New Edmonton Homeowner? Here are Some Helpful Community Resources

Life in Edmonton offers residents a wide array of things to do, places to go, natural beauty and almost unlimited opportunity for shopping, dining, culture and entertainment. As Canada's sixth largest metropolitan area, it is thoroughly modern and known internationally for its festivals, its living history museum and the West Edmonton Mall, which held the distinction of being the world's largest for more than 20 years. It is still the largest in North America.

Edmonton is known as "The Festival City" as well as the Oil Capital of Canada. It is also the capital of Alberta, and sometimes referred to as the Gateway to the North because it is a staging area for oil sands operations in Northern Alberta and diamond mining in the Northwest Territories.

There are a wealth of resources available for a new homeowner in this jewel of city with 375 distinct neighbourhoods grouped into seven geographic areas. The business center of the city is concentrated downtown, as are government offices, but leisure activities and entertainment options are widespread. The city is bisected by the North Saskatchewan River, and its distinctive skyline is punctuated by green space, trees and the riverbank.

Building a Life in Edmonton

Edmonton is considered a friendly city, a place where residents come "to earn a living or to be educated," and most newcomers settle into a comfortable lifestyle with ease.

Newly-arrived residents and those who need assistance can access community resources ranging from personal improvement and adult education initiatives to health and nutrition services, sports and recreation facilities, language assistance, personal finance and legal assistance, and a number of special service organizations that exist to improve quality of life for all citizens. Alberta Supports offers a varied menu of services, and provides answers to individual questions.

Free-standing buildings are available for use free of charge as community centres by non-profit organizations. Programs in various wards include such things as community gardens, homework help, family nights, interfaith programs and AA Helping Hands, among others. They offer family resources for those who need them, as well as ongoing volunteer opportunities.

Getting Around in Edmonton

Edmonton is a great place to live, whether buying or renting a home and boasts a well-run and extensive bus system, light rail transit, and park and ride options, with easy access to an online trip planner that makes using public transportation easy. A unique downtown bike network that will include bike rental options is still in its infancy.

The Cycle in the City was launched in August 2017, and introductory "tours" are designed to allow residents to experience the fun and flavour of dedicated safety lanes, downtown culture and even local food truck stops! The most common mode of transportation, however, is still by private automobile.

Edmonton's cohesive neighbourhoods also boast local attractions, including parks, banks, restaurants, shopping districts, medical and dental offices, schools and "home town" celebrations. By analysing the Walk Score of any neighbourhood, such as Spruce Avenue, you can locate and plan walking excursions to those nearby places, helping to boost your appreciation of and familiarity with your new surroundings. It can also be a wonderful way to meet new neighbours.

Keeping Busy in Edmonton

New residents will have no trouble finding things to do. On the contrary, it may be difficult to narrow the options! While exploring favourite attractions, be sure to sample some or all of these:

• Edmonton Valley Zoo, with special programs in addition to animal and conservation exhibits;
• John Janzen Nature Center, offering trails and exhibits in addition to plenty of programs, courses and camps;
• Muttart Conservatory, with a changing roster of spectacular horticultural exhibits;
• The John Walter Museum, an historical museum park with picnic sites, a playground and pool, as well as hike and bike trails;
• Heritage Amphitheatre, home to many of the city's annual festivals, including Shakespeare, the Blues, and symphony performances, with a comfortable capacity of 4,000;
• Clarke Stadium, where Edmonton's professional soccer club plays;
• Fort Edmonton Park, a living history museum that is staffed during the summer by costumed interpreters.

Whether you find yourself in Edmonton for school, because of a business transfer, or simply because you fell in love with this special city, you owe it to yourself to explore all it has to offer.

We're sure that the more you see and do, the happier you'll be. Welcome to Edmonton!