Frigid temperatures pose challenges for Calgary newcomers

Imagine moving from a warm climate and arriving at your new home at -30 C.

That’s the reality for many newcomers getting their first taste of not only Canada, but a true Calgary winter — and all that comes with it.

“We’ve seen an influx from Afghanistan, India, we’ve seen Nigeria, some from the Middle East, some Syria, we’re seeing from Sudan, from Somalia,” said Nawal Al-Busaidi with Immigrant Services Calgary.

There’s been a steady stream of newcomers arriving to Alberta from all over the world.

“It’s not just shocking, it’s scary, when you hear temperatures like -42 C with the wind chill,” said Al-Busaidi. “You don’t know what to expect and imagine so many newcomers coming to this country where they’re experiencing their first winter or their first snow and not knowing what to wear or how to protect themselves.”

Al-Busaidi says, it’s not just Canadian culture that they’re adapting to, in fact she says the weather is quite often the biggest shocks.

“Mainly the biggest challenge is having access to the appropriate attire, clothing, knowing exactly how to dress up for the weather,” she added.

Al-Busaidi says newcomers aren’t typically prepared for the elements of the hefty price tags attached to winter gear.

Many newcomers haven’t ever experienced cold or snow, let alone deep freeze temperatures, she says.

“The natural reaction of many newcomers who came from warmer temperatures is to basically lock themselves indoors during winter and do nothing other than necessary — basically, work, school, groceries, and nothing else,” Al-Busaidi said. “But that’s how you get yourself into depression, that’s how you find yourself isolated, that’s you are not really enjoying the country that you decided to make your new home.”

She says a big part of helping newcomers adjust to their new home is helping them embrace the winter.

“Taking them skiing, taking them snow tubing, doing fun activities with them that show if you dress properly and have the right gear in place, you can actually get to enjoy this weather,”
Al-Busaidi added.

Immigrant Services is always in need of new or gently-worn clothing that can be dropped off at their Calgary office or any Women In Need Society (WINS) location.