What it means to be Calgarian.
What it means to be Calgarian.
Whether youβre a temporary transplant for work or school, moving to Calgary permanently, or just passing through on vacation, understanding who Calgarians are and what motivates us will add a lot of value to your time in our city.
Hereβs an inside look from a Montrealer (turned Calgarian) living in Calgary on what makes Calgarians Calgarians!
We are young … for now
Calgary has historically always been a young city, with median ages well below the national average.
Of all the major cities in Canada (including Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver), Calgary has the lowest median age. Just 36 years old!
This might be attributed to the abundance of work opportunities that blessed Calgary during the oil boom years, attracting new graduates and youth from other parts of Canada.
BUT, new census data shows that we might be finally maturing, with the recent population growth of the 55+ crowd changing the face and age of our city.
We are diverse
Did you know that over 28% of the population are immigrants?
Our population has increased by more than 20% since 2019, making Calgary one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. People are arriving from other parts of Canada, but also the Phillipines, India, Pakistan, China and Venezuela.
Walking around town, you can see the diversity in the faces of Calgarians and the businesses we support and love. We are a dynamic and exciting place because of that diversity β a fact we all embrace proudly as part of who we are.
We are well educated and entrepreneurial
Calgary has held the reputation for being a leader in education in Canada for many decades and continues to place the development of its youth as a top priority. With seven major universities and colleges, there are lots of opportunities for students to pursue their preferred career paths.
Calgary has the highest level of labour production of any other major city in Canada and is considered one of the top 10 most attractive cities for workers globally (AIRINCβs Global 150 Cities Index, 2016).
And of that incredibly talented workforce, we have some of the highest levels of education attainment in the world. We even rank second highest for the number of small businesses per capita in Canada. Now, isnβtβ that impressive?
Basically, we study hard, work hard and have a lot of respect for others who do the same.
Check out all of our English courses in Calgary
We are friendly but reserved
Canadians enjoy the reputation worldwide of being warm, welcoming and friendly. Calgarians are really no different. A long and healthy history of vibrant immigration has taught us to be open minded and inviting.
Thereβs nothing like a little western hospitality when youβre new to town. Calgarians will smile at you on the street, nod hello on the C-Train, and strike up easy conversations at the bar. We love to meet new people!
As an innovative city at the forefront of the tech industry, we attract a lot of talented workers from around the world. As such, Calgary might be the most transient cities in Canada.
In fact, itβs really quite hard to find a Calgarian who was actually born and raised right here in Calgary. Most people who identify as Calgarian actually have a rich migration story (I, for example, am actually from Montrealβ¦on the other side of Canada). This means itβs really easy to connect with others when you first arrive in Calgary, as you can relate to one another easily and probably donβt have family in town.
BUT, if you happen to meet some Calgarians who have lived their entire lives here, you might find them somewhat aloof. Thatβs not to say that theyβre not friendly and welcomingβ¦theyβre just likely to be more conservative, family oriented and less likely to seek out new friends (as theyβve already carved out a nice support group for themselves).
If youβre willing to put in the time and can demonstrate your loyalty, every Canadian (Calgarian or otherwise) will eventually come around and treat you like one of the family.
Check out our Blog, and find a guide to understanding local customs.
We are family oriented
Calgary has a dynamic and thriving nightlife β with lots of first-rate eateries, bars and clubs to frequent after the sun has set. This is likely due to the younger overall age of our population.
What visitors notice is lacking, though, is the typical after-hour bustling activity on Downtown streets. Aside from a few streets that cater to the late-night crowd, the core of Calgary can seem like a ghost town after 7pm.
The reason is simple β Calgarians are a family-oriented bunch. We tend to cook more at home, spend time with family on the weekends, and make a b-line to our suburban homes after work. FAMILY IS EVERYTHING. The downtown is for work and the occasional happy hour. But nights are for family.
If you want to see Calgarians thriving in their natural habitats, youβll see them in backyard barbecues with friends and neighbors, at community association centers, and at the rink cheering on as their kids play hockey.
If you canβt get yourself invited to a neighborhood street party, take a walk in one of Calgaryβs many public parks on summer weekends. Theyβre chock-full of families picnicking next to fire pits, and hanging out with friends playing soccer and tossing around Frisbees. Thatβs where Calgarians thrive.
We are active and healthy
Imagine only being an hourβs drive from the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains. For us Calgarians, itβs very much a reality and we don’t take it for granted.
The majority of us spend every free moment we can enjoying the free access to the mountains and rivers β skiing, hiking, climbing, kayaking β¦we do it all.
And if we canβt make it out of the city on the weekend, we take to our extensive urban pathway and bikeway system or head to one of the many green parks.
Health and wellness is a lifestyle choice for many Calgarians and considered a top priority when considering neighbourhoods to live in. Calgary enjoys world-class fitness facilities and gymnasiums and hundreds of diverse options for those looking for unconventional modes of wellness.
Calgarians sometimes forget how lucky they are compared to other Canadians when it comes to healthcare. Because of our incredibly qualified workforce, easy access to family doctors and healthcare keeps us in fairly good shape. We really are privileged when it comes to access to the best doctors and facilities in the country.
We love our city and communities
Walking around Calgary, itβs clear to every newcomer that weβre community minded and fiercely proud of our city. Itβs reflected in the clean and safe environment that we work hard to maintain, in the vibrant community festivals that pop up throughout the year, and in the many unique small businesses that we support.
Although Calgary is currently in a recession, for decades we enjoyed the status and development that comes with being a boom town. It created a pride that has held steady despite the recent downturn. If anything, our economic struggles have polished us into better Canadians overall!
Calgarians love to support their communities and neighbors. We’re known for our generosity and civic humanism β Calgarians provide the most to charities and volunteer organizations of any other major city in Canada. We recognize the importance and necessity of taking caring of our own. What benefits the whole will also benefit the individualβ¦.itβs really a Canadian way of thinking. Community first!
Are you thinking of becoming a Calgarian?
Whether youβre here for a short time or a long time, being Calgarian is really just a state of mind. You donβt need to be born in Calgary, or even in Canada, to adopt our way of thinking. In fact, thereβs really just one criteria for being Calgarian: LOVE THIS CITY, and we guarantee itβll love you right back.
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π Congratulations, Global Village graduates! π
β¨ Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we`re incredibly proud of you. As you embark on your next adventure, remember that your GV family is here to support you!
π€© Nicolas studied for 49 weeks and completed several programs, such as the IELTS Preparation. He has improved his English so much!
π€© Silas completed General English of 6 weeks. He came back to GV and it was great to welcome him again after a few years!
Congratulations once again! Your future is bright. π
Global Village Team π
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May 29
π³πΈ Explore the wonders of Government House in Victoria B.C! πΈπΏ
β¨ Recently our students got the opportunity to Immerse themselves in nature`s embrace and discovered the beauty of Victoria B.C.`s iconic attraction. From lush greenery to majestic trees, this outing was a breath of fresh air for language and soul! π±π£οΈπ
Step outside the classroom, embrace the outdoors, and let your English skills bloom in this enchanting setting! πΊπ³πΌ
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May 25
π Congrats to our amazing Global Village graduates! π
β¨ Your hard work, dedication, and English language accomplishments deserve a standing ovation! π
ππ As you hold your well-deserved certificates, remember that this is just the beginning of an exciting journey filled with endless possibilities!
Special shout out to:
β¨ Jaime Z completed the General English of 36 weeks.
β¨ Renzo R completed the English for Academic Pathway and is going to Camosun Collage.
β¨ Atsuko H completed the General English of 4 weeks and was wearing Yukata, one of the Japanese traditional clothes, for her graduation!
Wakako and Shigeya were even singing for Renzo - What a special moment!
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May 23
ππ Looking for an exciting chance to practice your English?ππ
β¨ Join the Victoria population as we celebrate this vibrant tradition while expanding our l#stretchyourenglish
It`s all happening β οΈ MONDAY May 22 at 9AMβ οΈ
π From colorful floats to captivating performances, this parade offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Canadian culture and practice your English. πͺπ£οΈ
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May 22
πβοΈπ Get ready for some summer fun at Victoria`s Bastion Square market! ππ
β οΈ It all starts TODAY and continues through the weekend - 11am to 5pm β οΈ
Located in the heart of downtown Victoria, this amazing market features local artisans, delicious food, and unique vintage finds. Whether you`re a foodie, an art lover, or just looking for a great time, this market has something for everyone.
The market has daily events including Artisans + Art Bazaar on Thursdays, 100% Local Artisans on Saturdays, and Vintage, Upcycled, Repurposed, Thrifted, Resellers on Sundays.
πΆ Plus, enjoy the Under the Tree Live Music Series every day from 12-1pm.
πͺ It`s a great opportunity to stretch your English skills and maybe find a unique souvenir to take home!
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May 18
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