BAtUS Service Community Official Guide - Method Publishing

BATUS 2013
BAtUS
BATUS
Service Community Official Guide

We are the
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Southern
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A leader in branded sports and lifestyle
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Locally owned with 6 stores in the
province, we have become the destination
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Intersport is part of the world’s largest group of sporting
goods retailers with nearly 5000 stores in 32 countries,
and is a buying member of the Forzani group.
Intersport’s knowledge of their Alberta market gives them
the edge over national retailers to provide the right product
to their customers with personality and unrivalled
customer service.
In addition, we are willing to offer any
soldiers from BATUS a standard
10% dIScoUnT on any regular price purchase
in our Medicine Hat store.
We greatly value the continued
partnership we share with the BATUS
soldiers, and would like to thank you for
shopping at our store.
InTERSPoRT
MEdIcInE HAT MALL
3292 dUnMoRE RoAd SE.
Any questions can be referred to Paul or Justin at
(403) 526-7511

Welcome to
Service Community Official Guide 2013 Edition
Current from September 2012 – August 2013
This Guide, provided by the Army Welfare Service, is a source of information to
Service personnel, families and dependants arriving at their new home or duty
station. It is hoped the information contained within the Guide will be of use at the
time of your arrival, and throughout your stay.
For easy reference this guide is divided up as outlined below, each section is allocated a
symbol which can be found on the bottom corner of each right-hand page:
Foreword by Commander BATUS
Emergency and Useful Telephone Numbers
C
1: Housing and Accommodation Services
2: Adult/Children's Education/Youth Activities
3: Medical and Health Services
4: Station and Garrison Facilities
5: Living in Canada and BATUS
6: Security and Crime Prevention
7: Useful Information
A Classified Index and a Handy Index appear at the back of the Guide.
BATUS

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Foreword by
Colonel Jim Landon MBE
Commander BATUS
Welcome to BATUS, the Army's premier oversea training establishment.
BATUS delivers world class live fire and manoeuvre training as well as force on force
exercises using state of the art laser technology. In 2012 we celebrated 40 years of
British Army training here during which time we have evolved the training to ensure
that it remains fully relevant, modern and challenging. Much work has been done in
the recent past to achieve that and more will surely follow.
Whether the military member of your family has arrived here to work as a member
of the Prairie Staff, as part of the wider support staff or as a member of our wider
military community, they are part of the 'One Team' that is here to deliver training
support to the Field Army. It is without doubt a role that sometimes demands long
hours, always requires full commitment but provides a rewarding experience.
Working at BATUS is a privilege as it offers unparalleled professional experience,
education and training.
This Guide is published annually to provide a guide to living here and the
information that you need to find those important services that are here to assist you.
There are many clubs, services, organisations and activities and their details are in
here. I encourage you to find out about them and get involved if you can.
I hope that you will be able to take advantage of the opportunity of being in North
America to travel and see something of the continent.
There are opportunities to take part in sports and activities that may not be open to
you in Europe. There are chances to see some of the most spectacular scenery in the
world and enjoy the Canadian outdoors.
If you are reading this because you have just arrived, I would encourage you to take
up the offers of help and advice that you will have received. Whether they came from
Capt Andy Sudlow, the BATUS Welfare Officer, the MFRC or someone you met in the
CANEX, they are all meant earnestly. Everyone in the BATUS community arrived here
once and was glad of the assistance they received and are keen to help those who
follow them, so please don't hesitate to ask.
I hope that you will enjoy your time here in BATUS and I look forward to meeting you.
Jim Landon
Jim_LandonRRF@Hotmail.com
+1 403-594-4015
Photos:
Courtesy of City of Medicine Hat. Capt Andy Sudlow QDG and Cpl Russ Nolan RLC
Published annually for Service Personnel in BATUS by
Method Publishing, Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland KW10 6RA
Editorial Matter: © Crown Copyright 2012
Design, Artwork & Typography: © Method Publishing 2012
No part of the typography or illustrations within this Guide may be reproduced by any process or in any form without permission in
writing from Method Publishing.
All advertisements are accepted on the express condition that they in no way contravene the provisions of the Trades Descriptions Act
1968 nor any prevailing statute in the United Kingdom.

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Fax: 403-527-7193
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9:00am to 4:00pm Saturday
Closed Sunday
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A Short History of the Suffield Area
1. Before the arrival of the Europeans the area now used for training was inhabited
by Indians who roamed the prairies pursuing a mainly nomadic way of life. They
followed vast herds of buffalo from which they obtained most of the necessities of
life, including food, clothing and weapons to the materials for their teepees. The
main tribes in the Region were the Blackfoot Confederation comprising the Blackfoot,
Bloods and Peigans whilst the East and South were the Plains, Cree and Sioux. The
Blackfoot and Cree were constantly fighting and stealing horses from each other
and the places named Drowning Ford and Watching Hill on the training area are
derived from battles between the tribes. Medicine Hat takes its name from the site
of one such battle near Police Point on the South Saskatchewan River. During the
battle, a Cree Medicine Man lost his hat and as this was considered a bad omen, the
Cree fled to be pursued and cut down by the Blackfoot. The ‘Medicine Man’ is the
formation sign of BATUS.
2. What is now the Province of Alberta was included in the grant of land made to
the Hudson’s Bay Company when it was established by Royal Charter in 1670. The
area remained under their control until the company relinquished it to the Federal

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Government in Ottawa by Deed of Surrender in 1869. During this period, due to
the hostility of the Plains Indians, little was done to open up the hinterland and the
Hudson’s Bay Company only succeeded in establishing a few trading posts on the
main rivers, where Indians could barter their furs and skins for blankets, beads and
weapons.
3. In 1857, Captain John Palliser was sent by the British Government to carry out a
survey of the prairie region. In his report he defined a large part of Southern Alberta
and Saskatchewan as being unfit for settlement due to its low rainfall and sparse
vegetation. This became known as “The Palliser Triangle” and Suffield is well within
its borders. The depressing tone of the Palliser Report, and rebellions by the local
Indians did nothing to encourage settlement by Europeans. In 1869 Lieutenant
Colonel Garnet-Wolseley, (later FM Lord Wolseley), led the Red River Expedition that
dispersed the first major Indian uprising.
4. The conclusion of the American Civil War in the late 1860’s threw up a large
number of ex-soldiers and other rough characters who headed West in search of
work, a quick profit or just adventure. Financed by merchants in the East, and
uninhibited by conscience or moral issues, they made the base for their operations
in Fort Benton on the upper reaches of the Missouri River, near what is now Great
Falls, Montana, the closest US town to Suffield. From there they pushed their trading
posts northward into Canada. The most infamous of these became Fort Whoop-up,
near Lethbridge, where they traded rotgut whiskey to the Indians in return for furs and
buffalo robes. In a short time they had reduced the Indians to a state of drunkenness
and poverty.
5. The dishonesty and brutality of the whiskey peddlers was one of the main reasons
for the formation of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), now the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police, who were sent into the area to restore law and order and
protect Canadian interests from these Montana adventurers. The NWMP reached
Fort McLeod in 1874 and soon established a reputation for honesty and fairness
among both the Indian tribes and early settlers.
6. The next milestone was the coming of the Canadian Pacific Railway which reached
the Medicine Hat area in 1883 and established the township as a water point
and forward depot. This line was a major factor in the opening up of the region,
enabling settlers, many from Eastern Europe, to be brought in and for their ranching
and farming products to be exported.
7. 1885 saw the last abortive attempt to resist the settling of the area when the Metis,
who were mainly French halfbreeds, rose under their extraordinary leader, Louis Riel,
in an attempt to evict the Europeans. Had the all Indian tribes wholly joined Riel in
his rebellion the outcome would have been more serious but Chief Crowfoot, head
of the Blackfoot Confederacy (after whom the Battle Group camp is named), refused
to join the rising as he foresaw that victory for the white man was inevitable in the
long term. Louis Riel’s second rebellion was crushed and he was hanged in Regina.
8. With the virtual extinction of the buffalo, and the confinement of the Indians to
reservations, ranching became the principle industry of the Medicine Hat area.
Captain Palliser’s opinion was proved correct in that the area around Suffield was not
suited to small holdings, though many settlers lingered on for some years making a
meager living under arduous and often pathetic conditions.
9. When Minister of the Interior Clifford Sifton, began his drive to increase
immigration at the end of the 19th Century, settlers came from across Europe.
However, despite a major farming enterprise, financed from England, the area

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was still less than hospitable. Some 64,000 acres were put under the plough. An
ambitious irrigation scheme was planned and vast sums of money invested in the
project. Suffield expanded rapidly in size and stature and became, for a short period,
a place of some importance. A number of independent communities were created.
On the western edge of the training area the ‘Hochwald’ region was home to Dutch
settlers from 1910. In the summer of 1912 a Dutch Reform Church was built and its
remains are still visible today. By 1921 the community numbered 160 people but by
1925 only 4 families remained. The highest area of the block is the Bingville region.
Due to its higher rainfall per year it was more attractive to settlers. The small numbers
of Scottish and English immigrants settled at Bray Lake.
10. In 1941 one hundred and twenty-five families were moved out and resettled
elsewhere as the area became an experimental range used jointly by the British and
Canadian Forces for testing chemical warfare agents and the largest non-nuclear
explosions ever detonated. After the Second World War, the British element withdrew
and the range was taken over by the Canadian Defence Research Board.
11. Between the late 1950s and 60s research was conducted in the area around
Jadex Junction, named after General J. A. Dextraze, a former Canadian Chief of
Defence Staff, to find the blast effects on various structures above and below ground
using non-nuclear sources. The first explosion in July of 1959 was 1000lb. This
progressively increased and on 17 Jul 1964 Event Snowball marked the detonation of
a 500 ton explosion. On 9 Aug 1968 Exercise Prairie Flat involved another 500 ton
explosion.
12. In 1971 a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the British
and Canadian Governments allowing the British Army to use the range for battle
group training. In January 1972, the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) was
established. The first Battle Group was commanded by RHQ 4 RTR and the first live
round was fired on 15 June 1972. Since the initial MOU the British Army presence in
BATUS was reviewed periodically, but following the recent MOU signed in Jul 2006
both governments have agreed for the British Army to remain in Suffield indefinitely.
13. Since the founding of BATUS oil and natural gas have been discovered in
commercial quantities, and their exploitation by the Alberta Energy Company
continues. There are currently 6000 gas wells and 500 oil well heads in Suffield
with the count increasing almost daily. In addition to these developments it is worth
noting that the training area is one of the last remaining tracts of short grass prairie
left in North America, a designated wildlife sanctuary, a treasure trove of Native
archeological sites and includes Canada’s second largest National Wildlife Area.

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CopperStone Resort
250, 2nd Ave.
Dead Man’s Flats, AB.
Canada T1W 2W4
• Heated underground parking
• Fitness Center
• Outdoor Hot Tub
• Wireless internet
• Special BATUS Rates Available
1‒866‒571‒0303
www.copperstonesresort.ca
ADVENTURES IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
brought to you by Special Adventure Services Inc.
20 years BATUS Adventurous
Training experience
20,000+ soldiers AT trained
Ex Bear Dawn
& Ex Ghost Run provider
Prairie Rose Club
& BATUS family programs
Dodge Gr. Caravan
Western Riding
Lessons, Trail Rides
and More!
Come see what the
Prairie has to offer!
For more
information contact:
Jessica McLean
403-581-3301
www.prairieskies.biz
To kick-start your summer adventure contact:
Special Adventure Services Inc.
403 875-4993 adventure@nucleus.com
LOCAL AND OUT OF TOWN BUYERS
CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-561-2277
LOCAL NUMBER 403-527-5581
www.jacksondodge.com
• Whitewater Rafting
• Canoeing
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Customized programs
– leadership, team building
– survival, fi rst aid, self-defense

10 BAtuS 2013
uK & BFG Websites
Adventure Sports Online
www.adventuresports.co.uk
Army Benevolent Fund
www.armybenfund.org
Army Families Federation
www.aff.org.uk
Army Welfare Service – Home
Page
www.army.mod.uk/aws
British Army – Home Page
www.army.mod.uk
Directory of Essential Services
www.scoot.co.uk
Ex-Service Housing
www.haighomes.org.uk
Help With Moving Home
www.iammoving.com
HIVE
www.mod.uk/hive
A Tradition since 1887
JULY 24 - 27, 2013
www.mhstampede.com
2055 - 21st Ave SE, PO Box 1298, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7N1
403.527.1234 or 1.888.mhrodeo
Information on UK
Neighbourhoods
www.streetmap.com
Information on your Local Area
www.upmystreet.com
Joint Service Housing Advice
Office
www.mod.uk/jshao
Naval Families Federation
www.nff.org.uk
Postal Services
www.bfpo.mod.uk
RAF Families Federation
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Royal Air Force Community
Support
www.rafcom.co.uk
Royal Air Force – Home Page
www.raf.mod.uk
Royal British Legion
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Royal Navy
www.royalnavy.mod.uk
SSAFA/Forces Help
www.ssafa.org.uk
Submariners Association
www.submarinersassociation.co.uk
Yellow Pages
www.yell.com

Housing & Accommodation
Services
BAtuS Housing Office
Service Families Accommodation (SFA)
BATUS married accompanied personnel and their families are accommodated in
married quarters mostly in The Crown Village of Ralston or Medicine Hat, (the small
numbers of personnel working at Trails End Camp and Calgary are housed locally in
the town of Cochrane or Calgary). Ralston village is the main married housing area
for CFB Suffield and BATUS and is located 3km south of CFB Suffield. It provides
housing for both British and Canadian Forces Personnel in housing that is owned and
maintained by the Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA).
• The majority of families will be housed in Ralston Village, married quarters are
allocated according to the size of the family and not by rank, due to limitations on
the number and size of houses available.
Medicine Hat is the closest city to BATUS, being a 35 minute drive away. The hirings
are completely integrated amongst Canadian civilian houses and are not necessarily
close to other British families.
• Pets are not permitted in hirings.
• There is no dedicated military transport from Medicine Hat to CFB Suffield, but
motor mileage allowance for residence to place-of-duty travel is payable to married
accompanied permanent staff.
• In Canada, children start school at a later age than in the UK. Children of this age
living in Calgary or Cochrane will start school at a later date than in the UK.
What are the houses like?
• The quarters in Ralston Village are all detached houses with gardens. They vary
in size from two bedroom to four bedroom and are allocated by size of family. All
houses have basements that have been converted to provide more living space and
storage, although fire regulations prevent use as bedrooms. The utility area is usually
found in the basement and contains furnace, boiler, washer and dryer.
• Medicine Hat has a variety of Detached, Semi-detached and Condominium
properties.
• All quarters come fully furnished with the appropriate number of beds, 3 piece
suite, dining suite if required, kitchen table and chairs, buffet and display cabinet(s),
double and single dressers, 4/5 drawer chests, book case, some occasional

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furniture, carpets and window dressings. All houses contain either blinds or curtains
or both. Also contained within the married quarters are a large fridge with freezer
compartment, small chest freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, cooker, and the
following small electrical goods:
Vacuum cleaner, microwave, food processor, kettle, toaster, coffee filter, iron,
clock radio and hairdryer.
All quarters also come equipped with crockery, cutlery, glassware and cookware,
amounts are dependent on the size of family, and will either be a set of 4 or 8. The
following list gives an idea of what toexpect:
Plates 6 inch Plates 10 inch Cereal Bowls Cups Glasses 8 oz
tea pot Milk Jug Sugar bowl Butter dish table knives
table forks Dessert spoons table spoons tea spoons Bread Knife
8” Cook’s Knife Veg peeling knife Kitchen utensils Can opener Pot & pan set
Pyrex dish Colander Grater Heat resistant mats Pedal bin
• Kitchens have fitted units and there is currently a programme underway to
modernise kitchens within the married quarters at Ralston village. All quarters come
with garden equipment and a power lawnmower that is shared with neighbours.
• There are no central light fittings in the living rooms, and therefore lamps are
provided with the married quarters.
• On arrival you will also be given a get-you-in-pack, which you can use until your
removals arrive. The get-you-in-pack consists of bedding and towels and may be
kept for a total of 6 weeks.
• Married Quarters in Ralston operate on natural gas for central heating and
cooking. Central heating is of the hot air re-circulating type. All quarters in Ralston
are equipped with central air conditioning units. In Ralston charges for gas are raised
by DND with bills paid at the BATUS Regimental Admin Office. Electricity bills are
raised every month by the local electricity corporation EPCOR and a deposit of $200
is required at the beginning of the contract. This deposit is returned in the 13th
month of the contract, or before if you are posted away from BATUS earlier than
expected. In Medicine Hat, all utility charges are raised by the city council. These
charges are paid at the Bank and because CILOT is already deducted direct from
source, receipts are provided to the Admin Office where all charges are claimed back
other than gas and electric.
Electrical Power Supply
Canadian electrical power is supplied at 110v/60hz, therefore not all electrical items
from the UK will work. Please check manufacturers’ specifications to determine if
items are dual voltage or can be used with a transformer.
Married Quarters Allocation Procedure
The BATUS housing and Estate Manager will endeavour to allocate a quarter of an
appropriate size for your family. Where an appropriate sized quarter is not available
immediately, the following options are available:
1. The Housing and Estate Manager offers alternative accommodation (If Available).
2. The Officer/Soldier elects to remain unaccompanied until such time as suitable
accommodation becomes available.
Occupation of Married Quarters
Married quarters will not normally be available until 5 working days prior to the
‘Report for Duty’ date of the new arrival and call forward will reflect this.

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Reporting faults and repairs
Faults in married quarters should be reported to the Housing Estate Assistant on
403544 5565 who records the fault and gives a job number. All repairs are carried
out by Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) and are prioritised with urgent
repairs being carried out within 12 hrs, important repairs within 24hrs, and routine
repairs within 14 - 28 working days. In order that repairs can be carried out as
expeditiously as possible, you will be phoned to arrange access to your quarter.
Routine jobs are grouped together so that a contractor from Medicine Hat can
complete several tasks on the same visit. If the tradesman who will be carrying out
the work is unable to make contact to arrange access, there will be a delay in the
work being completed; therefore it is in your interest to have an answer phone in
order that you do not miss any important phone calls. In the event of an emergency
out of office hours, there is an emergency number that may be used. However, in the
event that the fault reported is not deemed to be an emergency, the householder may
be charged the emergency call out fee.
Pre Move-Out Visits
• Book advisory march-out (6-8 weeks prior) with Housing Estate Manager
Tel: 403544 5565
• Book March Out date and time
• Obtain and fill in F/Mov/713 for unaccompanied baggage through the MFO
stores person at the QM’s Store at Camp Crowfoot (at least 8 weeks prior).
Relocation Guide to Moving
The Service Families Task Force (SFTF) provides comprehensive guidelines to assist
with the Forces relocation process. These guidelines can be accessed via www.sftf.
mod.uk or by contacting the HIVE.
Welfare/Contact House
BATUS has a welfare house located in Ralston Village which can be booked primarily
for non-resident parents who have visitation rights with their children, but also for
visiting family when available. The house can be booked through the Unit Welfare
Officer and costs approximately $10 per night.
Single Living Accommodation (SLA)
All single and unaccompanied permanent and temporary staff at BATUS are housed
at the camp at CFB Suffield.
Junior Ranks Accommodation
This accommodation is in modern blocks with 2 person rooms with a shared common
area.
Commissioned and Non-Commissioned Officers
There is Mess accommodation provided for all single and unaccompanied officers,
warrant officers and sergeants. The accommodation is in a modern block separate
from the Mess buildings and is a shared block with Officers on one floor and Warrant
Officers and Sergeants on another floor.
To book your accommodation, use the following contact details:
Accommodation Supervisor 1 403 544 4028
In SLA, each room is equipped with a clock radio, kettle, coffee filter, iron and
hairdryer(on request). Additionally, communal areas are also equipped with a fridge/
freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, microwave, toaster and vacuum cleaner.

14 batus 2013
Living Out
All BATUS single personnel, who wish to live out of barracks, are to ensure that they
have permission from the SO1 G1/G4 first, prior to residing out of barracks. All
applications are to be passed through the correct Chain of Command.
Buying and Renting Property
Buying a house in Canada is quite different from the process in the UK and it is
important to get advice on the differences that apply. The whole process of buying
a house is much quicker in Canada, with completion of a sale achievable within 4-8
weeks of an offer being accepted.
It is important to note that the way real estate agents work in Canada is also different
to the UK and it more likely that you will find a specific person working for a real
estate agency, who you will work with to find the house you are looking for.

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18 batus 2013
the Joint Service Housing Advice Office
(JSHAO) – Helping you to civilian
housing solutions
What is the JSHAO?
The JSHAO provides Service persons and their dependants with housing information
and advice. We also, where possible, help you to obtain placement in social housing
on leaving the Service. We can also help service welfare/compassionate cases and
separated families from overseas to find appropriate housing on return to the UK.
Helping you to civilian accommodation
The JSHAO runs ‘Housing Solutions’ and “Housing Options” briefings for Service
Personnel. The Solutions briefings are designed as mid career presentations to
highlight the need to make early provision for your civilian housing. The ‘Housing
Options’ briefs are run in Resettlement Centres in the UK and Education Centres
in Germany, Cyprus and Gibraltar. These one day briefs are designed to give you
the information to help you make informed choices on your civilian housing. While
Housing Options are normally attended in the last 2 years of Service, any Service
person and/or their partner is welcome at any stage of their Service.
What information do we hold?
We can obtain information and contacts for most of the UK’s social housing sector
which includes council housing and housing association homes. We can provide you
with pamphlets and information sheets on the multitude of different subjects regarding
housing provision. Very often these days we will direct you to the appropriate web site.
All this information is available to you, just call or e-mail our office.
The MOD Referral Scheme
The JSHAO runs the Ministry of Defence Referral scheme. This scheme may be able
to help you if you are looking for housing association housing on leaving the Service.
Information and an application form can be found on our website or call the office
and talk to the MOD Referral Scheme Coordinator.
Affordable Housing Options
With house prices as high as they have been recently, lots of Service personnel express
interest in schemes which share the cost of housing with some form of government
backed ownership plan. HomeBuy helps successful applicants to buy their home
using a government interest free loan to fund part of the property. These schemes are
generically known as HomeBuy schemes. Service personnel are recognised as having
Priority Status to these schemes. For more details of the schemes and options go to
the JSHAO website or speak to the team
Buying your own house
Buying a house is one of the most exciting things you ever do. However, it is also
one of the most daunting. The JSHAO has factsheets that explain the process. We
can advise on websites you will find useful to get details of properties, solicitors and
surveyors. We can even point you in the right direction to help you find the right
mortgage.

atus 2013 19
For those of you thinking of building your own home we have some very practical
advice and information.
Help from the Services
In 1996 the MOD introduced the Long Service Advance of Pay Scheme for Army and
RAF personnel (the scheme has been available to Naval personnel for many years).
The JSHAO holds details of the scheme. Never commit yourself to purchase until you
receive confirmation from the Tri-service LSAP centre of your eligibility for the loan.
JSHAO monthly magazine ‘Housing Matters’
Ten months a year the JSHAO produces a magazine. It contains lots of information
designed to help you when you are considering your civilian housing. Copies should
be easily available within your unit but if you have difficulty in obtaining a copy please
ring the JSHAO or visit our website.
How to contact us?
We have lots of information that may be useful to you so why not contact us.
JSHAO on line: www.mod.uk/jshao
JSHAO
HQ Land Forces, Building 183, trenchard Lines, upavon, Wiltshire SN9 6BE
tel: 01980 618925
E-mail: AWS-JSHAO-mailbox@mod.uk
Mil: 94344 8925
SPACES – Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services
If you are single and about to leave, SPACES may be able to help you to find
somewhere to live. SPACES is tasked by MOD to help place single Service leavers in
appropriate accommodation as they leave. It is located within the Resettlement Centre
at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
SPACES
Regional Resettlement Centre, St Aidans Road, Catterick Garrison,
North Yorkshire, DL9 3AY.
tel: 01748 833797 Fax: 01748 835774
E-mail: spaces@echg.org.uk
SSAFA Forces Help Housing Advisory Service
Once you leave the Forces and/or MOD accommodation, you can still get
information, help and advice with your housing problems from SSAFA Forces Help,
19 Queen Elizabeth Street, London SE1 2LP or ring 0207 463 9398. This service
is available to your dependants and wider family (parents, etc) whilst you are still
serving.

20 batus 2013

Adult /Children's Education /
Youth Activities
Education
Serving Personnel
Serving personnel interested in applying for courses should get in touch with the
SO3 ETS/Visits on (403) 544 4020 who will be able to give advice on funding
opportunities for courses. Serving personnel can claim the following funding for
courses:
Standard Learning Credits
Standard Learning Credits are designed to help service personnel to claim 80% of
fees from public funds up to a maximum of £175 per financial year. This is a refund
scheme and can be used for certain personal development courses, examinations and
initial registration and accreditation fees to professional bodies and institutes.
Enhanced Learning Credits
The Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme is an initiative to promote lifelong
learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. The ELC scheme provides financial
support in the form of a single up-front payment on each of a maximum of three
separate financial years. ELC funding is only available for pursuit of a higher level
learning course, i.e. those that result in a nationally recognised qualification at level 3
or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or level 6 or above on the
Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). The course provider must be
registered with ELCAS.
ELCs are available in two tiers:
4 years eligible service- Lower tier, 80% of the fees up to a maximum of £1000 per
claim instalment.
8 years eligible service- Upper tier, 80% of the fees up to a maximum of £2000 per
claim instalment.
For more information visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk
Basic Skills
Courses in literacy and numeracy for serving personnel are run throughout the year at
BATUS. Those interested should contact the SO3 ETS/Visits for more information. The
exams are paper based and taken through the OCR. There is no Defence Electronic
Learning Centre at BATUS and as such there are no Learn Direct courses available for
serving personnel or their dependents.
The Open University
The Open University (OU) is the United Kingdom’s only university dedicated to
distance learning. For most courses there are no previous qualifications required to
study. You have to be aged 18 when your course starts but there is no upper age limit.
Further information on the OU can be obtained from the SO3 ETS/Visits on (403)

22 batus 2013
544 4020, or by calling (01908) 653 231 or visiting www.open.ac.uk.
Medicine Hat College
Medicine Hat College run a number of full, part-time and online courses that BATUS
personnel and their families are able to enrol on without paying international
students fees, as these courses are specifically deemed as ‘adult education’. This
means that whilst these courses don’t lead to nationally recognised qualifications, they
are of benefit in terms of personal development. The college runs courses up to three
times a year, and prior to the start of each term a prospectus is published with course
information, costs and dates, as well as registration details. This information is also
available online at www.mhc.ab.ca for full and part-time courses and at
www.ed2go.com/mhc for online courses.
Serving personnel may be able to claim money back once they have completed the
course using the Standard Learning Credits scheme. For more information please
contact SO3 ETS/Visits.
Overview of Child Education in Alberta, Canada
Local education contacts
Name tel/Fax Website/Email
Alberta Education Phone: (780) 427 7219 www.education.gov.ab.ca/
Fax: (780) 422 1263 email: comm.contact@
learning.gov.ab.ca
Prairie Rose School
Division No. 8 Phone: (403) 527 5516 http://prrd.net/
Fax: (403) 528 2264 email: jana.joujan@prrd.net
Medicine Hat School District No. 76 http://sd76.ab.ca/
Children’s Education
Advisory Service (CEAS) Phone: (01980) 618 244 www.ceas.mod.uk
Email: enquiries@ ceas.detsa.
co.uk
Pre-School and Nurseries (Early Years) in Ralston Village
Kiddie Kare is run by the Military Families Resource Centre (MFRC), and is childcare
for children up to 3 year olds. It is located in the Community Centre in Ralston
Village. It offers both Permanent placements, and Drop in Sessions, from 0830-1130
hrs Monday to Friday.
Fees are $14 per child per session.
For more details contact the MFRC Tel: 403 544 5567
Little Gophers Pre-School
Little Gophers Pre-School is located in Ralston village. It caters for both Canadian
and British children from the age of 2 years and 9 months until they start school.
The pre-school is open five mornings a week from 0900-1145 hrs, with extended
care Monday through Thursday until 1430 hrs. Term dates are the same as Ralston
School.

atus 2013
Little Gophers Ralston Village Tel: 403 544 5559
0900-1145 hrs Monday –Friday Extended hours Mon, Wed, Fri
Babysitters List can be obtained from the MFRC which is located in the Community
Centre in Ralston Village.
Nanny Services
ABCNannies Tel: 1 877 690 4297 (Freephone)
Guardian Nanny Agency Tel: 1 866 349 6269 (Freephone)
International Nannies and Homecare Ltd Tel: 1 800 820 8308 (Freephone)
Summer Camp
The MFRC provide a Summer Camp programme for 8 weeks over the Summer
holiday for children aged 5-12 years of age. It runs Monday to Friday 0900-1600 hrs
with extended hours available if needed. For more info call 403-544-5567
Parent and Toddler Groups
Lollipop Tots and Pop In and Play
Pre-School and Nurseries (Early Years) in Medicine Hat
The Medicine Hat 'Yellow Pages' has a comprehensive list of Pre Schools and
Nurseries. Listed below are a few of note:
Pre-school Address Phone
Montessori Pre-School 525D Washington Avenue SE,
Medicine Hat Medicine Hat 403 526-7966
Kidsplay Preschool 9 5thStreet SE, Medicine Hat 403 528-5437
Busy Bee’s Preschool 534 18th Street SW,
Medicine Hat 403 526-2278
Herald School Daycare 301 5th Street SE,
Medicine Hat 403 526-9292
Calder Circle Children’s Centre 28 Calder Circle SE,
Medicine Hat 403 526-2927
Alexis Dayhome 340 9 Street SE Medicine Hat, 403 527-8630
Kings Castle Day Care 343 Cambridge Street SE,
Services Ltd Medicine Hat, 403 526-5450
Mother Natures Preschool Inc 1001 Elm Street SE
Medicine Hat, 403 528-8892
Schools
Children of BATUS families attend Canadian Schools whilst in Canada and follow the
Alberta Programme of Studies, not the UK National Curriculum. The High School
system in Canada is very different from that in the UK, and from 14/15 onwards,
students work towards their high school diploma. This is a 3 year programme of
study, and is NOt transferable to the GCSE or ‘A’ level system of England and Wales
or the Scottish secondary education system of examinations. Therefore, families are
strongly advised to carefully consider the option of bringing their children to Canada
if they have already embarked upon, or about to embark, the GCSE programme of
study.
23

24 batus 2013
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atus 2013
School Provision in Ralston Village
Children between the ages of 4 and 14/15 that live in the Crown Village of Ralston
attend Ralston Village School. This is an elementary and middle school combined.
Children start school later in Canada than in the UK, and for this reason, the school
in Ralston has a combined kindergarten/FS2/Year 1 class to accommodate British
children. A Service Children’s Education (SCE) teacher is employed to work in this
age group to ensure an appropriate curriculum.
Whilst the school year is the same as the UK, running from September to August, the
class your child will be placed in is determined by their age on the 28th February, not
the 31st August. Classes in Canada are worked out on a grade system with grade 1
being roughly equivalent to Year 2 in the English system.
For more information on Ralston Village School or the Alberta Programme of Study,
please visit the following web-sites:
Alberta Education: http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/
Prairie Rose School Division No.8: http://prrd.net/
Service Childrens’ Education: http://www.sceschools.com/
Ralston Village School: http://www.ralstonschool.ca
School contact details:
Ralston Village School, BAtuS, Canada
School Principal: Carol Carlson
E-mail: carol.carlson@prrd.ab.ca
Tel: 001 403 544 3535
Fax: 001 403 544 3536
School Administrator: Evelyn Squires
E-mail: evelyn.squires@prrd.ab.ca
Tel: 001 403 544 3535
Fax: 001 403 544 3536
For those families living in Ralston Village whose children are older than 14, the
high school for these children is called Eagle Butte, and is located on the far side of
Medicine Hat. A school bus is provided to transport the children to and from school
with the journey time being about 45 minutes.
Eagle Butte High School
PO Box 281 Dunmore 14/15 – 18/19 years
Tel: 1 403 528 1996
Website www.eaglebutte.ca
School day timings 0845-1535 hrs
School Provision in Medicine Hat
Children living in Medicine Hat will attend local schools, which will be dependent on
the location of your married quarter. Medicine Hat has an elementary and secondary
school system, whereby children attend elementary school until age 11, and then
transfer to secondary school, much the same as in the UK. There are 13 elementary
schools and 3 secondary schools in Medicine Hat. The following website gives
information and subsequent links to all these schools: www.sd76.ab.ca
25

26 batus 2013
Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS)
CEAS, based at Upavon, Wiltshire, provide practical advice on many educational
issues including the appeals process. You can contact them with any enquiries at
01980 618244.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
If your child has special educational needs you are advised to contact CEAS to find
out about registering your child with them; there are a number of ways in which they
may be able to help you. Some SEN conditions may prevent a posting to BATUS
whilst others can benefit from services and facilities in Canada. Each family with a
SEN child will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Please contact the SO3 visits/ETS before you are posted to Canada to discuss any
children with Special Educational Needs.
Boarding School Advice
Boarding School advice is available from SO3 Visits/ETS who holds copies of the
ISIS and STABIS directories. Parents wishing to place their child in boarding school
whilst they are stationed in BATUS are advised to visit a selection of schools PRIOR to
arriving in Canada.

BAtuS 2013
Useful Websites
Website Address Summary of Information
Education in Canada
www.education.gov.ab.ca Information on programmes of study for Alberta
www.prrd.net Information on Prairie Rose School Division No.8,
which oversees Ralston Village School
www.sd76.ab.ca/ Information on School District No. 76, which
oversees all Medicine Hat Public schools
www.ralstonschool.ca
Education in England
Ralston School website
www.preschooldirectory.co.uk Information on nursery school education
www.pre-school.org.uk Pre-school learning alliance
www.bbc.co.uk BBC Pre-school Service
www.schoolsnet.com Detailed information on all State and independent
schools
www.dfes.gov.uk Government site covering all aspects of schooling
www.ofsted.gov.uk OFSTED school inspection reports
www.qca.org.uk National schools curriculum information
Education in Scotland
www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk Information for Scottish education
www.hmie.gov.uk
Education in Wales
HMIE inspection reports
www.learning.wales.gov.uk Information on Welsh education
www.estyn.gov.uk Estyn inspection reports
Education in Northern Ireland
www.deni.gov.uk Information on Education for NI
Janet Byl
420 First St. W., Cochrane, Ab T4C 1B1
Tel: 403-932-1500
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Addie’s Creative Fabrics is a
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Canada and around the world.
Addie’s shares its’ space with
Saffron, an eclectic artisan store,
and Saffron Pottery Studios offer
classes for all skill levels.
27

28 batus 2013

Medical and Health Services
Army Medical Services
Health Care
Health Care services are provided for civilian dependants, MOD employees, civil
servants and some contractors.
Upon arrival to BATUS, military members and their dependant spouse need to register
with the BATUS Medical Centre. Families living downtown will also use the BATUS
Medical Centre as their home medical centre. However, dependants who have their
Alberta Health Care number, who live downtown and are too unwell to travel to the
BATUS Medical Centre, may attend a walk-in clinic or the Emergency Department
at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for immediate care. The Medical Centre will
issue their Medical Services Guide upon registration.
Service Personnel
Sick Parade at 0730 hrs Mon to Fri. Appointments 0900-1145 hrs Mon to Fri.
1300-1545 hrs Mon to Thurs.
Weekends: Sick Parade at 0800 hrs.
Civilians registered at the BATUS Medical Centre
Phone for appointment after 0930 hrs Mon – Fri. 403-544-5240
Clinic 1300-1545 hrs Mon - Thurs.
Urgent cases may be asked to come down at other times by the doctors.
Out of Hours (for all patients registered at the BATUS Medical Centre)
Telephone the Ward Office on 403-544-4199. During the winter season, please call
the duty medic on 403-952-2451
Other treatment options
Medical advice or treatment out-of hours, on weekends or holidays, can be obtained
through:
1. Health Link Alberta (like NHS Direct) on 1-866-408-5465
2. Walk-in Clinics (see below)
3. Emergency Department at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
4. Call 403-544-4911 IN CASE OF SERIOuS EMERGENCY
Refer to Part One Orders for temporary changes to services.
Walk-In Clinics **tHE tIMININGS ARE DEPENDANt uPON DOCtOR
AVAILABILItY.
Medical Arts Centre (no phone calls will be received) Mon - Wed: 0900-1300 hrs
770 6th Street SW Thurs - Fri: 0900-1630 hrs
Medicine Hat Sat, Sun & Holidays: 0900-1200 hrs
Carry Drive Clinic (no phone calls will be received) Mon - Fri: 0900-1200 hrs

30 batus 2013
116 Carry Drive SE 1300-1700 hrs
Medicine Hat 1800-2000 hrs
Sat, Sun & Holidays: 1100-1400 hrs
Crescent Heights (no phone calls will be received) Mon - Fri: 1800-2000 hrs
49 8th Street NW Sat, Sun & Holidays: 0900-1200 hrs
Medicine Hat
Riverside Medical Centre (no phone calls will be received) Mon – Fri: 1800- 2000 hrs
28 3rd Street NE
Medicine Hat
Prescriptions
Prescriptions for troops and civilians will be filled at the BATUS Medical Centre free of
charge. The pharmacy on camp is open from 0800 – 1200 hrs Mon – Fri.
Authorised prescriptions issued by hospital consultants or local Canadian GPs may be
taken to: - BATUS Medical Centre Pharmacy
- Pharmasave in Redcliff or any other Boylans/Pharmasave in Medicine Hat
- Wal-Mart Pharmacy
Proof of identification will be required and the prescriptions will be free of charge to
patients. Please note: not all prescriptions are free ie: infertility treatment, antiobesity
drugs, some smoking cessation drugs, etc. Contact the SMO for confirmation
before visiting the pharmacy.
Additional Health Care Insurance
It is strongly advised to take out additional health care insurance (holiday insurance)
if travelling outside of Alberta. Alberta Health Care Insurance will cover you in any
province (except for Quebec). Hospital, doctor, laboratory, x-ray will be covered by
AHC in the other provinces but not ambulance nor drugs. BATUS medical budget will
not cover any medical costs incurred whilst outside Alberta, Canada.
Emergency Services
Anyone requiring emergency medical services on the Base or in Ralston should call
403-544-4911. The Base Fire Hall will dispatch an emergency response team.
Ambulances
Unlike the UK, ambulances in Canada are not provided free of charge and your
Alberta Health Care card will not entitle you to the free use of an ambulance. At
present, charges incurred through dispatch of an ambulance will be covered by the
BATUS medical budget although current policies may be subject to change. Lack of
personal transport for a non-emergency does not justify the calling of an ambulance
and charges may apply.
Eye Examinations and Purchase of Spectacles
BATUS permanent staff are entitled to one free eye test per year.
Children up to the age of 16 years and those up to the age of 19 years and in full
time education are entitled to eye examinations under the AHC system. Children at
boarding school and who visit Canada are not eligible for free eye examinations. The
BATUS approved Optician is 20/20 Vision Care in Medicine Hat. Prior to making an
appointment, written authorisation must be obtained from the BATUS Medical Centre.

atus 2013
Service personnel and their spouses are responsible for the purchase of their own
spectacles or contact lenses, however, Service issue frames are available for Service
personnel. Children under the age of 16 years or those up to 19 years in full time
education are eligible for one pair of glasses to the current maximum value of $105
(CD) per year. This amount may be exceeded if there is a medical condition, which
warrants specialised items. Seek approval from the SMO.
Hearing Aids
Under the NHS, serving personnel and their dependants are entitled to a basic
hearing aid and coverage for repairs. In BATUS, if your hearing aid is beyond
economical repair, a letter of authority will be issued by the SMO to attend a practice
enabling you to obtain a new aid to a set financial limit.
31

32 batus 2013
Army Dental Services
Dental Care
The Dental Centre is located within the Medical Centre, where a British Military Team
provides dental care for BATUS personnel. The centre personnel are Defence Dental
Services, currently 2 RADC with a Canadian civilian nurse. As with other overseas
postings your dental treatment is provided within guidelines comparable to those of
the NHS and charges for treatment will be raised in accordance with NHS fees unless
exemptions apply. These charges are recovered from military head of household’s
pay. UKBCs will pay at the RAO.
Some specialist treatment, such as orthodontic treatment, may be provided at a
local civilian practice once approval has been granted by DDS via Dental Centre
BATUS. This only usually happens for children falling into a very high treatment
need. Children with ongoing orthodontic treatment should bring their records with
them ESPECIALLY if coming from UK. It should be noted that the funding has to be
transferred from NHS to Defence if coming from UK. This can take time so parents /
carers should notify Dental Centre BATUS as soon as possible. It should be noted that
there is absolutely no provision for adult orthodontic treatment in BATUS and they
should have their appliances removed before coming to BATUS or their assignment
postponed. Military individuals with ongoing orthodontic treatment must contact their
nearest military dental centre as soon as possible on receipt of their assignment order
to BATUS to initiate the approval process for continuation of care in Canada.
The contact number for Dental Centre BATUS is Tel; 403 544 4508
All personnel are treated at BATUS regardless of where they live (Ralston/Medicine
Hat/Calgary/Cochrane).
Emergency Dental Treatment Office Hours
Sick parade appointments for all personnel can be made on a first come first served
basis by calling 4508 or attending the clinic in person at 0830 in the morning.
Emergency Dental Treatment Out of Office Hours
Individuals with genuine dental emergencies which arise out of office hours are to
contact the Duty Officer in the first instance on 403 581 8316.
Arrangements may be made for emergency patients to be seen either at BATUS or a
designated local civilian clinic.
Patients who utilise a local practice in Medicine Hat without a prior referral from “on
call” medical staff will be deemed to have chosen private dental care at their own
expense. Charges raised will not be refunded by BATUS, DDS or MOD.
Patients who are referred to a civilian clinic are asked to bring the paperwork they
receive to Dental Centre BATUS on the next available working day in order to initiate
the payment process.

Station and Garrison
Facilities
Unit Welfare Officer (UWO)
The BATUS Unit Welfare Officer supports ALL Serving Personnel and their families, be
they married accompanied, serving unaccompanied or single.
The Office location is 1st on the left within the Welfare Corridor in the Community
Centre of Ralston Village. The office is open during normal working hours,
Tel: 403 544- 4772
Army Welfare Service (AWS)
Personal Support.
The well-being and morale of all soldiers and their dependants is the responsibility
of the unit chain of command. The Army Welfare Service provides 2nd line welfare
support to the chain of command, all soldiers, whether married or single and their
families. This support is provided by trained and knowledgeable Army Welfare
Workers working in Personal Support. They are sympathetic to people’s needs and
can give confidential support to enable Service personnel and their families to cope
with the stresses and strains of Service life.
Confidentiality and Trust.
The Army Welfare Service operates a strict confidentiality code; the code is fully
explained in the ‘Confidentiality Code’ leaflet available from your Army Welfare
Service Office. Everyone who works within The Army Welfare Service is required to
follow the confidentiality code no matter who they are:
Confidentiality has to be broken only to prevent: the risk of self harm, a danger to
others, a serious crime, civilian or military, a breach of security or the effectiveness of
a soldier being compromised in the course of their duty.
Some of the issues AWS can help you with include:
Relationship Difficulties Domestic Abuse
Bereavement CSA Concerns
Parenting Skills Child Care
Special Needs Benefits Information
Housing Medical Concerns
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse is a crime and should be reported immediately. Domestic Abuse is
defined as:
“Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical,
sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate
partners, or family members of any age, regardless of gender”.
Domestic Abuse undermines the cohesive nature of our community and has a wide-

34 batus 2013
ranging detrimental affect, particularly on children. If you are aware of domestic
abuse taking place or it is happening to you, inform the police.
If in progress Tel: 911
If it’s happening to you TELL SOMEONE
Crisis Line 403 529 1091
Phoenix Safe House 1-800-661-7949
All contacts will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Army Welfare Information Service (AWIS)
No problem is too big or too small
The Army Welfare Information Service (AWIS) exists to give information and advice to
soldiers and their families.
Personal Advice & Information
Trained personnel who are thoroughly experienced in most of the issues encountered
by Service personnel and their families’ staff AWIS. It doesn’t matter if the query is
simple, routine, or difficult, of a personal or family nature – the staff at AWIS will
either answer your question or put you in touch with one of the military or civilian
agencies who can provide you with help and assistance.
AWIS Information Sheets
AWIS maintain a series of information sheets which provide a vast fund of reference
information. Information sheets are available on ArmyNet and Army Internet which
makes them immediately accessible to military personnel and their families. If you
require any advice or information you can contact AWIS direct or via the BATUS Unit
Welfare Officer.
Safeguarding Children
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or
neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may
be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting., by those known
to them or more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults or
another child or children.
The different forms of abuse can be categorized as:
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Neglect
If you are worried about a child, as in the UK advice and intervention can be sought
from the local Social Work Service, South East Alberta Child and Family Services
Authority on 403 529 3607, whilst non urgent local advice can be sought from the
BATUS Child Protection lead who is the SSAFA FH Health Visitor on 403-544-5572 or
403-504-8913, however, if you believe that a child is in immediate danger then call:
The Police on 911 or
South East Alberta Child and Family Social Work on 403-529-3607.
BATUS fall under the Canadian host nation which differs from other British overseas
commands such as Germany or Brunei, therefore all child protection matters will be
solely dealt with by the Local Social Work team.

atus 2013
How to contact AWIS direct:
By post:
Army Welfare Information Service, HQ
AWS, Building 183, Trenchard Lines,
Upavon, Wiltshire SN9 6BE
By Telephone:
Military: 94344 5975
Civilian: 01980 615975
By email:
AWS-Welfareinformationservice@
mod.uk
www.army.mod.uk/welfare-support
ALL HELP AND ADVICE FROM AWIS
IS FREE AND CONFIDENtIAL
35
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SSAFA
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help
The SSAFA Health Visitor offers a full Health Visiting service to families and their
children ensuring continuity for families moving to Canada. In the absence of a
school nurse, this service includes families with children aged 5-16. The Health Visitor
also offers a service to any individual/couple who may require advice/support or
health information. This service is also available to BATUS families living outside of
Ralston village in Medicine Hat, Calgary or Cochrane.
Early contact with the Health Visitor ensures that any outstanding needs can quickly be
addressed through support, liaison or referral, as appropriate.
The Health Visiting team at BATUS consists of a full time SSAFA Health Visitor and part
time SSAFA Health Visitor Assistant who are located in the Ralston Village Community
Centre. The service is confidential in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery
Council (NMC) code of professional conduct and flexible to meet the needs of the
community.
Maternity Care:
There is excellent maternity care available to pregnant women in Alberta, however
there is no community or hospital based midwifery service. The SSAFA Health
visitor offers ante-natal support and family health needs assessment and is available
throughout your pregnancy to offer help and advice.
Immunisations:
Immunisations are given by the Canadian Public Health Nurse (PHN) to the Canadian
schedule. This differs very little from the UK programme but some extra immunisations
are offered, reflecting the different patterns of disease in Canada. For example,
children 6 months - 5 years are advised to have influenza vaccination, because of
the increased risk during the long winter months. The SSAFA Health Visitor and PHN
work closely to ensure all families receive the best advice to protect their children.
Immunisation clinics are held in Ralston Village, Redcliffe and Medicine Hat.
If you are pregnant or have children under 5, please contact the health
visitor as soon as possible after you arrive at BAtuS.
Pack your child’s ‘Red Book’ in your hand luggage
SSAFA Committee
SSAFA Confidential Support Line ##44[0] 1980 630854 (Support staff will call back)
The SSAFA Health Visitor 1 403 544-5572 Mob: 403-529-3607
SSAFA Assistant 1 403 544-4721
Fax 1 403 544 4796
Email HVBATUS@hotmail.com
HIVE Information Centres
The Army HIVE information Service aims to respond
swiftly and efficiently to enquiries from anyone within the
service community. Enquiries are welcomed from serving
personnel, their dependants, partners, extended families,
veterans, war widows (ers) and MOD civilians.
37

38 batus 2013
The HIVE information Support Officers (HISOs) who manage the HIVE information
centres have a wide range of information available, focusing on local area education,
housing and accommodation, employment and training opportunities, childcare,
travel, leisure and health facilities. They hold comprehensive new arrival location
overviews for serving accompanied and single serving personnel which aim to assist
anyone settling into their new location. When it is time to move on HISOs are ready
to provide the answers to questions on the next posting location.
The Army HIVE information service has excellent links with Service and Civilian
agencies which ensures that up to date, useful and important information is passed
quickly. Close contacts with local civilian authorities and unit welfare staff at times of
operational deployment and provide a deployment communication pack designed to
keep families in touch during these times.
In addition to the information provision role HISOs are able to confidentially refer
you to the right person should you have a need for personal help or support and
will feedback to the chain of command concerns on issues affecting the service
community.
To find your nearest HIVE go to www.mod.uk/hive
Prior to your arrival at BATUS HIVE information relating to Canada can be sourced
through the Tern Hill Hive Office at the website: hivebmwest@armymail.mod.uk
On arrival enquires can be made to the Military Families Resource Centre located
within the Ralston Community Centre (MFRC) or for residents in Medicine Hat the
MFRC Satelite office on Dunmore Road
Military Families Resource Centre (MFRC) Tel: 403 544 - 5567
MFRCs are run as ‘not-for-profit’ organisations on behalf of the Department of
Defence, Canada to support military families in all Canadian bases. They are very
similar to the BATUS HIVE in being able to provide information about CFB Suffield
and the wider area, but it also offers clubs and activities for both adults and children.
The mission of the Suffield MFRC is to promote the health and well-being of the
community, and its goal is to enable families to become full participating members of
the community through the provision of programmes and services.
Although the MFRC is a Canadian organisation, it provides services to all personnel
and their dependants whether Canadian or British at CFB Suffield.
The main MFRC office is located in the Community Centre in Ralston Village, but
there is also a satellite office in Medicine Hat.
The MFRC provides a welcome brief, as well as a ‘meet and greet’ session for all
arriving families.
Amongst other things, the MFRC provides many craft and sporting activity courses,
runs youth club, ‘Drop in Childcare services’, the school lunch programme and
employment assistance.
Unit Chaplaincy Staff
Padre Michael Peterson Tel: 403 544 - 5523
Church Services
Ralston’s Church is located at Larkhill Lane opposite the Ralston Arena.
This is an interdenominational church.

atus 2013
Religious Facilities
There are more than 40 places of worship in Medicine Hat, covering most
denominations. A complete listing of Churches and Religious Organizations is
listed in the Telephone Directory Yellow Pages under ‘Churches and Religious
Organisations’.
Army Families Federation (AFF)
The AFF is the independent voice of Army families and works hard to improve the
quality of life for Army families around the world - on any aspect that is affected by
the Army lifestyle.
AFF are often pivotal in achieving improvements for Army families such as changes
to Government and military policy and changes to the delivery of how things are
provided for families. The AFF does not do this by itself; its role is to highlight
problems to the chain of command or service providers, and to work with them and
other agencies to improve the support they provide to Service families.
AFF also provides a signposting service to help you find the right person to speak
to, as well as providing useful information for Army families through its website and
magazine, the AFF Families Journal. BATUS has AFF representatives that are available
to help with any concerns or issues.
The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF)
The ABF is the Army’s central charity. It exists to help any serving or former soldier
and their family or dependants with financial and practical help. The Fund gives
grants to individual cases in partnership with Regimental or Corps Benevolent Funds
concerned. It also acts as a grant-making trust and gives money to over 80 charities
per year that have been directly or indirectly beneficial to Army or ex-Army personnel
and their families. If you would like some more information about the ABF, please
contact the Central Office on; 0207 591 2000 or visit the website:
www.armybenfund.org
ABF Volunteers/Fundraisers: The Fund is always looking for volunteers to take part in
fundraising events or even to “rattle” a collection tin. If you would like to help please
contact the Regimental Fundraising Director:
Colonel Roger Davy JP
Secretary: Mrs Winstanley
tel: 01743 262570 Fax: 01743 262542
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA)
SPVA will provide pay, pension and personnel services to the Armed Forces and
Veterans from 1 Apr 07. Routine enquiries should be made to JPAC@spva.mod.uk
enquiries regarding ex Service personnel and Veterans to veterans.help@apva.gsi.
gov.uk
Army Net
ArmyNET is a restricted access information portal, built by the Army for the Army. It
is a one-stop shop for Army information of an UNCLASSIFIED (but sensitive) nature
- not designed for general public release. ArmyNET aims to provide the entire Army
community with a single portal, which it can access from anywhere in the world, in
order to get authoritative information on what is going on. Visit Army Net at
www.armynet.mod.uk ArmyNet contains a wealth of information about BATUS which
can be found by logging into ArmyNet and entering "BATUS" in the search box.
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40 batus 2013
unit Facilities
The BATUS General Fund:
The General Fund offers the following amenities:
Liquor Store: Tax Free purchases for Liquor and Tobacco, Perfume etc
Car Hire Fleet: 8 x MPV 1 x Minibus at very reasonable rates.
Sports Store: Ski, Hockey, Golf Equipment, Sailing Dingy’s, Bicycles, TV, DVD and
small electrical goods are all available for hire at competitive rates.
The General Fund will provide advice on hotel discounts within the Banff National
Park.
The General Fund is in essence the Unit PRI with all the normal PRI facilities that
support the community where possible.
For more information about the BATUS General Fund call 403-544-4964.
Gymnasium:
Located in Ralston Village, the Gym offers a large gym floor, aerobic area, weight
room, fitness studio, Swimming pool and squash court. All users of the facility (except
soldiers) must hold a valid Community Recreation Membership. For enquiries call:
PSP Manager on (403) 544-5554
Open recreation hours are:
Mon - Fri 0915-1115 hrs 1330-1530 hrs 1730- 2200 hrs
Weekends and Holidays 1300-2100 hrs
Aerobic and other exercise classes are often held in the gym. MFRC holds details of
current and upcoming classes, for which there is a small charge.
The squash court should be booked in advance through the gym on 403 544 5570.
The opening times for the squash court are as follows:
Mon - Fri 0845-2145 hrs
Weekends and Holidays 1300-2045 hrs
Tennis Courts
There are two tennis courts available seasonally. They should be booked in advance
through the gym on 403 544 5570. The opening times for the tennis courts are as
follows:
Mon - Sun 0715-2100 hrs
Swimming Pool
The swimming pool is co-located with the gym. It offers public swimming times which
are open to all. The pool also offers swimming lessons for both adults and children,
as well as aquasize classes. There is a charge for classes. Ask for a schedule for
opening hours, lesson and aquasize times and charges at the gym main office.
Driving Range
Located behind the married quarter area in Ralston Village (summer only)
Mon - Fri 1100-1300 hrs 1600-2000 hrs
Weekends and Holidays 1100-1300 hrs 1500-2000 hrs
Tokens for the Golf Driving Range are available at the Gym Main Office for $2.00
Ice Arena
The Ice Arena is located in Ralston Village and is open from late September through

atus 2013
to April. It is also possible to sign up for skating and/or ice hockey lessons, as well as
joining a BATUS ice hockey team and playing in the BATUS Hockey League. There
is a ladies ice hockey team called the Ralston Devils, open to all ladies either serving
or dependants of BATUS or CFB Suffield families. There are also lessons and teams
available for children. For more details contact Pierre Cote on 403 544 5358/5522.
The Jubilee Arms Restaurant and Pub
The Jubilee Arms Restaurant and Pub is open weekdays for breakfast, lunch and
dinner serving traditional British and Canadian food – takeaway available. Functions
such as quiz nights are sometimes organised .
Opening times: Mon-Fri 0900-1330 hrs
1700-Midnight (Food served until 2100hrs)
The Community Centre
The Community Centre is located in Ralston Village and houses the library, the Jubilee
Arms Pub and Restaurant, the Longhorn Lanes 10 Pin Bowling Alley, the MFRC,
‘Kiddie Kare’, BFBS, HIVE, UWO, AWS, SSAFA and Health Visitor.
Graham Community Library
The Graham Community Library is free to join for all serving personnel and their
families. The library has a wide selection of books, videos, DVDs , magazines and
periodicals. The library also has free Internet access with a number of terminals
available for use.
Opening Times: Mon 1000-2000 hrs
Tues & Thurs 1000-1600 hrs
Weds 1000-2000 hrs
Fri 0900-1600 hrs
The Jubilee Arms
The Jubilee Arms is open weekdays for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving traditional
British and Canadian food – takeaway available. Functions such as quiz nights are
sometimes organised in the Jubilee Arms.
Opening Times: Mon – Fri
Breakfast 0800-1030 hrs Lunch 1130-1330 hrs
Evening 1700-Midnight Food served until 2100 hrs
Longhorn Lanes Bowling Alley
There are four lanes available in the bowling alley.
To book lanes call 403 544 5566
BFBS Radio
BATUS has its own BFBS Radio Station with a compliment of DJs. Local programmes
are aired week day mornings, early afternoon and early evenings, with progammes
from the UK and Germany filling the late afternoon and nighttime schedule.
To listen to BFBS tune into 104.1FM or 98.1FM (A-Line)
To get in touch use the following numbers:
Competition Line (Studio) Tel: 403 544-5552 Office 403 544 4104
For details and schedules visit www.ssvc.com/bfbs/radio/canada/ or collect your
weekly schedule from the HIVE, CANEX, MFRC, or library.
On arrival contact the BFBS Team at the Community centre for channel listings.
Trials are in progress to provide additional channels to compare with other overseas
assignments This service is provided free. Sky News is transmitted live via satellite,
whilst BFBS 1 and 2 are transmitted live via satellite from Germany with an 8 hr delay
41

42 batus 2013
in order that progammes are aired at the correct local time. BFBS 2 begins at 7pm
on weekdays and 1pm at the weekends; at other times this channel is used to air the
BATUS Information channel, giving up to date local information.
Prairie Rose Club
The Prairie Rose Club is a club set up by the ladies run by the ladies, for the ladies.
The fee for Membership for the year is $12. The Prairie Rose Club hold various
events throughout the year including summer and winter exercises, Ladies Christmas
function, quiz nights, karaoke nights, and much more. Located in the Church
Building.
For those working at trails End Camp
(tEC) and living in Cochrane
Cochrane is a small town (population 12400 in 2004) in the Bow River Valley.
The town was named after Senator Matthew Henry Cochrane who established the
Cochrane Ranche in 1881. Initially a railway siding, Cochrane became a small
hamlet and then a village in 1903. In 1906 there was a population of just 158.
Within five years the population had more than doubled. The community continued
to grow and the inhabitants utilised the resources at hand. By World War 1 Cochrane
was home to a stone quarry, a saw mill and four brick plants. Skilled people were
able to use the local products and develop buildings of quality and style, giving the
town a unique character.
The onset of the war and the depression of 1913 caused many people to leave
Cochrane. It did, however, continue to act as a service centre for the rural population
and the village survived with a decreased but constant population of around 300.
After the Second World War there was a renewed programme of expansion. In 1971
the village was incorporated as a Town and the small population had risen to in
excess of 800.
Today, the town of Cochrane still retains both its western heritage and, even with an
ever increasing population, its small town hospitality.
Cochrane is 35km North West of Downtown Calgary and 110km east of Banff. The
town is small enough to have a community feeling, but large enough to cater to all
your daily needs. There are large supermarkets, sporting facilities, medical centres
and a number of bars and restaurants.
An excellent source of information is the town’s website – www.cochrane.ca.
Banking
A current account (known as a “checking” account in Canada) can be opened
with the Royal Bank of Canada. A monthly fee may apply. RBC also offers internet
banking (www.rbcroyalbank.com).
BFBS
BFBS does NOT broadcast in Cochrane. A selection of BFBS recordings on DVD,
however, is sent to Trails End Camp weekly for the use of both the temporary and
permanent staff.
Churches
There are numerous churches of all denominations within the town of Cochrane
Cinema
Cochrane has a small cinema (theatre), the Movie House
(www.cochranemoviehouse.com). A larger cinema can be found in Crowfoot.

atus 2013
DVD Rental
There are a number of rental stores, but the two largest are Movie Gallery and
Blockbuster.
Employment
Is mainly in retail and customer service. Wages are poor compared to the UK
(around $9-11 per hour). There are more (and better paid) opportunities in Calgary.
There is an employment service:-
Cochrane Employment Services
15, 205 – 1 Street East Tel: 403 709-0010
Cochrane Email: res.cochrane@cvs.org
Local vacancies are also advertised in the weekly newspapers, the Cochrane Times
and The Eagle. These are delivered to every home in Cochrane.
Health Care
Whilst military staff have dental and medical care provided by BATUS, the families
living in Cochrane need to register with local civilian surgeries. BATUS will arrange
for families to have Alberta Health Care
Doctors (a small selection – there are many other to choose from in Cochrane)
Alpen Medical Centre
346 Railway Street West
Cochrane Tel: 403 851-0091
Cochrane Medical Clinic
101,105 - 1 Street West
Medical Professional Building
Cochrane Tel: 403 932-3145
Cochrane Health Centre
104,105 - 1 Street West
Medical Professional Building
Cochrane Tel: 403 932-208
Dentists (a small selection – there are many other to choose from in Cochrane)
Cochrane Dental Clinic
10 402 Railway Street
Cochrane Tel: 403 932-2060
Bow River Dental Centre
4,206 – 5 Avenue West
Cochrane Tel: 403 932-2060
Newspapers
The Calgary Sun and Calgary Herald and printed daily. There are also two free
newspapers – the Cochrane Times and the Cochrane Eagle. These are delivered
weekly to every home in Cochrane. In addition to local news they are good sources
of community events and employment opportunities in the town.
Pets
All families accommodation in Cochrane are hirings, and it is BATUS poicy that pets
are not allowed in hirings.
Pharmacy
There are a number of pharmacies in town, including large ones in both Safeway and
Extra Foods.
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Post Offices
The nearest BFPO is at BATUS (BFPO 14). A weekly admin run from TEC
incorporates the collection of personal mail. Canada Post has an office on 1st Street
East in Cochrane.
Recycling
There is a recycling depot on Griffin Road open Monday to Saturday.
Refuse Collection
Collected weekly. Only 2 bags per household.
Schools and Preschools
Cochrane Creative Playschool LWR LEV. 128-1sr Street E 403 932-0950
Tiny Town Montessori Preschool 2 West Hall Place 403 932-7066
Footsteps Preschool Inc 101 Ranchehouse Road 403 851-0777
Christopher Robin's Nursery 800 Griffin Road East 403 932-7870
Percy Bear Preschool 2 West Murphy Place 403 851-5501
A-Z Preschool 43015 George Fox Trail 403 932-753
Rocky View School Division 2641 Chinook Winds Dr SW 403 875-7459
Airdrie
Bow Valley High 12000 River Heights Drive 403 932-9005
Mitford Middle School 110 Quigley Drive 403 932-4457
Glenbow Elementary 55 Glenpatrick Road 403 932-4922
Calgary Catholic School 1000-5th Ave SW, Calgary 403 298-1411
Holy Spirit Catholic School 129 Powell Street 403 932-4233
St Timothy Catholic School 261101 Carlson Trail 403 932-7235
Sports Centre
Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park
Tel: (403) 932-1635 email: www.slssportscentre.com
Supermarkets
There are large Safeway, Extra Foods and IGA stores in Cochrane.
Swimming Pool
The Big Hill Leisure pool 403 932 2774 is open daily.
Television
Cable TV is available. Shaw (www.shaw.ca) provides cable TV, digital telephone
services and high speed internet access. There are other providers, but at the time
of writing Shaw offers a package which includes premium TV Channels, unlimited
broadband access and 2000 minutes of international telephone calls for a flat fee of
around $160 per month.
Utilities
EPCOR (electrical power)
Tel: 403 310-4300
Direct Energy (Natural Gas)
Tel: 1-888-420-3181

BAtuS 2013
HR SOLUTIONS
RECRUITMENT • ASSESSMENT • TRAINING
Are you now settled into life at BATUS?
Looking to get back into work?
Contact HR SoLUTionS now about regular full or part time work
HR SoLUTionS is the only reputable staffing agency
located in Medicine Hat, owned and operated by
local people with extensive knowledge of the area.
A privately-owned recruitment firm, we service the staffing
requirements of companies throughout Alberta. Founded by Shila
Sharps CHRP, RCIC we are a recognized source of staffing
options in an ever-changing employment market. We offer
experienced staff with International Recruitment, Foreign Workers,
Executive Staffing as well as HR Consulting.
Please contact us for further information
and ask about our latest vacancies
P 403-529-6288 F 403-529-1805
E: info@hrsolutionscanada.com
380-2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0C1
www.hrsolutionscanada.com
45
SHilA SHArPS
chrp, rcIc
rEGiSTErED CANADiAN
iMMiGrATiON CONSUlTANT
380 – 2nd street se
medIcIne hat, ab tIa ocI
c: 403.580.6766 p: 403.529.6288
F: 403.529.1805 0-808-189-0444 (UK toLL Free)
shILa@sharpImmIgratIon.ca
Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) R419031-LICENSE NUMBER

46 batus 2013

Living In Canada
Living in Canada
and BATUS
Weather/Environment/ Acclimatisation
On arrival in BATUS you will be jetlagged. The flight time from Heathrow to Calgary
is approximately 9 hours, and the onward flight to Medicine Hat is about 40 minutes.
BATUS is also 7 hours behind the UK. Children, particularly babies and toddlers can
find it difficult to adjust with routines being upset. It can take up to a week to fully
adjust to the time difference.
BATUS is also at a higher altitude than we are used to in the UK. We are
approximately 2500 ft above sea level, and this too can affect how quickly you
acclimatise. Do not be surprised if you feel unusually tired, or particularly breathless,
especially when doing PT during the first few weeks of your time in BATUS.
The weather can be quite extreme, and depending on the time of year you arrive, it
can also make acclimatising a more lengthy process. In the summer, temperatures
can be in excess of 30º C, it being a dry heat often accompanied by warm winds. In
winter, the temperatures can dip as low as – 40º C, and again can be accompanied
by winds, this time cold ones, contributing to wind chill that can make it seem 10º
colder. During the winter months snow is often in the forecast. However, it can be
much warmer than this in winter, with warm Chinook winds blowing in from the West,
and equally snow in the summer months is not unheard of.
CFB Suffield and Ralston Village can get a lot of mosquitoes in the early summer
months, and mosquitoes can be particularly large and give rather nasty bites. Added
to this is the danger of West Nile virus, which can be carried by mosquitoes in this
part of Canada. It is therefore strongly recommended that some kind of mosquito
repellent, preferably containing DEET, be used. Suitable insect repellent is readily
available at the CANEX supermarket in Ralston.
Pay/Allowances
There is a lot to think about in terms of your personal financial arrangements when
moving overseas, and this is particularly true of moving to BATUS.
Regimental Administration Office (RAO)
All arrivals in to BATUS are to report to the BATUS Regimental Administration
Office to book in. The RAO staff will then advise you on JPA, entitled allowances,
appropriate charges, passport (VISA) requirements and the various other financial
and administrative issues related to life in BATUS. You will also be directed to some
of the more useful agencies and organisations who will be able to assist you with
personal financial matters arising from your move and remaining time in Canada.
Advance of Salary
It is possible, on assignment to Canada, to apply for an Advance of Salary of up
to 4 months pay less tax, national insurance and LOA. Although you can apply for
this through your current Unit HR (prior to arrival), you are advised to wait until your
arrival at BATUS so that the advance can be issued and the monies paid directly into
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48 batus 2013
your Canadian Account within 2 working days. This will save you time and money
on exchange rate costs. The Advance of Salary will be recovered directly from your
salary in equal allotments over the course of the next 12 months. You are warned
that on first arrival at BATUS, setting up is very expensive, especially when purchasing
a car and other essential goods.
Disturbance Allowance
Serving personnel are entitled to disturbance allowance on posting. Please ensure
that you put in your claim for this prior to your arrival in Canada using the JPA self
service system; if in doubt, speak to your current unit RAO staff.
LOA
Local Overseas Allowance is payable to all serving personnel whilst serving in
Canada. Your current RAO will have access to the latest rates. Please remember
that LOA can go up and down during the year following the annual LOA review and
changes to the fixed forces rate (FFR) of exchange. Do not commit to long term
payments based on your LOA and carefully consider the cost of living differences
when making your financial plans.
Banking Officers and Soldiers
You should aim to have your salary paid into a UK bank account prior to arrival in
Canada. On arrival in Canada, you will probably wish to open a local bank account
with the Servus Credit Union; this is the preferred method of banking for the majority
of BATUS personnel. There is a branch of this located at CFB Suffield and 2 further
branches in Medicine Hat. Contact details are listed below:
Servus Credit union
CFB Suffield
Ralston, AB T0J 2N0
001 403 544 2000
Servus Credit union Southview Branch
3150 13 Avenue SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1B 1E3
528-6540
Servus Credit union Downtown
101-556 4 Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0K8
528-6500
http://www.communitysavings.ca/Home.html
You cannot open an account in Canada prior to your arrival. On opening an
account with the Servus Credit Union, you and your spouse will be issued with a debit
card, which allows you to pay for goods in shops and withdraw money from ATMs, as
well as a cheque book. It is also possible to apply for a Mastercard debit Card should
you wish to do so. It will make payment for goods on the internet easier. The Servus
Credit Union provides a range of services similar to that offered by UK banks. Once
you have a local bank account it is advisable to make an allotment from your salary
to be paid into this account; alternatively, you can make this your main pay bank with
an allotment to your UK bank. The money paid into your local bank account will be
changed into Canadian Dollars at the FFR. The RAO will provide details on how to
make this allotment via JPA self service and details of the current FFR.
You should be prepared for a large amount of initial expenditure soon after your
arrival in Canada; for car purchase, vehicle registration, car insurance and other
related setting-up costs. In order to be prepared for this higher than usual rate of

atus 2013 49
expenditure, you may wish to bring with you a Banker’s Draft for payment into your
new Canadian bank account. If you wish to make use of this banking facility you
should speak to your UK bank at least 14 days prior to your departure from the UK
to allow time for processing of the Bankers Draft.
It is also advisable to do the following:
Bring a UK cheque book with you as it is possible to cash cheques through the
Imprest Account at the Forces Fixed Rate (FFR). The cheque encashment facility, via
the Imprest Account, is limited to a maximum of 1 month’s salary. In addition to this,
UK bank cards may be used via the Forces Post Office at the GAR. The Servus Credit
Union at CFB Suffield will also cash a UK cheque into Canadian dollars for free if
you are opening an account with them.
Bring an amount of Canadian currency with you for any immediate expenditure.
Bring a UK credit card. All major credit cards are accepted widely throughout
Canada.
Maintain a UK bank account and UK address so that your credit rating at home can
be maintained.
Non-Banking Soldiers
Every effort should be made to ensure that all personnel posted to BATUS are
banking soldiers. Any soldier who arrives in BATUS as a “Non-banking soldier” will
be paid by JPA Early Payment In Cash (EPIC) procedures with the residue of his salary
paid via a payable order at the end of each month. Unit RAO staffs of losing units
must ensure that Non-banking personnel posted to BATUS are paid up to date prior
to their departure from the UK.
Non-banking soldiers are to arrive with a copy of their latest statement of earnings.
Non-banking soldiers will be paid by EPIC every two weeks whilst employed at BATUS
and until they become banking soldiers.
Debt
If you are struggling with your finances, there are people that can help! The
following is a list of personnel and organisations that can offer advice and guidance
with organising personal finances.
BATUS UWO Tel: 403 544-4772
BATUS RAO Tel: 403 544-4220
BATUS AWS Tel: 403 544-4790
SSAFA Forces Help - Tel: 0207 403 8783
Credit Action helpline Tel: 0800 591084 (Freephone, UK) Mon to Fri from 0930–
1700hrs
The National Debt line Tel: 0808 808 4000 (Freephone, UK)
Credit Counselling Services Tel: 1 888 294 0076
(Freephone, Canadian Organisation)
There is also a booklet available called ‘A Self-Help Guide to Dealing With Personal
Debt’ (AC63968) which can be obtained from the UWO. All personnel are
encouraged to sort out their personal finances and resolve any debt issues prior to
arrival in Canada. If in doubt, speak to your current unit RAO.
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Emigration to Canada
Emigration to Canada is a very lengthy and complicated process. Further information
can be obtained from the BATUS RAO on this subject.
Work Permits
In order to be able to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit. This
process can be started before arrival in Canada, however it cannot be completed
until your arrival.
A ‘Dependants’ Application for Work Permit’ form should be sent to you as part of
your pre-arrivals pack. If you have not received one, please get in touch with the
BATUS RAWO on 001 403 544 4099. Once you arrive in BATUS you need to
fill out an application for an initial work permit, this form is obtained through the
G1/TS admin assistant in the BATUS HQ. Please call 403 544 4014 to arrange an
appointment. Once completed, this is sent to immigration for processing.
Applying for a work permit is a lengthy process and can take up to 3 months.
You can begin the process of application up to 6 weeks before you arrive in
Canada
A normal work permit will have some restrictions applied to the type of work that can
be undertaken. Primarily, it will not allow you to work with children or in the health
services. If you wish to work in these professions, you need to apply for a specific
work permit that will require a medical examination.
Work permits requiring a medical examination can take up to 4 months after
the date of the examination before they are issued. Medical examinations
must be carried out in Canada.
Once you have received your work permit, you will need to be issued with a SIN
(Social Insurance Number) which employers will require in order to offer employment.
You can obtain this number from Servus Canada in Medicine Hat.
If you are a fully qualified professional in the UK, such as a lawyer, teacher, doctor,
nurse etc, gaining recognition for your UK qualifications in Canada, is an extremely
frustrating and time-consuming process. Often exams need to be taken, or at
the very least proof of qualifications, including transcripts of courses, copies of
assignments and evidence of examinations of all courses taken at university or during
postgraduate study are required for your professional status to be recognised. This
process can take at least 6 months; you are advised to start the process as early as
possible.
Paid Employment
Job Opportunities in CFB Suffield and Ralston Village
There are job opportunities available at the base and in the village, but they are
generally part-time, and are of an unskilled/semi-skilled nature. Such opportunities
include: bank teller, running the liquor store, running the sports store, working
for the MFRC, child care at Little Gophers or Kiddie Kare, teaching assistant at
Ralston school, library assistant, working in the junior ranks club, Jubilee Arms Pub,
pub or messes, BFBS, etc. It is also possible to work at CFB Suffield in Canadian
public servant (civil servant) positions, however, the contracts for these positions are
generally for a maximum of 6 months as they generally are temporary positions only.
Additionally this posts must be advertised Canada wide before they are offered to
British spouse / dependants. The MFRC has an employment vacancies board and can
offer advice on job seeking and writing CV’s.

atus 2013 51
Job Opportunities in Medicine Hat, Cochrane and Calgary
There are more opportunities for employment in the wider community and there
are always vacancies advertised locally. There are many vacancies in shop work
and fast food outlets. There are many local employment agencies in Medicine Hat,
Cochrane/Calgary and these are often a good place to start looking.
Be aware if you live in Ralston Village and are thinking of working in Medicine Hat,
that the commute to work and back can cost nearly as much as you earn. The
weather in winter can also occasionally make driving conditions treacherous. The
same is true if you are living in Medicine Hat and thinking of working at CFB Suffield
or Ralston Village.
Voluntary Employment
Many people decide against paid employment and instead look at what voluntary
opportunities exist. There are many such opportunities within Ralston Village and
many places are always on the look out for volunteers. Such opportunities include,
MFRC, library, school, BFBS, Youth club, organising activities for children/teenagers,
Brownies and Guides, SSAFA, Sunday School and the Prairie Rose Club. Some
voluntary activities are done on a regular basis, whilst others are less frequent and
irregular.
Vacancy Board
The MFRC has a board with local job vacancies advertised.
Home Working
If you are considering running a business from your SFA, then there is an amount of
administration and paperwork that needs to be done. In the first instance you will
need permission from the Housing Commandant (BATUS QM). Occupants must
ensure that they have the appropriate business license if required. Further information
on both British and Canadian regulations is available from the housing office. If you
are thinking about working from home visit the National Group on Homeworking on
www.homeworking.gn.apc.org for information and advice.
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
Job Seekers Allowance is paid to people who are looking for work and can be either
contribution based or income-based. (Service spouses are unlikely to qualify for
income-based JSA). Contribution based JSA depends on whether or not you have
paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions and satisfy other conditions for
claiming JSA. It is paid at a personal rate.
The process for claiming JSA can be complicated for the Service spouse, however not
impossible.
The following information, which may help, is available in your local HIVE.
‘Financial help if you are looking for work’ PFL WK2 (also available as a download
from the jobcentre plus website).
‘People going abroad or coming from abroad’ JSA 22 (also available as a download
from the jobcentre plus website).
Claiming Job Seekers Allowance: ‘Actions on posting within UK’
Curriculum Vitae
Most employers now require the job-hunter to provide an up to date Curriculum
Vitae.
There are many web-sites, which will design your CV for a fee. Most of these also
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offer free help and advice:
www.Cvtips.com
www.Cvcl.co.uk
The MFRC offers a service to help people write a résumé that can be used in Canada.
Phone/TV/Internet
Home Telephone
There are three main companies that will supply a telephone service. These are:
SHAW
SHAW offers telephone, Cable television and Internet services. If you would like to
receive BFBS this is the only cable company that is able to connect you to it. You can
connect to Shaw by visiting their office at 1001 Kingsway Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB,
T1A 2X7 or by telephoning them on 403-488-7429. You can also access SHAW
customer service by going on line at www.shaw.ca
TELUS
TELUS offers telephone, cable television and Internet services. You can connect to
TELUS via the website www.telusmobility.com or by telephoning 403-310-2255
BELL
BELL offers telephone, satellite television and internet services. You can connect to
BELL by visiting their shops at Carry Drive Plaza – 105 Carry Dr., #93A, Medicine
Hat, AB T1B 3M6 Tel: 403-528-4025 or Medicine Hat Mall – 3292 Dunmore Rd.
SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 2R4 Tel: 403-488-7021 or via their website www.bell.ca
Call Packages
There are a host of packages offered by TELUS including packages for cheaper
international calls. Generally, telephone companies charge a line rental according
to which bundle you have chosen. Local calls, e.g. those within the village and to
Medicine Hat, are free. For information on packages provided by TELUS,visit their
website at: www.telus.com
Both Bell and Rogers phone companies in Medicine Hat will provide similar services
to those of TELUS. Visit their websites at: www.shoprogers.com or www.bell.ca
International Calls
International call rates vary with telephone service provider and bundle chosen;
however, it may still be possible to get cheaper rates with an alternative international
call provider. The following websites are worth looking at:
www.justdial.ca / www.call-and-talk.com / www.webstel.com
Mobile Phones
You may be interested in getting a mobile phone whilst in Canada, particularly to
have to hand during winter journeys. There are many providers of mobile phones
in Medicine Hat, and coverage for this part of Canada is generally good. There
are options for pay as you go and contract, however these are a little different from
what is offered in the UK, so ensure that you know exactly what you are signing up
for. It can be difficult to get a decent contract on a phone for less than 2 years. The
following companies offer mobile phone services.
www.rogers.com
www.fido.com
www.virginmobile.ca
www.mobility.petro-canada.ca
TV Services
Ralston Village has cable TV offered through SHAW – they are the only cable TV

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company that provides service to Ralston and CFB Suffield. There are satellite
companies that offer TV services in Ralston. You will be required to pay for your cable
or satellite TV service. As well as cable and satellite services, BFBS TV broadcasts in
Ralston and CFB Suffield on a time delay. BFBS1 and 2 are received on an 8 hr delay
from Germany. Sky News is also broadcast live. The channels are 115 – 117 or
245-247 on your TV depending on your cable package. For those families living in
Medicine Hat, it is necessary to make arrangements for TV service. There is a range
of satellite and cable choices. It is not possible to receive BFBS TV in Medicine Hat at
the present time.
Contact details for SHAW are as follows:
www.shaw.ca 1 403 488 7429
Broadband Internet Access
Ralston Village and CFB Suffield now has broadband access available in the village
through SHAW. They offer broadband access up to at least 5mb and up to 10mb for
a starting price of approximately $40 (£20) for the lower end, rising to $50 (£25) for
the faster speeds. It is possible to reduce these costs by bundling internet access with
the cable service for your TV with SHAW.
It is possible to get dial-up internet connection in Ralston Village both through SHAW
and TELUS.
Medicine Hat has more options for internet connection with all major telephone
companies offering broadband internet access as well as dial-up. Visit the following
websites for more details:
www.telus.com
www.bell.ca
www.shoprogers.com
www.shaw.ca
You should check the terms and conditions of the packages carefully – some are for
a minimum of 12 months, others for only a month at a time. Many providers charge
a set-up fee, but some providers will waive the set-up fee if you stay with them for at
least 12 months. You will also need your own computer. Many broadband providers
will sell you a suitable modem or router when you join and some will give you the
modem free if you stay with them for at least 12 months. Another factor to be aware
of is the amount of data that the broadband provider will let you download per
month. For many users this will not be an issue, but if you think that this might cause
you problems you should ensure that the limit will be sufficient for your needs.
Postal Services
The British Forces Post Office
There is a British Forces Post Office located in CFB Suffield and the BFPO system can
be used to send and receive post from the UK. The BFPO number for BATUS is 14.
Post is not delivered to the Married Quarters in Ralston. It will be delivered to the
correct department at BATUS for the military head of household.. There is a weekly
admin run for those families living in Calgary and Cochrane, where post will be
collected from BATUS. For families living in Medicine Hat, Calgary and Cochrane,
you will need to obtain a post box from the local post office to receive Canadian
correspondence, such as fuel bills and bank statements.
The Canadian Post Office
There is a Canadian Post Office located in the CANEX with a Canadian Post box
located outside the CANEX. If you need to give a Canadian address in order to
receive post from within Canada or the USA, the correct address is
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name, sub-unit, BATUS, PO Box 5000, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K7
What’s on in Med Hat.
There is a 10 screen cinema located at the Medicine Hat Mall. For film listings,
timings and reviews visit:
www.cinemaclock.com/clock/alb/Medicine_Hat-movie-theatres.html
There is an arts centre in downtown Medicine Hat called the Esplanade. For details
of shows, exhibitions and bands visit: http://www.esplanade.ca/
Medicine Hat has an annual Stampede and Rodeo in the summertime; one of the
oldest in Canada, which is located at the Exhibition Ground. For more information
check out: www.mhstampede.com/
Medicine Hat has an Ice Hockey team called the Medicine Hat Tigers that play at the
Tigers Ice Arena in downtown Medicine Hat.
For more information check out http://www.tigershockey.com/home/index.php
Around town newsletter www.medicinehat.ca/index.aspx? page = 1102 ‘What
on in Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre
includes the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre, the Encana Ice Arena, four ball diamonds, a
premier football field, three soccer pitches and the Riverboat Café. It is located at
2000 Division Ave N. Medicine Hat, Alberta. For more information use the following
contact details:
General Inquiries: Tel 403 502 8560
Swim Lessons: Tel 403 502 8566
Aquatic Programmer: Tel 403 502 8564
Swimming Pools
Swim Hotline
Outdoor Pools
Tel: 403 502 8571
Heald Pool, 1st St and 2nd Ave NW Tel: 403 527 4399
Heights Pool, 1st Ave and 10th St NE Tel: 403 527 4375
Hill Pool, 7th St and Division Ave SW Tel: 403 527 4379
Strathcona Pool, 1150 5th St SE Tel: 403 529 1783
Indoor Pools
Crestwood Pool, 1702 21st St SE Tel: 403 529 8320
YMCA 150 Ash Ave Tel: 403 527 4426
Cinemas
Cineplex Odeon, Medicine Hat Mall Tel: 403 504 5477
Movie Information Tel: 403 526 6300
Bowling
Connaught Bowling Center Tel: 403 527-8999
Panorama Lanes Tel: 403 526-2008
Golf
Connaught Golf Club Tel: 403 526-0737
Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course Tel: 403 529-1010
Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club Tel: 403 527-8086

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Paradise Valley Par 3 Golf & Driving Range Tel: 403 526-3330
Redcliff Riverview Golf Course Tel: 403 548-7118
Ross Creek Golf & Country Club Tel: 403 527-0006
By joining the Ralston Golf Society, or the Ralston Golf Society Club (through 29
Flight), it is possible to get discounted prices at some Medicine Hat golf clubs.
Tennis
Outdoor tennis is available to the public at these sites:
Crestwood Park Medicine Hat College Medicine Hat High School
Southview School Strathcona Centre
The Medicine Hat Tennis Club is a community tennis facility with five courts at the
Crestwood Park. New members and guests are welcome. The club offers programmes
for all levels of players, both adult and children. Emphasis is on fun, fellowship and
fitness.
For further information:
Tel: 403 527 4466 email: info@medicinehattennisclub.com
web: www.medicinehattennisclub.com
Horseriding
Local stables include
Midnight’s Trail Jessica McLean 403 581 3301midnightstrail@prairieskies.biz
Country Haven Stables 403 548-6656
Coulee Ridge Equine 403 548-0154
Echo Dale Recreation Ranch 403 527-3307
Many stables offer trail rides. For more information contact the BATUS HIVE.
Skateboarding
Skateboarders will enjoy the boarding park located near Kin Coulee Park at the
corner of Division Ave and Kipling Street SE. A small skate park is also available next
to the Ralston Gym.
Parks
Echo Dale has 2 manmade lakes - one open for swimming, a petting zoo, an historic
settler’s house and a mine to explore as well as hiking and fishing opportunities. The
swimming lake is only open during summer months.
Police Point Park, a natural “point bar” formed by the South Saskatchewan River is
a classic and outstanding example of prairie river habitat. Police Point Park Nature
Centre is open year round, 9am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday. It offers displays, nature
programs, tours, and information about south eastern Alberta's natural history.
Custom eco-tours, special group programmes and birthday party packages are also
available. For more information, call 403 529-6225.
Strathcona Island Park located just beneath Medicine Hat's scenic cliffs, on the
banks of the South Saskatchewan River, this park is a family favourite. From a water
park playground for the kids, to the walking and hiking trails and superb picnic
facilities, there is something for everyone!
Kin Coulee Park is a beautiful multi purpose 100 acre park offering natural areas
as well as recreational facilities including playgrounds, trails, ball diamonds, picnic
facilities, fire pits, toboggan hill plus more. Kin Coulee is home to the Spectrum
Sunshine Festival (early June) and Canada Day festivities. Entrance to the park is at
the bottom of College Drive.
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Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is located about 45 minutes East of Medicine
Hat. It offers a range of recreational activities year round, including camping, hiking,
boating, skiing and more. The interpretative centre offers a range of programmes
throughout the year. For more information visit the website on www.cypresshills.
com and www.skihiddenvalley.net
Indoor Play Areas
Panorama Lanes offers a range of bowling activities and a soft play area. For further
information call 403 526 2008
Ton of Fun is an indoor soft play centre for children and is located at 3341 Dunmore
SE. For more information call 527 7529
Other activities
Medicine Hat offers all the clubs and activities one would expect from a city of its size.
Such things include:
• Gymnastics • Martial Arts • Ice Skating • Dance
• Drama/Theatre skills • Parent and Toddler • Medicine Hat Library
• Art and Craft activities • Guides • Cadets • Music activities

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things to Do In Calgary/Rockies/
Alberta
Calgary offers a wide range of cinemas and theatres, as well as hosting many major
bands and sporting events. Visit www.ticketmaster.ca to find out more information
about events in Calgary and to purchase tickets online.
Calgary offers the world famous Calgary Stampede every July at the Stampede
Grounds.
The Calgary Flames play NHL Hockey at the Pengrowth Saddledome regularly
throughout the season.
Calgary also offers the Calgary Zoo, The Heritage Park and just outside Calgary,
Calaway Park – a seasonal theme park. For more information on these attractions
visit the following websites:
www.calgaryzoo.org/
www.heritagepark.ca/home
www.calawaypark.com
For information on more Calgary attractions such as the Calgary Tower, Canada
Olympic Park, Fort Calgary, and the TELUS World of Science museum, and for
discount vouchers visit the following website:
www.calgaryattractions.com
Things to Do and Places to Visit - Alberta
The summer tourist season is relatively short in Canada. Many tourist attractions do
not open until May and are shut by the end of September.
There is a wealth of places to visit and things to do in Alberta and the following list is
just a taster.
Summer time
Visit Waterton Park Hike, canoe, cycle and explore the Rockies
Visit Cypress Hills Go water-skiing
Visit Spruce Meadows Visit Jasper Town site and surrounding area
Visit Columbia Ice-Fields Visit Dinosaur Provincial Park
Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum Visit Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
Visit Frank Slide
Visit Edmonton
Winter time
Visit Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
Ski at Hidden Valley Ski the Rockies – Banff, Lake Louise
Visit Lake Louise Dog-Sledding
Ice Climb Snow-Mobile
Nordic Ski at Canmore Nordic Centre Visit Edmonton
Car Breakdown Cover – With AMA
Whilst posted to BATUS, many people take out car breakdown cover with the Alberta
Motor Association (AMA). They offer a service very similar to that of the AA or the
RAC in the UK, or ADAC in Germany. It is a worthwhile expenditure, as it gives peace
of mind in case of breakdown in extreme weather conditions or on long journeys.
Not only does AMA offer a breakdown service, but they also offer an excellent
travel/vacation advice service. Their premises in Medicine Hat is full of information,
brochures, guides and maps which are all free to AMA members. They also have
advisors on hand to help design itineraries for any type of holiday.
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AMA also offers discounts at a variety of hotel, motel and camping accommodation,
as well as tourist attractions.
For more information about prices and breakdown cover check out the AMA website
at:
www.ama.ab.ca
Alberta Motor Association Office in Medicine Hat
2710 13th Street SE, Medicine Hat
Tel: 403 527 1166 (Membership enquiries)
Shopping
The Medicine Hat Mall is a modern shopping mall located on the left hand side of the
Trans Canada Highway in the East of the city. It is about 50km, or a 35 minute drive
from Ralston and is sign posted from The Trans Canada Highway.
The downtown area of Medicine Hat is also worth a visit. More traditional than
the mall, there is an interesting range of shops, as well as café’s and coffee shops
that are worth investigating. The downtown area is signed from the Trans Canada
Highway as the historical area of Medicine Hat. The exit from the Trans Canada
Highway is the first left once the South Saskatchewan River has been crossed.
For a wider selection of shops, many people visit Lethbridge, Calgary or Edmonton.
Lethbridge is another city a little larger than Medicine Hat. It is located on Highway
3, the Crowsnest Highway which starts in Medicine Hat. It takes about 1 ½ - 2 hrs to
get to Lethbridge
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and
has a wide range of malls in and around
the downtown area.
There are also other shopping streets
within downtown Calgary that specialize
in particular types of goods. For more
information on shopping areas in Calgary,
please contact the BATUS HIVE. It is about
a 2 ½ hr drive to Calgary on the Trans
Canada Highway.
For a full-on shopping experience a trip to
the West Edmonton Mall may be in order.
It is the largest shopping mall in Canada,
and at one time was the largest in the
world. It not only has a huge amount of
shops, but also a large indoor waterpark,
a theme park area, including indoor roller
coaster, and cinema complex amongst
other things. Edmonton is about a 6hr
drive from BATUS.

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Pets
Pets in Service Families Accommodation (SFA)
Before arranging to bring your pet to Canada you must first ask permission. In
order to gain this permission you will need to write to the Housing Commandant,
BAtuS, (BATUS QM) BFPO 14 who will send you a copy of the BATUS Commander’s
Policy Document on the care of animals kept as pets in married quarters. Pets are
not permitted in hirings in Medicine Hat, Calgary or Cochrane. Private arrangements
must be made for the transportation of your pet. Civilian airlines can provide a
list of kennels that deal with the transportation and exporting of pets to North
America. Cost of transportation is dependent upon the size of the animal and is the
responsibility of the owner. It is expensive, although civilian airlines will, in some
cases dependant on the size of your animal, allow a pet to travel as excess baggage
on the same flight as the owner – but this must be verified before travelling. This
can be considerably cheaper than sending the pet as unaccompanied freight. The
following pet transportation companies have been used by families in BATUS:
Ladyhaye International Pet travel Agents LLP
Hare Lane, Blindley Heath, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6JB
Tel: Gatwick Office 01342 832161 Northern Office 0191 456 5807
Email: info@ladyhaye.co.uk Website: www.ladyhaye.co.uk
Boomerang Pet Carrier
Suite 142, 919 Centre Street N, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2E 2P6
Tel: 1 403 803 9750 Email: boomerang@shaw.ca
Website: www.boomerangpetcarrier.com
Importing Animals into Canada
For all the information needed to import your pet to Canada please visit
www.inspection.gc.ca
Entering Great Britain with Pet Animals
For all the most current and up to date information about entering the UK with pets
please visit www.defra.gov.uk.
Banned Dog Breeds in the UK
Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits four types of dog:
• The ‘Pit Bull Terrier’
• The ‘Japanese Tosa’
• The ‘Dogo Argentino’
• The’Fila Brasileiro’
It is important to note that, in the UK, dangerous dogs are classified by ‘type’, not
by breed label. This means that the whether the dog is considered dangerous, and
therefore prohibited, will depend on a judgement about its physical characteristics,
and whether they match the description of a prohibited ‘type’. This assessment of the
physical characteristics is made by a court.
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ALBERTA WESTERN
UPLANDS RANCH
Great Pheasant Hunting Packages
JET BOAT TOURS
SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER
Phone: 1-404-379-2159 (Ranch)
Cell: 1-403-504-9743
Email: hernranches@xplornet.com
www.albertawesternuplands.com
www.riverbendjetboattours.com
Good beer. Great food.
4 Strachan Court SE – behind Days Inn

Security and Crime
Prevention
Law
Whilst living in Canada, all serving personnel and their dependents are subject to
Canadian law, and as such it is important to have an awareness that some laws in
Canada may be different from those in the UK, and as far as possible find out about
those laws that may affect you or your family. It is most likely that laws regarding
driving and alcohol consumption will most affect BATUS personnel, and these laws
may be slightly different to those in the UK. Below is a guideline of driving laws and
laws concerned with alcohol consumption.
Driving Laws
Unlike the UK, Canada drives on the right hand side of the road.
1) Speed, the speed limit in Canada is in kph, but is broadly in line with speed limits
in the UK, however, there are certain situations which are different to the UK:
Passing emergency (police, ambulance, fire, break-down)vehicles with lights
flashing speed limit is 60kph
Passing roadworks – follow posted speed limits, no higher than 60kph, fines
doubled when construction workers present
School buses with flashing lights – do not pass at all.
School zones have lowered speed limits at certain times of the day.
2) Documentation
Your vehicle must be registered and insured, and; you must carry these
documents in the vehicle with you.
You must have your driving license with you when driving.
Dependants must exchange their UK or European license for an Albertan license
within 3 months of arrival in BATUS and carry at all time when driving.
3) Restraints
It is Albertan law to wear seat belts even in the rear of the vehicle.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all children under 16 are properly restrained
Children less than 60lbs in weight must be secured in a Canadian approved
car seat (note these are different to UK child car seats).
4) Parking
Only park in approved parking places, watch for signs which tell you where,
when and for how long you may park.
Do not park in front of a fire hydrant – you must be at least 5m away.
Do not park near an intersection – you must be at least 5m away from the
intersection.
If parking on a street, park in the same direction as the traffic on the side of the
road that you are parking on.
5) Other issues
All children (under the age of 18) must wear a cycle helmet when riding their
bikes.

64 batus 2013
Alcohol Consumption and the Law
Alcohol, particularly spirits, is more commonly referred to as liquor in Canada.
It is not permitted to drink alcohol in any public place.
The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18; it is an offence to provide a minor with
alcohol.
You may be asked to provide ID when purchasing alcohol either in a shop or a bar.
Liquor can be bought from liquor stores, similar to off licenses. Alcohol is not sold
in supermarkets and other shops in the same way as it is in the UK. The CANEX in
Ralston village does sell alcohol. BATUS personnel can also buy spirits and wine tax
free at the General fund at camp Crowfoot.
It is an offence for a pub or bar to sell liquor to anyone who appears intoxicated.
Drink driving rules are broadly similar to those in the UK. Don’t drink and drive!
It is an offence for a new driver (driving for 2 years or less) to have any alcohol in
their blood at all when driving.
Alcohol must be secured in a bag and carried in the boot of your car.
Law Enforcement Agencies in Canada
There are 4 main law enforcement agencies that BATUS personnel are likely to come
in contact with whilst in Canada:
RMP - BATUS has its own complement of Royal Military Police.
CFMP - The Canadian Forces have their own military police located at CFB
Suffield.
RCMP - The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are the federal police for Canada.
They have national jurisdiction. There is a local RCMP station located near
Redcliff.
MHPS - Medicine Hat Police Service. Medicine Hat’s own local Police force which
has jurisdiction for the City of Medicine Hat.
The RCMP and local Canadian city police forces can be quite different in their
approach to their UK counterparts. If you get stopped by the police when driving, do
not get out of your vehicle. Wait for the police officer to approach you and wind
down your window, keep you hands in plain sight at all times. Be polite and helpful.
If you are unlucky enough to be arrested by Canadian police, do not resist and do
not be abusive!
If you are with a friend who has been unlucky enough to be arrested by Canadian
police, do not interfere, or you will also be arrested.

atus 2013
Crime Reduction tips
Despite the relatively low rate of crime in Ralston in comparison to the UK, it is
important that you don’t get too complacent. There are steps that can be taken
however, that can minimise the risk of it happening.
Security starts with you. The only person who can prevent thefts or damage to your
property is you. One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that this will not
happen to them. Too often, doors are left unlocked and desirable assets left on view
and insecure. Many cases of theft could easily have been prevented by simply locking
a door or by properly securing the item.
Home Security.
Your home is your castle - protect it. Do not neglect your responsibility to yourself and
your family. Ensure that your doors to your house are locked when you leave.
Do not leave ‘emergency’ keys above the door; under a rock; or in the BBQ.
Criminals are well aware that people do this and would far prefer to look around your
house for two minutes and search for a key that allows quiet access.
Another area of importance are the windows. The older, slide windows fitted in
theRalston married quarters basements very often have broken or loose locks and
are easily accessed. This can be prevented by cutting a piece of wood (dowel) and
placing it in the window slide to prevent the window from being opened, or buy a
“window stop”. Do not however, screw the window or doors shut as it could hinder
any chance of escape in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
It is also important to remove any temptation for any criminal by keeping your
valuables out of their view. This can be achieved by keeping the curtains drawn in
rooms which house your computer, television or expensive electronics, especially if
you are going away for a few days. Don’t leave jewellery, money, and other valuables
out in the open when you are not at home. Remember thieves only stay in your house
for an average of less than 5 minutes - they grab desired items and leave.
When a theft or loss is reported to the Police it is very difficult to track the item if
you can’t provide an identifying mark or serial number. Record serial numbers and
comprehensive details of important items to you (such as bicycles, televisions and
computers etc) not forgetting to include any details such as scratches or marks that
could further identify the item as yours. This information should be saved in a safe
place in the event of the worst happening. The BATUS Royal Military Police (RMP)
are more than willing to mark items for you as part of an ongoing Crime Prevention
Program.
Prior to leaving home for an extended period turn on outside security lights in the
evening and utilise light timers inside your married quarter to make it appear that
someone is home. It is not possible to make a house 100% ‘burglar-proof’, but can
be made a less desirable target. The thief wants to get in and out quickly, so the more
obstacles that are put in the way, the less likely they will try.
Vehicle security.
Most people today practically live out of their vehicles. They have numerous CDs,
electronic devices, mail, pocket change, clothing, identification, and an expensive
stereo system inside. Ensuring that your windows are closed and the doors are locked
when the vehicle is left unattended could save a lot of pain and suffering. Thieves wait
for unsuspecting victims to park their vehicles while running into the shop or leaving
65

66 batus 2013
their unlocked vehicles unattended while warming the engine during winter months.
Generally, people feel safe leaving their vehicle unlocked for such a short period of
time, but that’s all a thief is hoping for. Once inside your vehicle, they have access
to your registration, insurance papers, possibly your garage door opener (which will
now compromise your house) and your private information. All this information can
be utilised for identity theft. When leaving a vehicle unattended, park in well lit, open
areas and secure all desirable items in the boot out of sight.
Finally, get to know your neighbours and let them know when you will be away. You
can also call the Military Police who will record the details of when your house is
vacant and ‘keep an eye’ on it for you. If you have any queries or require any further
information, please do not hesitate to contact the BATUS Military Police Station on
403 544 4301

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combined 17.8(15.9)-62.8(4.5). CO2 emissions: 378-117 g/km.
Model featured is a Mercedes-Benz C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Edition 125 Coupé at £32,715.00 onthe-road
including optional metallic paint at £645.00 and panoramic glass sunroof at £1,350.00 on-the-road
(on the road price includes VAT, delivery, 12 months’ Road Fund Licence, number plates, first registration fee
and fuel)*Tax paid for UK. ~This includes EU/EFTA Countries only. ˆExcludes SLS and smart. Prices correct at
time of going to press (08/11).

Useful Information
Driving Licence Information
this information is not relevant to military personnel or the uK civilian
component serving in BAtuS. this information is intended for dependants only.
If you are visiting, or living in the province of Alberta for a period exceeding 3
months, and intending to drive, it is a legal requirement for you to exchange your
current valid driving licence for an Albertan driving licence within the initial three
month period. this means that all dependants of BAtuS personnel that are
intending to drive in Canada will need to do this. If you hold a full British driving
licence and have been driving for more than 2 years, then you are able to make this
exchange of driving licence at any licensing office in Medicine Hat or at the Alberta
Motor Association (AMA) office (members only) in Medicine Hat. When exchanging
your licence you should ensure your Albertan driving licence will last for the duration
of your posting. You will need to take your existing licence and your passport with
visa to the licensing office. Make sure you photocopy the paper section of your UK
driving license. Doing so will make its re-issue a lot simpler when you return to the UK.
If you do not hold a British driving licence, there may be a reciprocal agreement
with the province of Alberta and the country which issued your driving licence. The
following countries have a reciprocal agreement: The United States, Germany,
Austria, Japan, Korea and Switzerland.
If you have a driving licence issued by any of these countries, then you may also
exchange your licence for an Albertan licence by visiting any licensing office in
Medicine Hat or the AMA.
If you do not hold a driving licence from a country that has a reciprocal agreement
with Alberta, then you will need to undergo a driving test in Canada. The test
comprises a written component, a practical driving examination and an eye test. You
will need to pay in order to do the test, and then you will also need to pay to obtain
your Alberta driving licence.
Please be aware that Northern Ireland does not have a reciprocal agreement
with Alberta, therefore dependents holding a Northern Irish Driving License
will not be able to simply exchange their license, but will need to do the
driving test. If possible you are advised to change your Northern Irish license
for a British Driving License before arrival in BAtuS.
For more information visit:
http://governmentservices.gov.ab.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=section:drivers:
newlicence
In order to have your British driving licence re-issued on return to the UK, you will
need to obtain form D1 which is available from the DVLA form ordering service or the
Post Office. This form needs to be filled in and returned with your Albertan license, a
passport style colour photograph and the fee for issuing a new driving license. It may
also be worth sending a photocopy of the paper part of your British license as well.
It is possible to drive on an Albertan license in the UK for a period up to 12 months.
There is a mutual recognition of Canadian driving licenses in the UK.

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Car registration, insurance and Travel Insurance Registering Your Car
To register all new or used vehicles or trailers, the following is required:
Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or lease agreement
Proof of valid Alberta insurance, (not required when registering a trailer)
Two pieces of identification or an Alberta Operator's licence
New vehicles require the original new vehicle information statement which the
dealer must provide
Vehicles imported into Canada require a Vehicle Import Form obtained from
Transport Canada
An inspection certificate from Alberta Infrastructure is required for all first time
Alberta registrations of used vehicles
The vehicle must be in Alberta
A letter of authorization if someone is acting on your behalf
Car registration can be done at registry offices located in Medicine Hat or at the AMA
if you are a member.
Registry Offices in Medicine Hat
Name Address Contact Details
The Licence Bureau 668 Kingsway Avenue S.E., Tel: 403 527-2922
on Kingsway Medicine Hat Fax: 403 527-2959
licence@telusplanet.net
Medicine Hat 2805 - 13 Avenue S.E, Tel: 403 528-4868
Licence Centre Medicine Hat Fax: 403 527-7414
mhlc@telusplanet.net
www.mhlc.ca
Cedar Square PO Box 1260 132 - Tel: 403 527-4444 Registry
Services 4 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat Fax: 403 529-6651
storesd@cedarsquare
www.cedarsquare.com
Alberta Motor 2710 - 13 Avenue S.E., Tel: 403 527-6246
Association, Medicine Hat Fax: 403 526-1097
(members only) Medicine Hat www.ama.ab.ca
Car Insurance
You will need to insure your vehicle with a local car insurance agency. You can insure
your car with any local dealer. The two contacts below are companies that are used to
dealing with UK personnel.
• Western Financial Group – 459 2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat T1A 0C4
Tel: 403 526-2885 wmhd@westernfg.ca
• Servus – 102-566 4th Street SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 0K8
Tel: 403 581-4711 www.johnson.ca/servus
They may accept may accept no-claim bonus certificates from your previous insurers
and may issue one on your departure from Canada. Whilst you may try and use a
different insurance company to insure your vehicle, many people have found it difficult
to get insurance from alternative companies. Insurance costs are at least comparable
with the UK but can in some cases be more expensive.

atus 2013
Public Transport
The Suffield and Medicine Hat region of Alberta is not served by public transport.
Reliance on private vehicles is absolute, and without your own car life at BATUS
will be difficult. Therefore if you are permanent BATUS staff with at least 1 year in
Canada, it is essential to buy your own vehicle.
Below is an overview of the public transport systems that are available in Medicine
Hat, Alberta and Canada that may be of use to BATUS personnel and their families.
Bus
There is no public bus service between CFB Suffield, Ralston and Medicine Hat.
BATUS Transport and Movement offer a free ‘amenities run’ bus service for all BATUS
personnel and their dependents throughout the year. Days and times change as
required. Please contact the BATUS HIVE for more information on 4600.
Medicine Hat has a Greyhound Bus Depot and Greyhound Bus Lines operate
regular daily scheduled services to all Canadian and US cities from Medicine Hat.
Greyhound bus travel can be considerably cheaper than air travel. A service operates
between Medicine Hat and Calgary as well as Suffield and Calgary, journey times are
approximately 4 hrs. For more information on Greyhound bus travel check out their
website at www.greyhound.ca/en/ or phone on 403 527 4418.
Medicine Hat has a local public bus system called Medicine Hat Transit. This service
is limited to Medicine Hat, and the hours of operation are not extensive. Monday
to Fridays the regularly scheduled service operates between 0645-1845 hrs. On
Saturdays the service starts at 1045 hrs and ends at 1845 hrs. After 1845 hrs until
2230 hrs (Mon- Fri) and 2245 hrs (Sat), the service can be requested by telephone.
There is no service on Sundays or public holidays.
For more information visit their website at:
www.city.medicine-hat.ab.ca or phone 529-8214
Rail
There is no passenger rail terminal in Medicine Hat, and there are no passenger rail
services at all in Southern Alberta.
Passenger rail services do run from Edmonton.
There are a variety of tourist rail journeys through the Canadian Rockies, such as the
Rocky Mountaineer which runs between Vancouver and Calgary.
Air Service
The City of Medicine Hat owns and operates its own municipal airport with up to 4
flights daily flying to Calgary from this airport. For more information visit the Medicine
Hat website at www.city.medicinehat.ab.ca. The closest international airport to
BATUS is Calgary International Airport. Air Canada currently operates direct flights
daily to the UK through Heathrow Airport and British Airways operate a scheduled
direct flight to Heathrow on Mondays – Wednesdays, Friday and Saturday. There are
various other airlines such as Zoom, Thomas Cook and MyTravel that offer low cost
direct flights from the UK to Calgary airport on various days of the week.
For information on Calgary International Airport visit www.calgaryairport.com/
For information on Air Canada visitFor information on British Airways visit
www.britishairways.com
For more information on low cost flights to the UK from Calgary visit
www.canadianaffair.ca/
Taxis
Taxi companies in Medicine Hat will travel to Ralston and CFB Suffield, but will often
77

78 batus 2013
charge a flat rate which will include their return journey. Some taxi companies will do
a shuttle run from CFB Suffield to the CANEX and back. Many taxi companies wait
outside CFB Suffield for fares into town. When returning from town late at night, taxis
are more likely to do local runs first.
Other Transport Options
Limousine Hire
High Style Limousine Tel: 403 527-7161 highstylelimo@shaw.ca
Transportation for all occasions, 24hr service.
Designated Drivers
This is a service where a car is driven into Medicine Hat, and then a driver from a
local company drives your car and you home again.
Keys Please Tel: 403 502-9912 www.keysplease.net
Another Choice Designated Drivers Inc Tel: 403 526-0036

BAtuS 2013
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80 batus 2013
Handy Index
Army Families Federation ...............39
AWIS ............................................35
Army Welfare Service .....................33
BFPO ...........................................53
Canadian Laws ............................63
Churches ......................................42
Driving in Canada .........................75
Facilities ................................35/40
JSHAO .........................................18
Leisure Facilities ............................54
Medical & Health Services ..............29
Map .............................................15
Pets ..............................................59
Pre-School Groups ........................22
Schools ........................................21
Service Family Housing ..................11
Sporting Facilities ..........................54
Tax Free Car Sales .........................67
The Place Where You Live ..............47
Travel & Transport ..........................77
UK & BFG Websites .......................10
Classified Index of Advertisers
This index provides a quick and easy way of locating any product or service you
require. Production of this Guide is made possible by the support of the advertisers
listed below and, in turn, it is hoped that all readers will lend their support to these
businesses.
ACCOMMODAtION: Copperstone Resort Hotel (9); Falcon Crest Lodge (2);
Stoneridge Mountain Resort (56); Sundance Lodges (27); Travelodge Edmonton West
(58); Windtower Lodge and Suites (4)
BICYCLES: Cyclepath (24)
ENtERtAINMENt & LEISuRE: Alberta Western Uplands Ranch (62); Medicine Hat
Stampede (10); Midnight Trail (9); Special Adventure Services (9)
FINANCIAL SERVICES: Servus Credit Union Ltd (17); Western Financial Ltd (14)
IMMIGRAtION CONSuLtANtS: Sharp Immigration (43)
MOtOR SERVICES: Apple Auto Glass (35); Autos R Less (36); Big M Ford (5);
Jackson Dodge (9); Kirk's Midway Tires Ltd (35); Medicine Hat Hyundai (6); Rodeo
Ford (61)
RECRuItMENt & EMPLOYMENt AGENCIES: HR Solutions (45)
REStAuRANtS, BARS & CAFÉS: Ralph's Texas Bar & Steak House Ltd (35); Squire
Gastro Pub (62)
REtAIL: Addies (27); Canex (28); Labels for Men & Women (24); Medicine Hat Mall
(60)
SCHOOLS page 32
SPORtS/OutDOOR SHOPS: Gear Up (5); Intersport (Inside Front Cover); Sports
Connection (24)
tAX FREE CAR SALES page 67