Weather

Edmonton’s climate is broad and fluctuates frequently. Don’t let the myth of Arctic temperatures fool you.

In winter, you can expect temperatures between 5 C (41 F) and -35 C (-31 F). The lowest temperatures typically last only a week before they warm to a more bearable level. We do get a lot of snow, but the city does a good job of plowing streets, and main roads typically melt entirely on warm days. Black ice is a thing (iced-over pavement), as we sometimes get rain before temperatures drop below freezing.

In summer, temperatures fluctuate between 20 C (68 F) and 35 C (95 F), with the average day in July at 25 C (77 F). It’s a dry heat.

Edmonton receives about 466 mm (18.37 inches) of total precipitation annually. Still, much of this falls as snow. Roughly 300-350 mm (11.81 to 13.78 inches) of it is rain, mainly during the summer months, making it a relatively dry city compared to Canada’s coasts. However, it still sees significant summer showers.

Monitor The Weather Network to see our weather patterns:

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/city/ca/alberta/edmonton/current

Housing

Owning a home can be fairly affordable, and property taxes are reasonable for the services we have. The city of Edmonton has a payment plan for property taxes, so you can make monthly payments instead of paying in a lump sum every year. Edmonton Programs and Services

You can look for housing online or hire a realtor (search for Edmonton realtors) If you’re looking for housing online, a recommended site is Realtor.ca

Renting can be expensive, with the average 2-bedroom house starting at $ 1,500/month. Apartments are $1,200 to $2,000 for 2 bedrooms. Rentfaster.ca

Kids and Schools

Sending kids to school in Edmonton involves registering with a school district (like Edmonton Public Schools or Edmonton Catholic Schools) once you live in the city, providing proof of address and your child’s identity (birth certificate, passport).

Key Steps & Considerations:

1. Residency First: You must live in Edmonton to register as a resident student with Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB). **EPSB.ca** Catholic schools: ECSD.net French schools: Centreord.ab.ca
2. Registration Timing: You can register anytime, but March is the typical period for the upcoming school year; EPSB accepts new students year-round.
3. Required Documents: Prepare documents for:
   • Proof of Address: Utility bill, lease agreement.
   • Proof of Child’s Identity: Birth certificate, passport, citizenship document, permanent residency card.
4. Registration Process:
   • Register online via the school district’s website (e.g., EPSB).
   • Complete the digital form and submit documents.
   • The school will confirm enrollment after reviewing your info.
5. School Choice:
   • Find your designated school based on your address.
   • Some popular programs or schools might use lotteries or have boundary limits due to space, so check for “growth control” or lottery info.
6. Kindergarten: Students must be 5 by December 31st of the school year they enroll.
7. High School Orientation: Older students often attend fall orientation to get schedules and IDs.

Accessing the public Healthcare System

The provincial government has recently changed how Albertans access care, with patients still adapting to this new model. Primary Care Alberta

Information on the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) can be found at Alberta AHCIP

Programs and Services in Edmonton

Start with the City of Edmonton website to explore what Edmonton has to offer. There you will find not only city-run services but also activities, parks & recreation. Edmonton Programs and Services