Calgary Flame Burns Bright

As a relatively new country, built on the strength and determination of immigrants, Canada is still seen by people all over the world as a land of opportunity. Since the early days, when European and American settlers first made their homes here, to the modern day economic migrants from Asia, outsiders have flocked to the country in search of a better life.

Moving from a part of the world where everything is familiar, to a new country and culture, is a daunting task and for most people it is a decision that is not taken lightly. The prospect of securing suitable work, making friends, perhaps learning a new language and, of course, finding a home can all be overwhelming for a newly arrived resident.

Since it was established around the turn of the last century, the Alberta city of Calgary has been attracting people from far and wide. Following the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s, the town underwent its first real taste of prosperity and became a significant hub of agricultural industry. At the turn of the century, Calgary saw its first serious wave of foreign immigration, following the offer of free homestead land. Cattle ranches and wheat production provided the cornerstone of Calgary's blossoming economy.

Two world wars, and the depression years brought changes to Alberta's fortunes, and although still primarily a farming community, times proved hard and Calgary's agricultural landscape changed drastically. Thankfully agriculture still plays a significant part in the province's economy, but it was the establishment of the oil and gas industry in the decades following World War II that really helped shape Calgary into the city it is today.

With huge population growth, came new urbanization, and the city really took form. Skilled, and semi-skilled, workers poured in from around Canada and the US, and were followed in successive decades by immigrants from overseas. Relying on one key industry meant that Calgary both gained, and suffered, from a boom and bust economy and during the 1980s the city realized the importance of diversity.

Hosting the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Calgary was in the spotlight and new growth in areas as forestry, new technology and tourism were quickly established. The continued increase in immigration has been significant in recent years, and now Calgary is home to well over one million people. The city landscape has changed with this increase, and modern Calgary has a thriving downtown made up of an eclectic mix of fine heritage buildings and gleaming skyscrapers while the outskirts comprise of popular suburbs and communities.

With a significant proportion of the population being made up of immigrants, Calgary enjoys a genuinely diverse culture, and the city consistently rates highly in 'best cities in
the world to live' surveys. With a highly regarded, publicly funded, healthcare system with ultra-modern facilities, the city continues to attract newcomers from all parts of the globe. And with its famously low tax rates, high levels of income, excellent educational amenities, progressive public transit system and proximity to some of the most stunning recreational facilities in the whole of Canada, it would appear that Calgary's appeal is showing little sign of waning.

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