Families are making the move to Edmonton

Nearly 82,000 more people decided to call Canada's western Mecca home in 2011 than in 2006.

EDMONTON - Nearly 82,000 more people called Edmonton home in 2011 than in 2006, Statistics Canada says. Journal reporter Sarah O’Donnell chatted with a few of those new arrivals about why they made the move and why they have stayed.

Mark and Bernadette Olsson

This outdoorsy couple moved from Peterborough, Ont., to the Mill Creek area in August 2006. They came for the jobs, hearing about the plethora of opportunities from Mark’s cousin, who already lived here. A network of friends and the city’s river valley gives them more reasons to stay. Mark, 37, is completing his fourth year apprenticeship as a commercial electrician. Bernadette, 31, is sales co-ordinator at the Hotel MacDonald.

On the move to Alberta: “I had never lived outside my hometown before. It was a very big decision,” Bernadette said. “Not me,” Mark said. “I already had my tail lights on the road.”

On Edmonton: “It’s a big city with a small town feel. People are down to earth and friendly compared to other cities,” Mark said. “The wilderness is great. The rivers you can go for days and days and days. We have the best of everything. We live near Whyte Avenue. Our landlord is fantastic ... Everything has been rose-coloured for us.”

In their spare time: You’ll find them canoeing on the North Saskatchewan River, which they paddle at least once a week in the summer, or exploring other wilderness adventures in the area. “I love that river,” Mark said.

On their future: “It’s been a really positive experience,” Bernadette said. “It’s not like we’ve hit our peak here. There’s still more things to happen.”

Mahvish Parvez

Halfway through work on her undergraduate degree in Lahore, Pakistan, Parvez decided she wanted to complete her education in Canada. Along with her brother, she moved to Edmonton in August 2007 and enrolled at the University of Alberta. She graduated with a bachelor of arts in economics and political science in 2009. Her husband, a chemical engineer, joined her a year ago. Today, the 27-year-old Mill Woods resident helps other newcomers to Canada through her work as a project and program co-ordinator at the Indo-Canadian Women’s Association. Her focus: working to eliminate and raise awareness of harmful cultural practises

On the draw of Edmonton: “What brought me to the U of A was when I would check universities or look at provinces with a lot of activity going on, people would recommend Edmonton.”

On moving to Canada: Parvez said she headed to Canada at her father’s urging. “You need the opportunity,” Parvez recalled him saying. “When I came, I saw a whole new world.”

On Edmonton’s growing immigrant community: “I did not know it was this big and it has grown in front of me. Every year I see there are so many more people.”

On her future: Currently here on a work permit, Parvez has applied for Canadian citizenship. “I’m starting to see Edmonton as home,” she said. “I’m working in a field I’m passionate about. I’m not scared for my safety. I have a sense of security.”

Eddy Kent and Terri Tomsky

As academics pursuing their education and careers, Kent and Tomsky have called several places home, including Vancouver, B.C., and New Jersey. They moved to Edmonton in July 2009 with their son Felix, now 3, for a new chapter at the University of Alberta. Kent, originally from St. John’s, Nfld., is an assistant professor in the university’s department of English and film studies. Tomsky, originally from London, England, is a post-doctoral fellow in the same department. She is currently on maternity leave with their two-month-old daughter, Zara.

On first impressions: Tomsky recalled an early trip exploring the city with Felix when she realized she’d arrived for a snack at a coffee shop without her wallet or cellphone. “This random guy lent me his phone and offered to pay for our coffee,” Terri said. “That kind of friendliness was a pleasant surprise.”

“I’ve been really impressed with the people of Edmonton,” Ed said. “They’ve got solid heads on their shoulders.”

On enticing others to Edmonton: The couple are helping organize an interdisciplinary conference in October and there’s been a lot of interest. “It’s not hard to sell Edmonton,” Ed said. “We’ve got people coming from all across Europe, the United States and Canada.”

In their spare time: You might find them out for a walk or enjoying a trip on the LRT, a favourite outing for Felix. From their Parkallen neighbourhood, they find the city quite walkable.

On their future: “We would be very happy to stay here. It’s very family friendly. There’s a lot of potential still,” Terri said. “There’s still this excitement about Alberta that we’re building things,” added Ed.