Look around Calgary any given day and one of the first things you will notice is how diverse the city is, as different waves of immigration have influenced our city over the decades.

In 1960, Calgary was a growing city, but multiculturalism was not yet a buzzword.

"You had a choice of food in the city. You could either have Chinese food or surf and turf. That was the extent of it," said Jim Frideres, University of Calgary professor of sociology and chair of Canadian Ethnic Studies.

Things started to change as Calgary opened up to the world.

"Different groups have come in at different times and it has continued that way," Frideres said. "That's a reflection of what's happening out there in the global world, some kind of conflict in some country, which produces immigration coming out."

They came here to escape after the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. Boat people escaped the Vietnam War in the 70s. Many came from Hong Kong in the 90s fearing the Chinese takeover.

There have also been waves from Italy, the UK, Mainland China, Latin America and Africa.

"I think when you accept the weather, you are a Calgarian. And I accept it. I don't mind it," said Sameena Arif, who immigrated to Canada from Pakistan in 2004.

The single mother with three children arrived in Canada with only four suitcases. She struggled at first to find a job, but took on volunteer work and got a job at the Calgary Immigrant Women's Association where she now helps others settle in Calgary.

"I was focused in our goal, which was to have a stable and a better life. And I am so proud of the fact that Canada helped me give that to my children," she said.

A few years ago, China was the number one source of immigrants to Calgary. In 2007, it was India and in 2008, the Philippines. The overall number of immigrants to Calgary has climbed steadily since the mid-80s. In 2008, the number was a record 13,000.

Cultural celebrations all over Calgary show how diverse we are. Carifest, the Hispanic festival, Diwali, Eid, the annual Sikh Parade are just a few.

And immigration will grow, Frideres said, adding he predicts the city's visible minority population will hit 25% in five to eight years.

"We've elected a mayor who is a visible minority. People ask how could that happened in redneck Alberta? It demonstrates a kind of change in ethos and a change in perspective." Frideres said.

Many immigrants to Calgary say there is one continuing obstacle – their education and work credentials from other countries are often not accepted and they wish Ottawa would do more to help in that area.