Newcomers Build Home in Calgary: Affordability and Community Integration
Calgary's allure for many lies in its affordability and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, drawing thousands of newcomers seeking safety and opportunity. In 2022, the city welcomed a historic high of 29,500 international immigrants, primarily from Afghanistan and Ukraine, contributing to a diverse and growing population.
Personal Journeys of Resilience
Muhammad Kakar, a 27-year-old from Afghanistan, dreamed of becoming a diplomat before the Taliban's takeover forced him and his family to flee. "Leaving my homeland was losing my whole identity," Kakar recalled. Arriving in Calgary in 2022, he faced initial struggles but found refuge and eventually rebuilt his life, now working at the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society to help others.
Similarly, Robert Safiullin and his wife Lali Tavkhelidze, from Russia and Ukraine respectively, escaped conflict and chose Calgary for its balanced lifestyle and mountain access. "We really like to be active, and the mountains are pretty close," Safiullin said, highlighting the city's appeal beyond mere safety.
Demographic Shifts and Economic Drivers
Statistics Canada data from 2021 shows nearly one-third of Calgary's population is foreign-born, with top origins including the Philippines, India, and China. This marks a significant increase from less than 15% two decades earlier. Nearly half of these immigrants are aged 25 to 44, often young families attracted by housing affordability and diverse job opportunities.
Alberta Is Calling, a talent recruitment program launched in 2022, boosted net migration to record levels, with up to 92,000 people moving to Calgary in 2024. Although federal policy changes have since slowed migration, the city remains popular due to its strong economy in oil-and-gas and tech sectors.
Challenges in Employment and Weather
Newcomers frequently cite employment as a major hurdle. Kakar took construction and retail jobs before securing his current role, while Safiullin sent thousands of applications with few replies, eventually finding work in construction. "It was brutal," he admitted, noting the difficulty of transferring skills without Canadian experience.
Kelly Ernst of the Centre for Newcomers emphasized this issue: "People are coming with incredible skills, and we're not using them to the degree we could." The city's unemployment rate rose from 6% in 2022 to 8% in 2026, exacerbating job search challenges.
Weather also poses a significant adjustment. Karla Fragoso-Schroeter from Mexico described the cold as shocking, requiring new habits like layering clothing and maintaining vehicles. "In Mexico, you just live your life very chill," she said, contrasting it with Calgary's demanding winters.
Support Systems and Community Integration
Organizations like the Centre for Newcomers and YMCA Calgary provide crucial aid. Services include job placement, language training, and housing assistance. Rey Madridejo of YMCA Calgary noted that programs like YMAP help young immigrants integrate through activities like volunteering and camps, which can be unfamiliar concepts.
Community connections are vital for emotional well-being. David Kazimiro, who moved from South Sudan, found solace in Calgary's thriving South Sudanese community. "When you see hundreds of people, you feel like you're not lonely," he said, highlighting how cultural networks ease the transition.
Finding Home in Calgary
Despite initial struggles, many newcomers eventually feel at home. Fragoso-Schroeter took three years to settle, now enjoying a flexible job and social activities. Gooneratne from Halifax felt at home within four months, excited to return after travels. Kakar, now writing a book on his experiences, said, "I have safety and the means to complete my dreams."
Calgary's growth continues to be shaped by these diverse stories of resilience, offering a blend of economic opportunity and natural beauty that fosters new beginnings.
