To find a good place for rent, try kijiji.ca! I found the house from there too (http://calgary.kijiji.ca)
many of my friends/relatives did the same.
Value Village outlets and Goodwill shops have everything you need/want. You can call them a proper Canadian lundaa bazaar too
But they have both kind of branded / normal clothing, winter shoes, jackets, coats, furniture, household stuff (Leftovers and outdated) I got my electric fan heater, microwave, juicer blender and iron from Value village too..
Also, try to find stores who are offering 'store closing sale'. They have just awesome stuff, i got my 2 jackets (one was for $269) from there (Sears) for 75% discount.