The Choice Was Clear
User Story
By: Michael King
For me, the choice was clear—I was Australia bound. So how did I end up in Edmonton? My family had decided we were going to move from Ireland, and Australia was where we wanted to end up. By chance, I was contacted by PCL Construction Management Inc. and that’s when we began to consider moving to Canada.
I wasn’t familiar with Edmonton, so my family and I came to see what the city had to offer. PCL gave me the opportunity to come here for a week in February of 2009—a time of year when subzero temperatures are commonplace. I was aware of the temperature differences and easily adapted to the change in climate. It’s not like it snows here all day, every day--It’s a part of life in the winter months, but it doesn’t stop construction or anything else that you’d see on any other day of the year. After spending a week touring the city, my family and I confirmed our decision to move here.
My first impression came from the people in Edmonton. There are people here from every country in the world who’ve come to better themselves and you don’t feel like an outsider because the city is made up of such a diverse population. Everyone wants to look after each other and Edmonton has a strong community spirit--you can see it in your day-to-day interactions with the people around you.
My family’s first summer in Edmonton experiencing the festivals had been like an extended holiday. To say this is a festival city is an understatement. This city has so much to offer!
From canoeing to golfing, and skiing to snowboarding—Edmonton has provided my family with a playground of sports at our fingertips. There are more than 70 golf courses in the Edmonton area and ski hills located within the city limits.
With five sports recreation facilities less than 15 minutes from our house, and the abundance of walking paths in his neighborhood, leading an active lifestyle hasn’t been a challenge for us. Our three boys are involved in sports--mainly soccer-- but have adopted sports for every season.
I have made a few trips back to Ireland since moving to Canada, but it wasn’t long before I began calling Edmonton home. This has been an opportunity for the whole family. Rather than choosing to work away from my family, we are able to share this experience together.
So you might be wondering how my three boys feel about the transition…well, the girls sure like their cute Irish accents and they’re getting along just fine.
