Most folks in Calgary right now are Easterners,same with fort Mac,Nunavut and anywhere else theres work.They are also Albertans as most have been here for many years "building Alberta me bye" and "Living the dream,living the dream".
I have been an Albertan since about 1966 and I work all over western Canada and the Arctic for many different companies and I'm usually the only long time resident of the province working at these sites.
Wages are good,just remember that oil runs the economy and the world,so no matter what anyone says the energy industry is just going to explode soon,especially Saskatchewan.
Calgary is an oil town and it's booming,Fort Crack is booming even more and when oil is at $100.00 a barrell it is just crazy everywhere.You are coming at the right time to ride the boom as I dont think it's going to end soon.
I am pipelining in Saskabush right now,just got a few days off for road bans and we have another 57 wells to tie into this year with 3 and 4 inch flexpipe.The rules have changed for the environment so lots of Saskabush lines have to be abandoned and replaced as per new bylaws that say no more venting of sour gas(good thing),so thats about a 30 billion dollar project.
Enjoy Calgary Mon Ami,make some money,enjoy the rocky mountains right next door and let us know how you make out.
For those not interested in the stampede I think that Strathmore has the gay rodeo and it's only a short drive from Cowtown.
Grown men in mutton busting competition and the sheep have pink panties on.
I saw it on the net,I didnt go there.
Your first purchases are: Cowboy hat and cowboy boots. After that........they won't notice youre from the east.;-) Lived there for three years. Chinooks were a great relief in the winter. Can get a bit windy. Overall a positive experience. Have a safe and exciting move and explore all that Calgary has to offer. Banff is about an hr away and a great escape from the urban life.
Banff is nothing but tourists,a closer shot to the mountains would be a left turn off the trans Canada out of Calgary at the first native casino towards Nakiska ski hill,from there it's barrier lake dam and peter lougheed provincial park.Once at Nakiska take the spray lakes road to Canmore,or cruise up any of the roads that are right near the B.C. border.The spray lakes road is awesome and it costs nothing and you will see bears.
I spent the last 2 years working in the park on the powerline right of ways,I have all the combinations to all the gates to all parks anywhere in Alberta and eastern BC. heh!