Alvaro Mendes

Five years ago, Alvaro Mendes moved from Brazil, a city with a population of 25 million people, to Taber, a smaller Alberta town.

He found work in the area, and although the town has a population of 9,000 people, he’s made friends and met his wife, with future plans to raise a family in Taber.

“Taber gives me what I never had, a peace of mind and tranquility. It has everything I need for day to day things and more. There is no traffic, and no rush hours. It’s more comfortable and a better lifestyle here,” says Mendes.

Being about three hours to Calgary, two hours to Waterton, one hour to Medicine Hat, and 40 minutes to Lethbridge, Mendes feels the surrounding areas offer a vast array of experiences. He and his wife, Jessica, often hike year-round and head to the mountains in the winter to snowboard.

“I love visiting those places, but I love coming back home to no noise and no traffic. I really like living in a small community,” says Mendes.

When he first moved to Taber, he was grateful for the support he received from Taber Adult Learning, a free resource where he strengthened his English skills, was able to make connections, and was given a welcome package with information to help settle in.

He coaches soccer to 5- to 17-year-olds and plays leisurely with a group of 25 people, a sport he’s been passionate about ever since he was young. Taber Cornfest is full of energy and is an event he looks forward to every year.

“The town was very welcoming, and the community is very friendly. I feel I can be myself here, and my friends make life here more enjoyable. You can find everything you need here, restaurants, pathways, good schools and places to hangout,” says Mendes. “Taber has everything a family needs to feel at peace, safe, and welcomed.”