As you know, cities are representations of civilization, and civilization is the antithesis of chaos. Therefore, when you're moving into a new city you know that you have someone to turn to if your neighbor is playing their African music too loud at midnight or you need someone to pick up your garbage. However, you might not know exactly who to call or what specific services are offered in this city, as each city runs their own differently. Here's what you can expect from Calgary, Alberta.

Business

Calgary wants its citizens to succeed, so with part of their tax revenue they run a resource center for business owners or potential owners in the city. While you'll still have to use private lenders for mortgages on shop properties, the city can give you information on local business and commercial real estate, help you with your business plan, get the appropriate plans and permits, assess your taxes, and make bids on city contracts.

Health and Safety

Regular medical services are provided by the province of Alberta, but the city of Calgary can provide you with the information you need on clinics and hospitals, whether you just need to visit a Calgary doctor for a cold or get a referral to a Toronto naturopathic clinic. They also provide safety tips and a safety net in the form of emergency fire, police, and ambulance services.

Government

Government is simply a way of keeping everything organized, so if you're a real estate broker wondering which ward your new property is in, a political science grad looking for a city job, or you'd just like to make your opinion heard among the city's policy makers, the city government can help. Read the news on the city's official website at Calgary.ca or drop into City Hall for more information.

Transportation and Utilities

The city of Calgary recognizes that everyone needs to be on the go. While international SIM cards are the provenance of private cell phone providers, roads, parks, power, and water are all at least supervised by the city council. They can tell you what roads are under construction, what the plans for the city's future are, and take requests for public maintenance. Also under this category is the city run public transit system, garbage pickup, cycling paths, driving tips, handicapped accessibility measures, and walking routes. Diver licensing and registration is the purview of the province of Alberta.