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Here are the 10 most livable cities in Ontario, showcasing a diverse range of communities that offer unique benefits and amenities. They include: 1. Burlington, 2. Ottawa, 3. Pickering, 4. Oakville, 5. Vaughan, 6. Hamilton, 7. Guelph, 8. Tecumseh, and more. Each city has its own charm and appeal.
Settling in an Ontario city can be expensive for newcomers and international students. However, cities in Ontario remain by far the most popular with immigrants to Canada, so let’s look at the 10 best Ontario cities to live in.
First, rent prices in Ontario cities, particularly those in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), are among the highest in the country, except for Vancouver.
The unemployment rate in Ontario in June was 6.8 percent, up from 0.3 percent from May. Nationally, it is 6.4 percent.
However, city life in Ontario, Canada’s largest and most populated province, is about more than rent prices. Quality of life and job opportunities are also crucial to newcomers when choosing the best city in Ontario to live in.
Settlement services, vital for newcomers, are also different in each Ontario city, as are job market opportunities and the cost of living (inflation).
Many settlement experts regard selecting the correct city as the best job strategy for newcomers.
Recently, The Globe and Mail published research* listing the most livable cities in Canada for immigrants.
The Globe, one of Canada’s premier news outlets, collected data from 439 Canadian cities with a population of at least 10,000 in partnership with Environics Analytics Group Ltd.
Housing was rated as one of THE most important concerns of newcomers to Canada. As the Globe pointed out:
“As housing costs have marched steadily upward in Canada, discussing real estate prices has become as common as chatting about the weather. And so often, the conversation about where to live focuses on one number: The cost of buying a home.”
Time Zone: Ontario spans two time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Central Standard Time (CST). Most of Ontario, including major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, follows EST.
Climate: Ontario experiences a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy.
Average Temperatures:
Summer (June to August): Highs range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
Winter (December to February): Lows can drop to -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).
Precipitation: Ontario receives a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, with the wettest months being June and October.
Sunshine: July is the sunniest month, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity: Relative humidity varies, with May being the driest month and December having the highest humidity
Unsurprisingly, Globe research determined that Burlington, at the western end of the GTA, is Ontario’s most livable city (it was also ranked as the fifth most livable in Canada).
Burlington’s geographic location makes it the perfect commuter city. For work or play, people can travel by road or rail to Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the Niagara region.
While Burlington rent prices are not cheap, a one-bedroom apartment there is over $300 cheaper per month than in Toronto. Also, Burlington scored extremely high regarding amenities.
In a recent Point2 research study**, Burlington was rated as the top Ontario city among the country’s 10 best for juggling professional and personal life. According to the Point2 study, “Burlington enjoys a balanced mix of positive health perceptions, with 93 percent of its residents reporting high levels of life satisfaction.”
Rent: $2,196 *** (for a one-bedroom)
(Average) House Price: $1.16 million ***
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent
Read more about living in Burlington, Ontario
Rent: $1,967
House Price: $686, 535
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 6 percent
Read more about living in Ottawa, Ontario
Rent: $1,885
House Price: $941,000
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 5.9 percent
Rent: $2,305
House Price: $1.48 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8
Rent: $1,991
House Price: $1.1 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.9 percent
Rent: $1,806
House Price: $831,190
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.3 percent
Read more about living in Hamilton, Ontario
Rent: $2,046
House Price: $850, 226
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 3.7 percent
Rent: $1,534
House Price: $795, 276
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 9.1 percent
Rent: $1,476
House Price: $643,111
Unemployment rate (as of March 2024): 8.4 percent
Rent: $2, 062
House Price: $1.1 million
Unemployment rate (as of June 2024): 7.8 percent
Read more about living in Markham, Ontario
CITATIONS:
**Point2
*** Prices as of June 2024, subject to fluctuations monthly
SOURCES:
Rentals for Newcomers, CREA, Rentals.ca, Statistics Canada, Zoocasa, Zumper, WOWA, Zolo, Environics Analytics Group Ltd., Point2
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
The much-anticipated Men’s ICC T20 World Cup of Cricket kicks off June 1 in the West Indies and the USA, with Canada making its tournament debut.
The excitement is intense for Canadian cricket fans, particularly those in the large Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and West Indian diasporas.
England is the defending champion in a powerhouse field that has grown to 20 teams, including Canada.
The ICC T20 is the shorter version of a regular cricket match.
India, always a favourite, is in Group A, with rivals Pakistan, the USA, Canada, and Ireland.
India opens the tournament against Ireland on 5 June in New York. Four days later, they will play against Pakistan in New York.
Televised coverage starts with the tourney opener between the USA and Canada in Grand Prairie, Texas, on Sunday, June 2.
The ICC T20 final occurs in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, June 29.
As hosts of the ICC T20, the West Indies and the USA gained automatic entry.
Like Canada, the USA plays in the tournament for the first time.
LISTEN TO THE OFFICIAL ICC T20 ANTHEM
England, Pakistan, New Zealand, India, Australia, South Africa, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka earned their 2024 spots by placing in the top eight of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan and Bangladesh qualified as the two highest teams in the T20I rankings.
Regional qualifiers determined all the other spots in this year’s tournament:
Group A – India, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, USA
Group B – England, Australia, Namibia, Scotland, Oman
Group C – New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea
Group D – South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, Nepal
The top two teams in each group advance to the Super 8s stage.
Then, the top two in each Super 8s pool advance to the semi-finals.
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1. India – India, led by Rohit Sharma, is a perennial favourite. Their powerhouse lineup includes Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. Their youth, experience and skill may be unmatched in this tournament. They’ll definitely be determined to regain the title from England.
2. England: The 2022 winners will be all in to defend their title. With a lineup that features Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone, they are formidable opponents. They play an aggressive style and can adapt to their opponent and circumstances. A repeat is definitely possible.
3. Australia: Another serious contender that could win it with power hitters and superb bowlers. The Aussies, led by Mitchell Marsh, field a strong lineup that includes David Warner, Pat Cummins, and the superb Glenn Maxwell. The team from Down Under will be in it to win it to the end.
4. New Zealand: Led by captain Kane Williamson and with a lineup that includes Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Jimmy Neesham, Finn Allen, and Devon Conway, the Kiwis have experience and young talent galore. This balanced and tough team could prove a surprise at this T20.
5. South Africa: Aiden Markram leads this squad that includes Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, and David Miller. Like New Zealand, this South African team has a unique blend of experience and youth that can cause trouble for any opponent.
Canada failed to qualify for the eight previous ICC T20 World Cup tournaments.
Amjad Bajwa, the president of Cricket Canada, told CBC News that he credits the Canadian team’s recent successes to the rapid growth in international students and immigrants from South Asia and other cricket-loving regions of the world.
“It’s still a game of immigrants because a lot of these students are coming,” he said.
In Canada, fans can watch all the matches via the Willow TV app. For viewers hoping to watch the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in Canada for FREE, streaming is available via the Disney+ Hotstar app. Gaining access to the app may require a VPN to overcome regional limitations.
| Date | Teams | Time (Eastern Standard Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, June 1 | USA vs Canada -Grand Prairie, Texas | 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 2 | West Indies vs Papua New Guinea, Providence Namibia vs Oman, Bridgetown Barbados | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Mon, June 3 | Sri Lanka vs South Africa- Long Island, New York Afghanistan vs Uganda – Providence, Guyana | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Tues, June 4 | England vs Scotland – Bridgetown, Barbados Netherlands vs Nepal – Grand Prairie, Texas | 10:30 am 11:30 am |
| Wed, June 5 | India vs Ireland – Long Island, New York Papua New Guinea vs Uganda – Providence, Guyana Australia vs Oman – Bridgetown, Barbados | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 6 | USA vs Pakistan – Grand Prairie, Texas Namibia vs Scotland – Bridgetown, Barbados | 11:30 am 3:00 pm |
| Fri, June 7 | Canada vs Ireland – Long Island, New York New Zealand vs Afghanistan – Providence, Guyana Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Grand Prairie, Texas (8.30 pm) | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sat, June 8 | Netherlands vs South Africa – Long Island, New York Australia vs England – Bridgetown, Barbados West Indies vs Uganda – Providence, Guyana | 10:30 am 1:00 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 9 | India vs Pakistan – Long Island, New York Oman vs Scotland – North Sound, Antigua | 10:30 am 1:00 pm |
| Mon, June 10 | South Africa vs Bangladesh – Long Island, New York | 10:30 am |
| Tues, June 11 | South Africa vs Bangladesh – Long Island, New York Sri Lanka vs Nepal – Lauderhill, Florida Australia vs Namibia – North Sound, Antigua | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Wed, June 12 | USA vs India – Long Island, New York West Indies vs New Zealand – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 13 | Bangladesh vs Netherlands – Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines England vs Oman – North Sound, Antigua Afghanistan vs Papua New Guinea – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago | 10:30 am 3:00 pm 8:30 pm |
| Fri, June 14 | USA vs Ireland – Lauderhill, Florida South Africa vs Nepal – Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines New Zealand vs Uganda – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sat, June 15 | India vs Canada – Lauderhill, Florida Namibia vs England – North Sound, Antigua Australia vs Scotland – Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | 10:30 am 1:00 pm 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 16 | Pakistan vs Ireland – Lauderhill, Florida Bangladesh vs Nepal – Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sri Lanka vs Netherlands – Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | 10:30 am 7:30 pm 8:30 pm |
| Mon, June 17 | New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea – Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago West Indies vs Afghanistan – Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Wed, June 19 | T20 World Cup – full Super 8s fixtures Group 1 – Group A winners (A1), Group B runners-up (B2), Group C winners (C1), Group D runners-up (D2) Group 2 – Group A runners-up (A2), Group B winners (B1), Group C runners-up (C2), Group D winners (D1) | |
| Wed, June 19 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 20 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Fri, June 21 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Sat, June 22 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Sun, June 23 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Mon, June 24 | TBD TBD | 10:30 am 8:30 pm |
| Wed, June 26 | TBD | 8:30 pm |
| Thurs, June 27 | TBD | 10:30 am |
| Sat, June 29 | ICC T20 FINAL, Bridgetown, Barbados | 10:30 am |
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
For prospective newcomers researching landing cities in Canada, it’s vital to assess what city will best meet your needs. Knowing what a city offers can help you pick the one that is right for you, so let’s discover 10 of the most livable cities for immigrants.
Looking only at rent prices, cities like Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan have the cheapest rents among Canada’s large and mid-sized cities. In Alberta, Edmonton and Lethbridge have the cheapest rents, as do Winnipeg in Manitoba and Windsor, Niagara Falls, and St. Catharines in Ontario.
Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are popular but not cheap. They are by far, the most expensive cities in Canada to rent.
But livability for newcomers to Canada is about much more than rent. For example, it’s important to consider job market opportunities and the cost of living. Another thing to consider is the availability of settlement services for newcomers. Free settlement services can help newcomers adapt to life in Canada.
Many experts consider picking the right Canadian city to live in as the best job strategy for immigrants.
Research gathered data to rank the most livable cities in Canada for immigrants who landed within the last five years. The research looked at 439 cities with a population greater than 10,000.
The following categories and criteria were used to judge the most liveable cities in Canada for newcomers. Housing was rated as one of the top concerns.
| CATEGORY | CRITERIA |
|---|---|
| HOUSING | Affordability, ease of finding a home, property taxes, percentage of income spent on housing |
| ECONOMY | Jobs, earnings, taxes, and economic stability |
| DEMOGRAPHICS | Population, stability, diversity, languages spoken |
| HEALTHCARE | Ease of access and satisfaction with care |
| SAFETY | Crime rates and feeling of safety |
| EDUCATION | Residents’ academic qualifications and availability of schools and universities |
| COMMUNITY | Social spaces, events, volunteering opportunities, and the sense of connection residents feel |
| AMENITIES | Number of recreational places, shopping options, and other facilities, plus cannabis stores, gyms, movie theatres, and essential services such as childcare, grocery stores, libraries, and parks |
| TRANSPORTATION | Public transit, ease of getting around, and proximity to airports and public transportation |
| WEATHER | Extreme conditions, overall climate, humidity, and coldness. |
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six month, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARAmong the top 10 cities in Canada for newcomers, rent prices and home prices** vary.
1. Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,205/month
Average House Price: $962,362
2. Victoria, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,111/month
Average House Price: $1,286,600
3. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,365/month
Average House Price: $375,390
Read more about Living in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
4. North Vancouver, British Columbia
Rent: 1-bedroom $2,704/month
Average House Price: $1,318,687
Read more about living in Vancouver, British Columbia.
5. Saanich, British Columbia
Rent: 1-bedroom $2,023
Average House Price: $1,259,309
6. Wellesley, Ontario
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,900/month
Average House Price: $1,637,450
7. Burlington, Ontario
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,145/month
Average House Price: $826,462
Read more about Living in Burlington, Ontario.
8. Regina, Saskatchewan
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,267/month
Average House Price: $304,464
Read more about living in Regina, Saskatchewan.
9. Delta, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $2,074/month
Average House Price: $1,357,323
10. Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Rent: 1 bedroom $1,830/month
Average House Price: $1,001,518
CITATIONS:
** Prices as of April 2024, subject to slight changes monthly
SOURCES:
Rentals for Newcomers, CREA, Rentals.ca, Zoocasa, Zumper, WOWA; Zolo
© Prepare for Canada 2024
For many across Canada, the spring/summer season means one thing – the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are here!
And Canada’s Edmonton Oilers are in the finals. They fought back from a 3-0 deficit against the Florida Panthers to make it a 3-2 best-of-seven series.
They can even the series with a win in Game 6 tonight in Edmonton.
For newcomers to Canada and international students, the Stanley Cup playoffs between 16 National Hockey League (NHL) teams provide an insight into the sport of ice hockey and perhaps Canada’s national culture and identity.
On Saturday, June 8, Canada’s Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers began their 7-game Stanley Cup final series to decide the 2023-24 season champion.
Meanwhile, Professional Women’s Hockey teams, including Toronto and Montreal, competed for the Walter Cup for the first time. Minnesota won the Cup on May 29, defeating Boston in five games.
So, what’s behind all this hockey fever, and why should newcomers care?
Lloyd L. Wong and Martine Dennie are the authors of a 2021 report entitled “I feel more Canadian with hockey.” Identity and Belonging via Ice Hockey in a Diverse Canada.
In their paper, published in Canadian Ethnic Studies, Wong and Dennie argue that their “findings show that for most immigrants and racialized minorities engaged in organized ice hockey, there is more likely a sense of Canadian national identity and a sense of belonging to Canada compared to the Canadian-born and to whites.”
They also state that the game and sport of ice hockey are embedded in Canada’s national culture and identity mythically and literally and that hockey has its most significant presence in Canada regarding people, places, and social spaces.
According to their report, about 1.8 million people globally are registered hockey players, of which over one-third, or 631,295, live in Canada.
Per capita, the number of registered hockey players in Canada is well above all other countries by a wide margin, with 17,277 registered hockey players per one million people.
Further, hockey’s popularity in Canada extends beyond players and referees to include coaches, managers, workers in the hockey industry, parents, and fans.
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As Wong and Dennie point out, Canada “is also an ‘immigration society’ where immigrants are considered as society-building assets and as central to national identity,” just like hockey.
So, here are some Stanley Cup facts for newcomers and international students who want to find out what all the fuss is about:
The Oilers, after eliminating the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, then eliminated the Vancouver Canucks in a 7-game series. Edmonton advanced to the Western Conference Final on June 2, defeating the Dallas Stars in six games. They now face the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup finals.
Meanwhile, another hockey playoff championship series is taking place this spring.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a new-team league in North America holding its first-ever playoff series.
There are six franchises (three from Canada and three from the United States). The three Canadian teams are PWHL Montreal, PWHL Ottawa, and PWHL Toronto.
Each franchise played a 32-game regular season to earn one of four places in a postseason tournament. The winner claims the “Walter Cup.”
On Feb. 17, The PWHL’s first game at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena set a league and women’s hockey attendance record with a crowd of 19,285.
CBC and TSN, their French-language affiliates Radio-Canada and RDS, and Sportsnet broadcast PWHL games nationally in Canada. YouTube has global streaming.
Recently, Scotiabank announced that it had become the official bank of the PWHL.
The PWHL playoffs began May 8. The best four teams qualified for a postseason tournament that determines the champion. The playoffs comprise two semi-finals and a final played as a best-of-five series.
Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and Minnesota all made the playoffs. Ottawa was eliminated in the final game of the regular season.
Toronto, which finished first in the regular season, chose to play Minnesota and was eliminated in five games. Montreal played Boston and was eliminated in three straight games.
Minnesota defeated Boston in five games on May 29 to make history by winning the first-ever Walter Cup.
Obviously, between the Stanley Cup and the Walter Cup, there is plenty of hockey for newcomers and international students to embrace this spring.
As Wong and Dennie wrote in their report:
“Engagement in the game, either as players or fans or in some other capacity, provides a multicultural common space potentially enabling interactive pluralism amongst diverse communities.
These findings further support the value of making hockey more inclusive through equity, diversity, and inclusion policies and initiatives.
Go, hockey! Go, Canada!
This story was updated on May 21/2024.
CITATIONS:
SOURCES:
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
Renting a room in a homeowner’s house is a smart strategy for newcomers to Canada. Following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.
But perhaps the biggest tip about being a housemate is that the rent as a housemate can be several hundred dollars cheaper than you would pay as a roommate. And, you’re not tied into a long-term lease.
Homesharing provides a way for renters to find budget-friendly rooms in great neighbourhoods. This is a great option for newcomers and international students looking to become housemates in a home-sharing arrangement, whether for two or twelve months.
Living with a homeowner in their home as a housemate offers many advantages, from saving money to making friends. Housemates and hosts can forge a lifelong relationship by following simple rules.
Here are six helpful tips for housemates that will contribute to a great living experience:
Make sure that you understand the house rules from the beginning. Have an open discussion with the homeowner and other housemates, if there are any. It’s important to understand the homeowner’s expectations and decide what is fair. A good tip for housemates is to schedule regular meetings (weekly or monthly) to address concerns, expectations, and schedules. This will maintain openness and prevent issues from escalating. If chores are part of your home-sharing agreement, regular meetings provide a forum for updates and feedback.
This is an excellent tip for housemates that will prevent small problems from escalating into big problems. If something is troubling you as a housemate, talk to the homeowner/host and discuss it as soon as possible. Don’t let things fester. This will prevent resentment from building, which could poison your relationship. Be open to finding a solution that works for everyone and be willing to compromise. Being proactive is the best strategy in a homeshare environment.
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Most items in a homeshare environment belong to the homeowner/host. If you have agreed to boundaries regarding using items or certain spaces, be sure to respect that by asking first if you can use them or move them. Likewise, the host should show the same respect if you have personal items in the house. Respect each other’s personal space by, for example, knocking before entering a closed room. Creating clear boundaries around property and space from the beginning will ensure maximum privacy and respect. Use headphones and be mindful of noise. Learn the host’s schedule and share yours. Again, it’s all about communication.
You and your host may come from different cultures and thus have different values and beliefs. Approach the housemate experience as an opportunity to learn, share, and grow. It’s a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes and share your view of life. You won’t agree on everything, but if you stay open, the possibilities for learning, growth, and friendship are endless. Be open to sharing experiences,
Again, this is an issue of respect and communication. Energy costs concern homeowners, so do your best to keep them down. Turn off lights, wash your clothes during off-peak hours, turn off taps, and recycle. These are just a few things you can do to show respect and earn the host’s trust and friendship. It will go a long way in avoiding potential conflicts.
This is an important tip for housemates to ensure privacy and build respect. Be sure to understand the guidelines about having friends over and overnight guests. Discuss and understand the host’s expectations and comfort level regarding visitors and the acceptable length of stay. It all comes down to common courtesy, communication, and respect for privacy.
Housemates and hosts may never become best friends, but the goal should be to be respectful, polite, friendly occupants of a shared co-living space. Take the time to know and understand each other, share some meals, watch TV, and enjoy moments together. All of this – and following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
Searching for housing in Canada as a newcomer can be challenging. Working with a real estate agent to help you search for a rental is a great way to navigate the process. If you’re searching for a rental, you likely have things to ask a realtor about when renting your first home. Canada’s rental market is ultra-competitive right now. Vacancy rates in large and mid-sized cities across the country are at record lows (around 1.5 percent), prices continue to rise, and landlords may have multiple applicants for their rentals.
The competition gets more intense, with record numbers of newcomers arriving every month. Canada is working to increase its rental stock, but a surplus of rental units is years away.
Nasma Ali, a Toronto real estate broker and founder of OneGroupToronto told Prepare for Canada that a licensed, experienced real estate agent (or realtor) can guide newcomers through a sometimes complicated rental agreement and process.
In addition to using their experience and contacts to help you find a rental home, “it’s good to have a realtor,” said Ali, “to guide you through the rental process and explain what each of the clauses (in the agreement) means. What are your rights and obligations, and what are you signing?”
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Ali says a real estate agent can also protect newcomers against landlords who try to “sneak something that’s not lawful” into the agreement. The realtor, she says, “is going to be advocating for you and protecting your rights.”
There are approximately 85,000 licenced realtors in Ontario. Prepare for Canada and Souqh, a fintech company, have partnered to give newcomers a FREE and easy way to find a realtor in the city where they wish to settle.
Souqh partnered with Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers to connect immigrants with realtors and assist with finding rentals across Ontario.
Ahmer Rafiq, CEO, Souqh
If you’re interested in working with a realtor to find your first rental home in Canada, here are some common questions newcomers ask about the process:
Using a real estate agent to help find your first rental home in Canada costs you, the tenant, nothing. Your future landlord (the actual owner of the property) pays the realtor’s commissions and fees. However, be sure to check any agreement that you sign, either with the realtor or the landlord, carefully for hidden fees. If the realtor asks you to pay an additional cost, you can walk away and find another agent.
Newcomers who choose to find their own apartment for rent will find that the main cost is time…and stress! Canada’s rental market is competitive, with low vacancy rates below 2 percent in most large and medium-sized cities. This means many people are competing for the same rental home. Canada will welcome 485,000 newcomers in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025, so many newcomers are looking for a rental.
According to a recent Rentals.ca Canadian Renter Survey, 34 percent of people surveyed have been looking for a place for at least two months, with 15 percent searching for more than six months. So, it could take you that long to find a spot on your own.
Sites such as Rentals for Newcomers, which is unrestricted, provide listings from landlords who value newcomers as tenants. But, you must search, inspect, and negotiate simultaneously as you are likely looking for a job and getting settled.
As they say, time is money, and your time as a newcomer is best spent viewing the rentals in person, not searching for them.
You can, but it is not advised, particularly if you have signed a representation agreement. It’s doubtful a realtor will work with you or put in their best effort if you have multiple real estate agents.
It’s smarter to select a realtor who knows the city or neighbourhood where you wish to live and trust their experience and knowledge.
While tenant insurance is not mandatory, most renters in Canada get renter’s insurance. This is mainly because many landlords and buildings require it. Many landlords will only rent to you with insurance and may insist that the realtor only present tenants willing to get it.
When renting your first long-term home as a newcomer, you don’t own the property, but you most likely own the contents, such as furniture, electronics, and other personal possessions, unless you rent a furnished place. Personal items, including valuables such as jewellery, can be costly to replace if you have to pay out of pocket for them.
Also, if you cause damage to the landlord’s property, tenant insurance can cover you for those damages. And, if you must move out temporarily due to damage (water, fire, etc.), tenant insurance can help cover your temporary costs.
As of May 2024, the national average asking price for a one-bedroom apartment was $2,188, according to Rentals.ca National Rent Report.* That’s a 9.3 percent year-over-year increase.
But asking prices for a one-bedroom vary by province and city.
For example, a one-bedroom in Vancouver (the priciest city for rent) is $2,646. In Toronto, it is $2,459. The cheapest rent in Ontario in a large or medium-sized city is Windsor at $1,553. Rents are more affordable in the western provinces, particularly in Saskatchewan. The asking rent in Saskatoon is $1,215 for a one-bedroom and $1,251 in Regina.
If you have recently arrived in Canada, discover how to find a realtor to find the perfect home for you!
* Rental prices across Canada can change monthly
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for 2024
Canadians, newcomers and people worldwide celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8.
The month of March is recognized as Women’s History Month.
This year, the special theme for the day and month honouring the economic, social, political and cultural achievements of women is “Inspire Inclusion.”
The first International Women’s Day (#IWD) was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than a million women (and men) attended public gatherings to show their support.
Soon, other countries began to observe and celebrate International Women’s Day. In 1975, the United Nations named 1975 as International Women’s Year and March 8 as the official International Women’s Day.
Over the years, March 8 has become a day of collective global activism and celebration shared by all those committed to forging women’s equality.
Anabella Hatami of Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST), told Prepare for Canada that “with the theme “#InspireInclusion,” we are reminded of the importance of embracing diversity and promoting inclusion across all sectors of society.”
“It is a call to action for each of us to actively engage in breaking down the barriers that hinder women’s progress,” said Hatami, “particularly for those who are just beginning their lives anew in Canada.”
WEST of Windsor began in 1984 as a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization in response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment among women and the difficulties women met trying to enter the workforce.
As noted on their website, during West of Windsor’s evolution, “it became apparent that the most disadvantaged women, in terms of training and employment opportunities, were visible minorities. As a result of those findings, a plan was implemented to create a technical and life skills training program specific to the needs of visible minority women residing in Windsor-Essex. WEST, a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization, is the realization of that initiative.”
Since the pandemic started, Canada has seen record population growth, with half of it women. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced in November of 2023 that Canada remains committed to settling 485,000 newcomers in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
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According to Statistics Canada, in 2022 there were 4,200,630 immigrant women in the country’s labour market. The data also revealed that 2.9 million were visible minorities (1.3 million were not). Newcomers continue to comprise just about 100 percent of Canada’s labour force growth and 75 percent of the country’s population growth.
In Canada, women have an 83 percent participation rate in the national workforce. That’s risen from just over 30 percent in 1976, when only half of the women worked outside the home.
According to StatsCan, the male national labour market participation rate is about 92 percent.
Hatami says West of Windsor takes the theme of #inspireinclusion to heart. It works to serve newcomer women and girls facing the challenges of a new home and overcoming gender-based barriers.
“Our mission is to provide these women with the tools, resources, and support they need to realize their full potential,” said Hatami. “By focusing on education and employment opportunities, we aim to empower them to build sustainable and fulfilling lives for themselves and their families.”
As one International Women’s Day website states, “To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavour.”
“One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organizations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation.”
It is about understanding the unique challenges faced by newcomer women and creating pathways for their success and leadership in our communities
– Anabella Hatami, West of Windsor
“Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organizations can create opportunities for women to thrive. By providing support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.”
For Hatami and West of Windsor, the importance of International Women’s Day and the theme of #inspireinclusion represents much more than a single day of recognition and celebration. It’s a “continuous commitment to fostering an environment where women’s contributions are valued and their voices are heard.”
“It is about understanding the unique challenges faced by newcomer women and creating pathways for their success and leadership in our communities,” she said. “Through our collective efforts, we can inspire inclusion and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of life.”
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at both the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in the writing of this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada2023
Buying tenant insurance is vital for international students renting, studying, and working in Canada.
Having tenant insurance can save you from unforeseen costs and protect your possessions. Your college or university may even require it if you live on-campus.
Likewise, if you’re renting off-campus, your landlord may demand it as part of the rental agreement.
So, what is student tenant insurance, what does it do, and how do you get it?
Tenant insurance covers your personal property and liability. It also covers additional living expenses if, for example, you must move temporarily due to an event such as a flood or fire in your apartment or building.
While your landlord will have insurance, this will only cover the building itself. For example, it does not insure your belongings or cover your liability in case of damage or injury. So tenant insurance, also known as renters insurance, gives you security, protection, and peace of mind.
Tenant insurance covers your personal belongings within your apartment. The insurance helps pay for any loss or damage to your personal property (and includes items damaged or stolen). Your stuff like electronics, phones, laptops, gaming systems, and jewelry is expensive and valuable. They are also prime targets for thieves.
Landlords expect you to have tenant insurance. They will ask for a copy of your policy before you move in.
If you live on campus in student housing, your school (university or college) will likely insist you have renters’ insurance. The school is your landlord. Most schools will detail in the residency agreement that they are not liable for theft or damage to student property.
Tenant insurance ensures that if you can’t live in your apartment due to a covered emergency such as a fire, you will get financial assistance for temporary accommodation (like a hotel or Airbnb) and food.
Count on it, and some accidents are costly. Personal liability coverage in your tenant insurance policy protects you if your landlord holds you responsible for property damage or personal injury to someone at your apartment. Parties and sharing student accommodation with others bring visitors, including some who may cause damage or steal your stuff. You could be held responsible if they damage your home or injure someone.
Legally, you do not require tenant insurance in Canada. There is no law to make renters purchase tenant insurance. But, it does protect you and provides security and peace of mind. And, of course, your landlord may insist you buy it to meet the terms of your lease agreement.
Given how affordable contents insurance is for renters in Canada, it makes sense for students to insure their valuables, particularly those living so far from home.
Contact an insurance company and talk to the broker about renter’s insurance for university and college students. They have the knowledge and expertise to advise you.
Remember, when you get tenant insurance, read the agreement carefully to know what is covered (and what is not!). Be sure to share the agreement with your landlord.
Also, it’s a good idea when looking to rent a home in Canada to inform a prospective landlord that you intend to get tenant insurance. This shows landlords you will be a responsible tenant.
Working with a real estate agent is a reliable alternative way for newcomers to Canada to find their first long-term rental accommodation.
Why should newcomers consider working with a real estate agent (also known as a realtor) to find a rental?
Demand, competition, expertise, and access to landlords are four obvious reasons (also, searching for a rental yourself in a new country can create stress, delay, and wasted effort).
In Canada’s red-hot rental market, the demand for all types of rental accommodation has never been higher.
The country’s ambitious immigration targets are fuelling rental demand as prices rise each month. And that demand will only get stronger across the country, particularly in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and Ontario.
Canada intends to welcome 465,000 new immigrants this year after admitting a record-breaking 431,000 newcomers in 2022 (mostly from India, the Philippines and China).
In 2024 that number will rise to 485,000 newcomers, and then to 500,000 in 2025.
Canada has also welcomed a record number of international students. These numbers are forecast to continue to rise, again increasing the demand for rental housing.
With so many newcomers arriving in Canada, the competition for available rental accommodation continues to escalate. Typically, rental listings in Canada (particularly those with choice locations) receive multiple offers from newcomers and those already in Canada. And many of those applicants have done their research and are prepared to act quickly.
Real estate agents have the expertise that newcomers can use to get the rental accommodation they want, where they want it, and when they want it.
According to the Real Estate Council of Ontario, in which membership is mandatory for all real estate professionals in Ontario, there are more than 86,000 real estate agents in the province.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six month, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARUsing a real estate agent to help you find your ideal rental property typically costs nothing. Your future landlord (the actual owner of the property) covers the realtor commissions.
In Ontario and the GTA, more renters are using real estate agents because realtors:
Finally, the realtor’s access to landlords and listings cannot be overstated. Because of this access, realtors know about rental properties that aren’t listed on rental sites, or that are about to be listed. So, you get a head start on the competition. This is particularly true regarding Toronto/GTA condo owners who often work only through real estate agents.
These are just some of the advantages that come with working with a real estate agent.
While real estate agents in Ontario are licensed, there are still some other things newcomers should consider when deciding to work with one to find a rental:
So how do you find the real estate agent that’s right for you?
Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers has teamed up with Souqh to make it easy for newcomers and international students to work with a licensed real estate agent to find suitable rental accommodation.
Souqh is a Canadian real estate and home services marketplace whose goal is to simplify every step of the home buying, ownership, and rental journey.
Ahmer Rafiq, Souqh’s CEO, says his company partnered with Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers “to connect immigrants with realtors and assist with finding rentals across Ontario.”
“We have onboard 3,000+ real estate/home services professionals onto our marketplace across Ontario and … we have partnered with ten real estate boards and associations across Ontario.”
Dave Frattini, the managing partner of Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers, is excited about working with Souqh to help newcomers access real estate agents.
“Prepare for Canada has been helping newcomers make connections that simplify the immigration journey for over 12 years, said Frattini, “and Souqh is Canada’s real estate and home services marketplace. Together we’re on a mission to help newcomers enter the rental market faster and easier than ever by connecting newcomers with real estate agents who can assist in finding the rental property that’s right for our newcomer audience needs.”
So, if working with realtors to find accommodation in Ontario appeals to you, simply click here to register with Souqh. Once you register, a real estate agent in the city where you wish to rent will respond to you.
And remember: If you’re not in Canada or Ontario yet, but are arriving soon, please register for our Renting in Canada webinar to learn all about working with a real estate agent, finding your own rental, renting a room in a home, and all the other options for finding rental accommodation in Ontario and Canada.