I read something a while back about the number of exits out of Calgary in a disaster. If I were you I would not only consider an exit in your end of town but also-which roads would the powers that be might shut down. I would consider all the scenarios you can think of. I worry that routes south could be blocked because of a threat from the south,but I'm probably overly paranoid. Also the land close to southern Calgary is very expensive and fairly populated. I think a lot of people will bug out to the mountains. I'm not sure why as not many people could make it through their first winter there. There are few routes west so it wouldn't be the best idea if you don't want to be stopped.
I'm in a position of owning my place west of Edmonton. I would suggest that the only way you can be sure of what you have is to own it yourself-even if it's a small piece of land without even a building. If it has no building or well you may have trouble getting a mortgage, but if you put a lot of time in searching you may find a landowner willing to carry it for you. The trick is to spend your summer going to communities you think would be good and put up a note in stores or boards for postings. Not everyone uses computers and it'll give you a chance to find out about 'hidden deals'. Even a bit of land near a source of water that you can put a sea can on is better than nothing. And you can use it for summer camping trips. And maybe let others put their cans there for a monthly fee to help you pay your land off. Note:in my county there are new rules that one can only have three sea cans on their property. I don't know if you could have more if they are being built into a housing structure. Something to be looked into.

I read something a while back about the number of exits out of Calgary in a disaster. If I were you I would not only consider an exit in your end of town but also-which roads would the "powers that be" might shut down. I would consider all the scenarios you can think of. I worry that routes south could be blocked because of a threat from the south,but I'm probably overly paranoid. Also the land close to southern Calgary is very expensive and fairly populated. I think a lot of people will bug out to the mountains. I'm not sure why as not many people could make it through their first winter there. There are few routes west so it wouldn't be the best idea if you don't want to be stopped.
I'm in a position of owning my place west of Edmonton. I would suggest that the only way you can be sure of what you have is to own it yourself-even if it's a small piece of land without even a building. If it has no building or well you may have trouble getting a mortgage, but if you put a lot of time in searching you may find a landowner willing to carry it for you. The trick is to spend your summer going to communities you think would be good and put up a note in stores or boards for postings. Not everyone uses computers and it'll give you a chance to find out about 'hidden deals'. Even a bit of land near a source of water that you can put a sea can on is better than nothing. And you can use it for summer camping trips. And maybe let others put their cans there for a monthly fee to help you pay your land off. Note:in my county there are new rules that one can only have three sea cans on their property. I don't know if you could have more if they are being built into a housing structure. Something to be looked into.

What's the potential threat from south of Calgary ?

What's the potential threat from south of Calgary ?

Lethbians... The crazed citizens of Lethbridge

Lol@ "Lethbians". I think those or the ladies Mike Tyson finds unappealing.

This is an interesting post in that Briden Solutions had tried to create that community and networking ability with their website but it never took off or never gained enough critical mass. Preppers often equals tinfoil hats unfortunately. Those not outright paranoid are simply "cautious" of strangers knowing where their stash is. Maybe for good reason. It takes a long time to develop that much trust in others when your family's lives may depend on those supplies.

This is an interesting post in that Briden Solutions had tried to create that community and networking ability with their website but it never took off or never gained enough critical mass. Preppers often equals tinfoil hats unfortunately. Those not outright paranoid are simply "cautious" of strangers knowing where their stash is. Maybe for good reason. It takes a long time to develop that much trust in others when your family's lives may depend on those supplies.

I totally get and understand that. My goal on here over the years has been to try and stimulate some open levels of trust and faith in man and work with people willing to do that. The shut in's can keep on keeping on and that's okay too. Folks up here are far more trusting than those further south on this continent I find and I'm willing to put myself out there 100% to not only support but share if need be. Point should be made though... the more you have the less likely you are to probably be willing to share it I suppose. I for one have very little. No food or water stores, no CB radio, no property, etc. Just my gun, my skills, my jeep and my camping gear and the ability to use it all combined with military and private security skills learned/earned over a lifetime.

I think folks like me who are a bit less prepper minded (more survivalist minded instead) than others should look to band together to feed off one another if and when such a time demands such an alliance. Those of you who are more prepper minded and established should probably perhaps look to recruiting folks like us to help solidify your security (you can't stay awake all the time to protect it) , maintain the place, apply engineering or agricultural skills and so on or just continue to remain flying solo. It definitely is a tricky thing when you have more to lose. I get it.

I for one have very little. No food or water stores, no CB radio, no property, etc. Just my gun, my skills, my jeep and my camping gear and the ability to use it all combined with military and private security skills learned/earned over a lifetime.

Those of you who are more prepper minded and established should probably perhaps look to recruiting folks like us to help solidify your security (you can't stay awake all the time to protect it) or just continue to remain flying solo.

Interesting concept on which I would like to chime in, more for the sake of discussion than to critique.

First and foremost, I 100% agree that survival of an "apocalyptic" scenario would involve banding together so as to bring security in numbers, and also to cover all the labour required to feed, water, heat people. The concept of hired guns seem interesting to me because looking historically at mercenaries, it's really hard to ascertain loyalty of those individuals. If I were to rely on hired guns to protect my property, who is to say that when the roaming hordes come in, that you won't defect after I've fed / lodged you (and your family I presume) for several weeks, months or years? Or what if, like any other "employee" you end up being let go, will you turn against me automatically and use your military skills/guns to take what is mine?

I suppose this is why you suggest getting to know each others before hand, so as to create some bonds.

Very true. Hiring a gun hand because they are good with guns is very risky, no doubt.People who take pride in specializing in the hurt game are a dangerous breed. I think hiring ground hands that understand guns is a better way to go. People who can build, repair, grow, and maintain are key. If they can shoot and protect, etc... thats the icing but no matter what... all of plausible scenarios are risky.

Hey it's! New here. I'm definitely more of a survivalist than a prepper, and I've been making some small camps with basic tools and supplies like axes, wood, and fire starters aroun Bragg Creek/ K-Country. I'm looking and stepping up and building some actual structures or more equipped encampments.

I think it would be interesting to get others to lend a hand an expand the location number and the overall amenities at each location. They aren't much, but it's good to have so go-to spots where you know your way around, and just what has to be done if push comes to shove. I anyone is interested and would like to meet-up, just let me know. My rules are simple; clean up all garbage and waste, and leave more wood than you found and all the tools in good condition.

Good discussion all around.
Trust definitely takes a long time.
Not only "security" but also someone to hoe fields and pull weeds 😉

On the exits from Calgary, one thing I did that I thought was useful was to review all the possible "overland" ways to get from my neighbourhood to a point outside the city where I could access the usual grid of roads between farmland sections to GOOD. After plotting a few courses I walked, jogged and biked them to check for obstacles and noted the tools needed to overcome the obstacles for a successful exit. I am fortunate that I have 2 ways out from my neighbourhood that do not require using roads much at all - no major roads and only a few minor roads that are rather unlikely to be gridlocked if SHTF.
I recommend people do that kind of planning and checking, and go around periodically to see if anything has changed (one of my exits puts me overland through a guy's yard into a golf course, so I need to know if he builds a fence or anything). It's also a good way to ensure you stay familiar with your surroundings, and get some fresh air at the same time.

Good to see you here mloberg.
I always enjoy your posts on ccfr but didn't realize that you were local.

welcome!

I agree whole heartedly with helicopilot. History has shown the whole concept of mercenaries does not end well. Highest paying wins. i still think finding a group with a place already set up in the country is the way to do it. If I was the city folk, I would want a place I could bug out to that had things going already. That I had already been a part of for a while sharing with the group, working on skills, building gardens together. An extended family that planned to get together if shit goes sideways?
I would want to know them very well-not just have numbers for numbers sake. In our group the individuals are expected to learn to do everything. We may have a strong training team for handling weapons but everyone is expected to be able to shoot well (thru training). Those same weapons trainers are expected to be working the garden or feeding livestock.

Yes, there are people that excel at this but not that-those we chose for our trainers of that specific skill. Maybe I'm not understanding the zone benefit for the land owner?! I would not just open my place for people to crash when shit gets real cause they promise to be my hired gun. My expectations of the people that will use my home as theirs is that they work along side me prior. The group better mesh Phychological as well - and you won't know that unless your building friendships first and choosing folk that fit that particular group on sooooo many levels.