New census report shows Albertans leaving the province

[Julio]

The latest population figures are out, and for the first time in years more people migrated out of Alberta to other provinces than came here from other parts of Canada. Is this worrisome, or just a natural result of other areas of the West having strong economies and people 'cashing out' in Alberta?

More info here:

http://www.statscan.ca/Daily/English...9/d071219b.htm
http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepu...03/t343_en.htm

[Ozy_Flame]

I think it has more to do with established people getting fed up with the cost of living. I don't believe there is any other stronger economy in Canada, so that can't be the case of simply 'cashing out.'

People are just fed up with the province and its frenzied lifestyle.

[CaptainCrunch]

Go on . . . We don't need you anyways . . . . Just leave . . . . frackin quiters . . . . We'll be better off without you, just you wait, we'll find someone 10 times hotter, and a 100 times smarter then you who won't leave her panty hose hanging off of an oil rig to dry . . . . We're already feeling better without you . . . yeah I'm gonna call my single friend B.C., and we're gonna go out and rip it up and pick up new ones . . . . What do you mean that your moving into B.C.?

Please come back

[Fobby]

ppl are leaving because they can no longer afford to live in alberta? I can barely afford to stay here... i work my butt off just to barely get by in Calgary.. no fun at all

[Sylvanfan]

Well keep in mind there are a lot of baby boomers (who still make up as large a cohort of the population as anyone) who have enjoyed a huge growth in wealth here in the last 5-7 years. These people paid their houses off just at a time when 9-11 happened and interest rates fell super low. They picked up additional properties that than proceeded to skyrocket. Meanwhile their parents who were the wealthiest generation to date have passed on and passed down a nice chunk of wealth to these boomers. So many have a fully paid for house of their own, a second or third property earning them a reasonable income and have inherited a nice windfall of money. As a result many of these people have headed elsewhere too.

I'm mulling over a potential job transfer to the Okanagan, and if you thought Alberta was pricey look there. My house in St.Albert is 50% more to buy in that region of the country and the income stats in that region are terrible. Reason being location and the sheer number of boomers owning retirement and vacation property in the region.

[ken0042]

The last year was also a bit of an anomaly. I know a few people who cashed out and moved back to Manitoba or Saskatchewan and bought a house free and clear. I could have done that too, but the problem is my type of work pays a lot less back east; to the point where the drop in pay would be greater than what my current mortgage payment is.

However if somebody had a job that paid a consistant salary like a nurse (for example); it could seem to be an attractive move.

But now house prices have settled here, and gone up in other markets. So where I for example was looking at selling my $370K house here and buying the same thing in Winnipeg for $160K, now I'd be looking at selling my 350K house and buying one there for $225K.

[Ozy_Flame]

It should be of interest to note that those who grew up in Calgary probably don't see the problem as bad as someone who moved from Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

I've lived in other places, but to be honest, I don't see the cost of living here as something that is substantially making my life worse.

[Incinerator]

I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar that 99% of these "Albertans" migrating out were relatively new "Albertans" from other provinces to begin with, so how is this worrisome? If anything, it would lessen the stress on our infrastructures that are simply unable to keep up in recent years.

[Incinerator]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

It should be of interest to note that those who grew up in Calgary probably don't see the problem as bad as someone who moved from Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

I've lived in other places, but to be honest, I don't see the cost of living here as something that is substantially making my life worse.

^^ X2

[urban1]

I somewhat find the opposite. New comers dont complain because if youve only lived in Calgary for 5 years or even 10, then this is the only way youve known Calgary to be.

Its the people who grew up in Calgary who I always here lamenting for Calgary to return to the good old days of being a smaller city.

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

It should be of interest to note that those who grew up in Calgary probably don't see the problem as bad as someone who moved from Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

I've lived in other places, but to be honest, I don't see the cost of living here as something that is substantially making my life worse.

[Cowperson]

Originally Posted by Incinerator

I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar that 99% of these "Albertans" migrating out were relatively new "Albertans" from other provinces to begin with, so how is this worrisome? If anything, it would lessen the stress on our infrastructures that are simply unable to keep up in recent years.

There are definitely people exiting the area for the express purpose of selling their residence and buying something the same or better in other parts of the country.

I would think the year-long crushing of the oilfield service sector, with rig utilization rates now at 50% or so, having a large impact on people leaving the province.

We look at the price of oil and see only glory but underneath it is natural gas, which is the primary driver of oilfield services . . . . . and that's very dead.

Cowperson

[Reaper]

Did anyone else read the article and think "How cute, Saskatchewan now has many people as Calgary."

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

We look at the price of oil and see only glory but underneath it is natural gas, which is the primary driver of oilfield services . . . . . and that's very dead.

Cowperson

Thankfully, we're in for a colder than average winter to help bolster natural gas prices.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

It should be of interest to note that those who grew up in Calgary probably don't see the problem as bad as someone who moved from Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

I've lived in other places, but to be honest, I don't see the cost of living here as something that is substantially making my life worse.

I still have a lot of relatives in Sask. We just visited with some in Regina. They outlined how their cost of living is higher. Taxes in Regina for an ordinary house will be double of that in Calgary, so add that into your monthly expenses. They have PST, so add in 5% for almost everything. Their provincial taxes are higher, another hit. They have much colder winters, much hotter summers, so their energy costs are higher too. Lots of stuff to consider when you are thinking of moving, not just the cost of your house.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

It should be of interest to note that those who grew up in Calgary probably don't see the problem as bad as someone who moved from Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

I've lived in other places, but to be honest, I don't see the cost of living here as something that is substantially making my life worse.

Totally agree. In fact, the only thing that has increased in price at a rate substantially faster than what I've earned is housing prices. And frankly, housing prices are now on par with other major cities. It was bound to happen.

[Top Shelf]

Well I had the opportunity to move out east, and I'm still really happy we stayed in Alberta. The opportunities are just too much here, and that affects how secure I feel providing a living for my family.

[burn_this_city]

I guess all those people driving cars with ontario plates got the message when I mouthed "go home" at them as I drive by..

[troutman]

Leaving Edmonton mostly? Calgary must still have a net positive migration.

[MelBridgeman]

see ya!

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by burn_this_city

I guess all those people driving cars with ontario plates got the message when I mouthed "go home" at them as I drive by..

That and me giving them the finger.