I live in Calgary since September 2012. It is really a good place to live. within these three years, there are alot of things got worst in Calgary,
- It is really got more expensive
- many many labors and Professionals moving to Calgary (at my point of view this is not a good indication)
- as a result of last point you can imagine how that can affect the people attitude and behaviors in driving, services, ....etc
- I am not happy about the education level in Calgary
Search for Calgary vs Ottawa comparison, (I am not allowed to post links), numbeo website is a great updated source of information
The last thing that I would like to point out is:
1- go for a place that you have more friends and relatives (it is really a very important factor as a family)
2- Ottawa is like a raw model for Canada (government city), so it will be always the best place to live.
3- IT field in East is better than Calgary (I am in IT field) except DB, IT infrastructure and system analysis. These fields are good in Calgary as well but not in these days.
Put in your mind, IT field here in Calgary like all other fields, they are just serving Oil and Gas field.
If I have an option to choose again, I would choose Ottawa. All my old friends are there, IT (web development) jobs are better there.