrishGinger

I was talking to a girl on this earlier and she suggested a facebook page 'irish in calgary' the people on it are super helpful and there are loads of pages like it. Irish socializing in calgary looks like a good one, just a bunch of irish naming a place every couple nights for irish to meet up.

ManFromCheese

rusheen wrote: »

It will be very hard to get short term accomodation. hostels , motels etc

come afew weeks before they will be lots of temp jobs going or a week after it will be quieter .

so avoid stampede time to arrive so? i cant go an earlier than towards end of june anyway.

rusheen

ManFromCheese wrote: »

so avoid stampede time to arrive so? i cant go an earlier than towards end of june anyway.

Well it depends ,
Where are you planning on staying when you arrive ?
Theres only two hostels in the city , plus all reasonable priced short term accomodation will be taken then

maybe you could book in advance . But the city will be crazy busy , buses trains etc Arriving in a new city trying to find your way around during its party time is nt ideal !
Up to you , but research the festival its really huge ,

ManFromCheese

rusheen wrote: »

Well it depends ,
Where are you planning on staying when you arrive ?
Theres only two hostels in the city , plus all reasonable priced short term accomodation will be taken then

maybe you could book in advance . But the city will be crazy busy , buses trains etc Arriving in a new city trying to find your way around during its party time is nt ideal !
Up to you , but research the festival its really huge ,

ya, i know, thats why i asked the question as i thought as much, knew it would be a nightmare and a waste of a few wks money and work wise if i arrived during the festival. even the flights over around the end june/start july are more expensive than other times. i guess avoid the place so till the stampede is over! cheers!

coulagh1986

IrishGinger wrote: »

I was talking to a girl on this earlier and she suggested a facebook page 'irish in calgary' the people on it are super helpful and there are loads of pages like it. Irish socializing in calgary looks like a good one, just a bunch of irish naming a place every couple nights for irish to meet up.

Yep really good facebook page. Use the search function on the page and any question you have will already have been asked by someone.. And generally if you post a question you`ll get very helpful responses.

crushproof

ManFromCheese wrote: »

ya, i know, thats why i asked the question as i thought as much, knew it would be a nightmare and a waste of a few wks money and work wise if i arrived during the festival. even the flights over around the end june/start july are more expensive than other times. i guess avoid the place so till the stampede is over! cheers!

If you arrive a week or two before the Stampede you can pick up temp work at the festival itself. I did the same and picked up work the second day I arrived. Obviously its not big bucks but gets you through the 2 weeks and gives you a bit of extra spending money....and you get unlimited free entry to the Stampede, some of the event tickets cost a fortune!

ManFromCheese

crushproof wrote: »

If you arrive a week or two before the Stampede you can pick up temp work at the festival itself. I did the same and picked up work the second day I arrived. Obviously its not big bucks but gets you through the 2 weeks and gives you a bit of extra spending money....and you get unlimited free entry to the Stampede, some of the event tickets cost a fortune!

thanks but i dont think id be too bothered getting over for the sake of a couple of weeks, ill just wait till after the stampede id say and try focus on getting a proper job.

gccrowley1

Hi all! Newbie here .... More or less..... I am an electrician here in Ireland at the minute, was mainly industrial and machinery work but now work for myself in all aspects of electrical work from property maintenance to new installs to machine fault finding and repair...anyway I am wondering how people here have got job offers from here and how to even start to find them..... I think the LMO route would be a nice option for me but to be honest I just want/need to go ASAP as this recession has broke me.... I am 31 with a wife (civil servant) and an 18 month old little boy. I am willing to go on my own first or permanent if I have to, we just can't sustain this anymore. I don't know what to believe about my trade in Canada and the huge unbelievable wages I am told about but we really need to get the ball rolling on this as I missed out on the IEC this year,..... Anyway sorry about that rant but , where do ya get these job offers from and what's the best and quickest way for me to get out there and start earning some money to pay my debts.... Would I be able to earn enough to support my wife to be a stay at home mammy???? Most important thing.... Thanks for any info or contact info or ....... Job offers ..... Haha haha

littlemiss maevie

Hi, I was supposed to be moving to Calgary with a friend but due to her finances she cant leave for another year. I'm debating whether or not to go on my own. I have 3 things that I would like any one of 1. a place to live 2. a job 3. know someone there. I've got none of these. I'm looking for advice on moving alone or how to find a job before getting there

bongomad

littlemiss maevie wrote: »

Hi, I was supposed to be moving to Calgary with a friend but due to her finances she cant leave for another year. I'm debating whether or not to go on my own. I have 3 things that I would like any one of 1. a place to live 2. a job 3. know someone there. I've got none of these. I'm looking for advice on moving alone or how to find a job before getting there

1 you could check out craiglist Canada or kijiji for a room or apt to stay in the part your planning to stay, it's easier to rent a room first as there wouldn't be as large of a deposit needed and no reference as well you should take over any references you do have regarding renting
2 same as above you could check the above 2 sites for a job without knowing what you work as that's the best advice I could give you! Take whatever job you get offered first if money is tight you can always look for a better one
3 some say its best not meeting up with the Irish over there as you'll just end up going out more socialising and reminiscing about home and get home sick quicker! There's a Facebook page for a couple of the places the Irish are staying might be worth looking up for help and activities , there's plenty moving over on there own if you check out the Canada forum there's plenty of threads with great advice on what to do first and going over on your own etc
Hope this helps

littlemiss maevie

I'll be starting off in Calgary atleast but would like to do some travelling especially to Montreal.
With regards jobs Ive been looking for admin positions but its nearly impossible to find someone who'll talk to you before you get to Canada.
I don't necessarily want to meet with Irish people but rather I want one of my 3 things: a job, a person to help me or a place to stay and the fact that Ive none is terrifying me.
I have gone away on my own before but Ive always had a place to stay and a job organised before I left.
I found out a few people say linkedin has been good for them and have started applying for jobs through that so I'll see how it goes.
Im just scared because id planned on going with someone and now all plans have changed and google has been no help to me

bongomad

littlemiss maevie wrote: »

I'll be starting off in Calgary atleast but would like to do some travelling especially to Montreal.
With regards jobs Ive been looking for admin positions but its nearly impossible to find someone who'll talk to you before you get to Canada.
I don't necessarily want to meet with Irish people but rather I want one of my 3 things: a job, a person to help me or a place to stay and the fact that Ive none is terrifying me.
I have gone away on my own before but Ive always had a place to stay and a job organised before I left.
I found out a few people say linkedin has been good for them and have started applying for jobs through that so I'll see how it goes.
Im just scared because id planned on going with someone and now all plans have changed and google has been no help to me

If you're going traveling first it will be more like a holiday and you'll be able to change your cv to living in Canada and apply for jobs then they'll be not as much pressure to get a job as well !you'll be fine I'm sure If you have any questions you should have no problem getting answers here! Best of luck over there!

retalivity

have you seen how far montreal is from calgary??

KevinFQB1

Maevie I am in the same boat as you, planned on going with somebody but that fell through and now I am thinking of going alone, I have none of the three things you mentioned either. Please keep me updated on how you get on, pm me if needs be!

ManFromCheese

im the same, had always planned on going on my own, i dont really find it daunting, but thats just me, i reckon theres no need to worry or panic, stay in a hostel for the first while you are there, get to know people, it will be a lot easier to get a job when your there rather than when your in ireland, going there with no job i wouldnt let it put you off or anything

coulagh1986

Wicked Hostel is pretty good. Good mix of people from all countries. Good fun aswell Theres also HI hostel. Have a look at kijiji to see the types of jobs and wages that they offer.. Get your SIN bank account and phone set up the first day or two and start applying then for jobs.. Irish in Calgary facebook page is verry very good for info on everything

PSRJ17191438b

im heading to Calgary on me own aswell and i'm absolutely terrified going on me own with f**k all experience, but i'm looking forward to it aswell, once I find work and a place to stay ill be happy, hopefully heading the end of August

Panthro

Thread Merged

littlemiss maevie

great ill look up all those sites. ive heard linkedin has helped a lot of people and have already started applying for jobs through that. even I get nothing before i go to canada i can re apply when there and atleast ive an idea of whats out there

littlemiss maevie

cam anyone tell me anything about a driving license. Ive seen on here a few people talking about getting a uk license and switching from that? i can get an international license but that only lasts a year and ill be there atleast 2 so whats the best thing to do?

gemie

littlemiss maevie wrote: »

Hi, I was supposed to be moving to Calgary with a friend but due to her finances she cant leave for another year. I'm debating whether or not to go on my own. I have 3 things that I would like any one of 1. a place to live 2. a job 3. know someone there. I've got none of these. I'm looking for advice on moving alone or how to find a job before getting there

im going by myself you will be fine,

gemie

Any one heading to Calgary by themselves in September 2013?

I am, we will be fine :D:D:D:D

ShooterSF

I am flying over on the 25th myself! Looking forward to it but nervous all the same!

gemie

Im over on the 4th.. once you land in the hostel you will make irish friends in the hostel, help each other out what side you from? im from galway

ShooterSF

Meath myself. Looking to make a mix of friends hopefully Irish and others, dont want to end up in some version of little Ireland either

gemie

you be grand we are all friendly

dave27806

Tragamin2k2 wrote: »

calgary city chap, was at some gaa night on steve ave few weeks ago ther must be at least a zillion irish here

Hi, just trying to find out what requirements are needed to work as an alarm systems installer in canada, i have a fetac level 6 electronic security systems certificate upon completing my apprenticeship. Me and my girlfriend are hoping to make the move, possibly to calgary. Any info greatly appreciated.

mazi

gemie wrote: »

Im over on the 4th.. once you land in the hostel you will make irish friends in the hostel, help each other out what side you from? im from galway

Hey, Someone else from Galway...wow! I haven't met anyone from there here yet!

Da__divil

Hi have found a job in Calgary can anyone tell me were would the best place to live in Calgary for a young family wit a 2 year old

Kippure

Da__divil wrote: »

Hi have found a job in Calgary can anyone tell me were would the best place to live in Calgary for a young family wit a 2 year old

To make life easy I would move to any place right beside the C-Train. I live in the NE of Calgary. Nice quite place. Have all amenities around me. 20 Minutes from the centre of Calgary.

Da__divil

Kippure wrote: »

To make life easy I would move to any place right beside the C-Train. I live in the NE of Calgary. Nice quite place. Have all amenities around me. 20 Minutes from the centre of Calgary.

That's great thanks very much I'll look into that wats the average price of rent about theses areas

el diablo

Da__divil wrote: »

That's great thanks very much I'll look into that wats the average price of rent about theses areas

This will give you some idea. Rent is not cheap!!

http://www.rentfaster.ca/calgary.php

mazi

Kippure wrote: »

To make life easy I would move to any place right beside the C-Train. I live in the NE of Calgary. Nice quite place. Have all amenities around me. 20 Minutes from the centre of Calgary.

The north east is branded as "The Hood" as a lot of immigrants from asia, africa live there (not that it's a problem but some people have preference).Avoid "Forest Lawn" at all costs. I live in the north west and it really is a nice neighbourhood being 8km from downtown,quiet,student/retired residence and the ctrain at my door step!Ctrain is great if you don't drink & a monthly pass will set you back $94 or $3 a go (tickets are valid for 1.5 hours after purchase to any route on any line)

Da__divil

Great thanks for all your help

Kippure

Da__divil wrote: »

That's great thanks very much I'll look into that wats the average price of rent about theses areas

I pay 500 a month.

Da__divil

Kippure wrote: »

I pay 500 a month.

Were abouts do u live and pay that

Kippure

Da__divil wrote: »

Were abouts do u live and pay that

North east Calgary. A stones throw from a not to popular place called forest LAwn

el diablo

Kippure wrote: »

North east Calgary. A stones throw from a not to popular place called forest LAwn

That's for a room in a shared house/apartment?

Crann na Beatha

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Crann na Beatha

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JenL

Phoenix wrote: »

So who else is coming here,wana go see the flames?:pac:

The NHL hockey season is over... You'll be waiting til October for a Flames game.

Crann na Beatha

This post has been deleted.

MAntC1

Hello guys,

I have gotten my IEC visa and I'm currently trying to decide which part of Canada to go to.I am a painter/decorator by trade but I also have experience operating mini-excavators,though it's fairly limited.I'm quite competent at driving them but I wouldn't have a whole lot of site experience.I would like to get into this kind of work over there,rather than the painting and decorating.Would it be very difficult for me to get a position as an operator in Alberta being so inexperienced or are there lots of opportunities in this area of work?Are employers in this area happy to take on and train people if they show a good work ethic and eagerness to learn?

Thanks,
MAntC1

MarkJD

Howdy folks... Im now a little worried posting in this thread given the minimul amount of discussion haha.... Anyways..

I have been successful in getting a promotion in work with a move to the Canadian offices of the company. Head office is in Toronto and pretty much spent the last two months researching that but upon been offered the job I was thrown a bit of a curveball and told i was needed in Calgary.

Still absolutely delighted with the move / promotion but just more concerned as we havnt looked into Calgary at all... Im going to be working remotely so pretty much working from home with customer visits based in Calgary i can imagine throughout days during the week. Iv no idea of where would be the best places to live? Ill be moving over with my wife on the 30th of July. We will spend 2 weeks in Toronto getting setup and up to speed in head office but from then out to Calgary. Can people reccomend what would be the best area to start looking for apartnemtns / houses etc. Looking for somehwere nice, minimum 2 bed with a den for work if possible. Want to have lots of amenities around us. We will just be married and in the 25-30 bracket. Not looking for the bussiest nightlife area but fairly central with bars / cinemas / restaurants / good public transport and what have you. Will most likely be getting a car as well at some point so best company to do driving pre tests with etc.

On some other topics im not sure if the banks / internet / phone providers would be the same as Toronto but we had been looking at TD for bank, Kodoo for mobile and then Techsavvy or similar for internet.

Appreciate any tips / advice of where to start looking thanks.

MarkJD

Uh oh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXiifFBHj5g

JamesTC

Hi,

I have been living in Calgary for the last two years so I will try and answer your questions as best I can.

Accommodation: from you are describing above an apartment downtown would meet the criteria you are looking for however the rents will be higher, expect to pay between $1500 and $2000 a month for a 2 bed+den in the downtown area, cheaper the further you go out, could get a house in the suburbs for the same rent as an apartment downtown. Take a look at rentfaster and Kijiji to get a better idea.

Banks: As you described above, pretty much the same everywhere.

Phone: Better off not getting a contract whoever you go with, better value in prepaid plans, bit of a rip off all round though, for coverage the big 3 (TELUS, Rogers & Bell) would have you covered but are more expensive, the others have good plans but check there coverage and roaming rates

TV/Internet: Shaw are decent for internet, about the same price as the others for the top plans (about $75-80 a month) but includes wifi access throughout the city which is useful if your carrier has poor LTE plans/coverage .

Don't bother with TV, nothing worth watching and just not worth the money, had it for 6 months as part of my internet deal, got rid of it as soon as the deal expired. Netflix should have you covered.

General advice:

Getting good accommodation is hard, rents are high and only getting higher as demand is higher than supply, a lot of the rentals are in old 1970s towers which just are not worth the rent, the newer `condos` are typically owner occupier but if you are lucky you will find one to rent, as I am sure you have seen in your research in Toronto rentals in Canada are unfurnished and typically you move in at the start of the month, the deposit is normally a month's rent but you may be asked to pay up to 3 months if you have no credit rating, get a credit card from you bank as soon as you can as this will give you a credit rating

For driving, for the first year you can rent a car on your Irish driving license (I still do it, they never ask how long you have been here) but you will have to do a test if you want an Alberta license as there is no reciprocal l licensing agreement between Alberta and Ireland yet, if you have a UK or northern Irish license you can swap though.

That's all I can think of for now but if you have any specific questions ask away.