Yes, your out-of-province Health Card will work for the first three months in Alberta. You are required to apply within these three months. To ensure seamless healthcare coverage, apply for AHCIP as soon as possible after moving. When applying, you’ll need to provide proof of identity, Alberta residency, and legal entitlement to be in Canada. province health card will work temporarily when you first move to Alberta. Upon establishing residency in Alberta, there is a three-month transition period in which your current health card will be accepted and covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) for most medical services.

When you move to Alberta, you have 90 days to change your vehicle registration and plates. To do this, you need to visit an Alberta registry within this 90-day period in order to register your vehicle and obtain Alberta licence plates. Be sure to bring the necessary documents to the registry, such as proof of ownership, Alberta residency, and valid insurance.

Yes, you can use a mortgage broker in Ontario to buy a home in Alberta. Just ensure that the broker is licensed to operate in Alberta, has local contacts to facilitate the process, and is familiar with the Alberta market. Effective communication and understanding of provincial differences in mortgage regulations are also important for this process. If you would like recommendations of people to contact, please reach out by scheduling a call!

As of 2024, the population of Calgary is about 1,349,078, with an estimated annual growth rate of 1.07% (World Population Review).

Calgary’s culturally diverse population is reflected in over 120 languages spoken. While English is the primary language, you’ll also find significant communities speaking Tagalog, Punjabi, Cantonese, Spanish, Mandarin, and French (Statistics Canada). This city has a rich cultural tapestry.

Calgary is known for being the sunniest city in Canada, with an average of 333 sunny days per year. This city experiences four distinct seasons: warm summers, cool autumns, cold winters, and mild springs. Calgary is famous for their warm winds that periodically interrupt the winter, called Chinooks (pronounced “SHəˈno͝ok”). 

Every year, usually between October and May, Calgary receives approximately 128 centimetres (50 inches) of snowfall. Chinooks are warm, dry winds that can significantly raise temperatures in a short period, which can temporarily melt the snow. These Chinooks cause Calgary winters to feature a pleasant break from the cold and an alternative to the intense freezes found elsewhere in Canada. 

Albertan students write Provincial Achievement tests in grades 6 and 9; diploma exams are written in grade 12 and required for graduation. Because of these exams, a significant portion of the curriculum focuses on preparing for these tests. Albertan students often receive a “grade-boost” when applying for post-secondary education because they are marked at a higher level than in other provinces. Please also be aware that many schools also have shortened hours on Fridays. 

Calgary offers parks, trails, and playgrounds throughout the city. There are many hiking trails and lakes to explore within a short driving distance. Calgary is a thriving, multicultural city with numerous festivals, shows, and events throughout the year. Stay in touch with our upcoming newsletter about the happenings in and around Calgary!

Calgary has lower income taxes and better living costs compared to other major Canadian cities. There is more affordable housing and utilities, and Alberta has no provincial sales tax. Please be aware that both home and auto insurance has recently gone up for many residents – reach out for recommendations of companies to contact.