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Your Alberta health card is a government-funded service that will cover many basic costs related to your medical needs. Canada has a great healthcare system that strives to provide free, universal healthcare for all its residents. Your Alberta health card will cover many medical costs for you in Alberta, as well as the rest of Canada. In this guide, we’ll look at how to apply for your Alberta health card.
Alberta is known throughout Canada for its breathtaking scenery and low taxes. It also has a great health care system in place. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) provides Alberta residents access to free medical services. AHCIP covers the cost of many medical services you would have had to pay for otherwise. Generally speaking, any medical service that is considered necessary is covered by AHCIP.
Your Alberta health card will cover many basic health care services. From annual eye exams to ambulance transportation costs, your Alberta health card has got you covered. Below are some of the services that AHCIP covers:
Some services are only partially covered by your health card. These services include:
To access a bigger list of what is and isn’t covered by AHCIP, click here.
While you’re for coverage from the Alberta health insurance program, you may want to purchase travel medical health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.
Applying to AHCIP involves a few simple steps. The government has made it easy to apply for an Alberta health card. As long as you follow each step, you will have your Alberta health card in no time.
You will need certain documents when you apply. These documents will prove that you are who you say you are. They will also prove that you are eligible for AHCIP.
When you apply for your Alberta health card, you will have to provide documents to show:
Proof of residency can be anything that proves you live in Alberta. To prove you live in Alberta, you can provide any of the following documents:
Any documents with your name and signature will count as proof of identity. However, to be safe, check the health ministry website to confirm acceptable documents. Some examples of proof of identity include:
It is important not to confuse this requirement with proof of residency. This document requires you to prove you legally live in Canada. On the other hand, proof of residency requires you to prove you live in Alberta. Documents that prove your legal entitlement to be in Canada include:
Without a document from each of these categories, you will not be able to file your application for AHCIP. Because of this, it is important to bring all the documents you need to apply for an Alberta health card. Click here to access the full list of documents that are accepted.
You will also need to fill out an application form to apply for an Alberta health card. The application form is accessible online. You can access the application form by clicking here. If you need help, many settlement agencies can help you apply.
After obtaining your three documents for proof and filling out the application form, you are ready to apply. In Alberta, you have the option to apply in person or by mail. In both cases, the application process is very similar.
To apply in person, you can visit a participating Alberta registry office. To file your application, you must bring your three original documents and the completed application form. Photocopies will not be accepted when you apply in person. To find the nearest participating Alberta registry office near you, click here.
Applying by mail is slightly different than applying in person. You will still need your application form and your three documents. However, you are not required to send in the original version of your documents. Therefore, you will have to get photocopies of your three original documents to mail to the AHCIP office.
Keep in mind that it might take longer to process your application if you send it in by mail. If you can, it is better to apply in person. That way, there is less room for error and you can start using AHCIP right away.
If you have recently arrived in Ontario, an important first step is to apply for your Ontario Health Card. Canada is known throughout the world for its easy-to-access universal health care. Free health care is a source of pride for Canadians. Since health care is a provincial responsibility, each province has a slightly different approach to providing free, universal health care. In this article, we look at Ontario’s health care system and the requirements for the Ontario health card application process.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) provides free basic health care services to Ontario residents. To access free health care in Ontario, you must apply for an OHIP health card. OHIP will cover appointments with your family doctor, visits to walk-in clinics, and regular eye check-ups, to name some of the services.
Before you submit your Ontario health card application, make sure that you meet the three basic eligibility requirements AND at least one of the additional requirements.
To meet basic requirements, you must:
Additional requirements:
You must also meet at least one of these additional requirements. For example, you are:
If you meet all the requirements you are eligible to apply for OHIP. Now comes the question, how exactly do you apply for OHIP to get your Ontario health card? Let’s go through the Ontario health card application process, starting with what you need to apply.
You can apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive in Ontario.
Arriving with an action plan for your first weeks in Canada can save you time and money. The quicker you settle into your new environment the faster you’ll feel at home! In this webinar, Your First Weeks in Canada, we discuss the important things to do to manage your first weeks efficiently.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARTo apply for an Ontario health card, you can visit the nearest ServiceOntario location. You must present the following three documents:
Note: All documents that you bring with you must be original documents. Service Ontario Centers usually don’t accept photocopies. To be safe, click here to find what documents will be accepted as your three proofs.
Once you have your three documents, what is the next step? You have to apply for OHIP in person. To apply for OHIP, you will have to visit a ServiceOntario Center. Almost every municipality in Ontario has a ServiceOntario. Click here to find the nearest ServiceOntario location.
At a ServiceOntario center, you will complete some forms before you can submit your health card application. After that is out of the way, you will meet with a ServiceOntario employee and present your three documents along with any forms. The employee will go through your documents and take a photo of you to go on your health card.
Once you have cleared everything, you will get a receipt that tells you when your OHIP coverage begins. Since Ontario has a waiting time on health cards, your coverage won’t begin right away. Once your OHIP coverage begins, your Ontario health card will be mailed out to you. It’s as simple as that!
The biggest question newcomers have about Ontario’s health card is what exactly can you use it for? OHIP covers a wide range of medical services but not everything is included. In this section, you will get a clearer sense of what your Ontario health card will cover.
It is a common practice to get a family doctor in Ontario. OHIP covers visits to a family doctor. A family doctor is the first doctor you make an appointment with when you have a health concern that isn’t an emergency. To search for a family doctor, click here.
If you need to stay at the hospital, OHIP covers doctor and nursing services, medical tests, medications while you’re in the hospital, accommodation, and meals. However, if you want a private or semi-private room, you pay some or all of the fees or through private travel medical health insurance.
OHIP covers dental surgeries that take place in a hospital. Dental surgeries can be complicated and often cannot be performed at your dentist’s office. OHIP covers you if you go to the hospital for dental surgery.
OHIP covers annual eye check-ups for residents aged 19 years and younger or 65 years and older. If you are between 20 and 64, you will only get OHIP coverage if you have a medical condition affecting your eyes. You will also get OHIP coverage if your family doctor refers you for an eye check-up.
If you live in Northern Ontario, OHIP might cover travel costs to a health facility. Since the northern areas of Ontario are farther from medical services, the government helps residents pay for healthcare-related transportation. If you live near the following areas, you might get OHIP coverage for transportation:
These are just some of the basic services that OHIP covers. To get a more in-depth understanding of what your Ontario health card will cover for you, click here.
As a newcomer, it is natural to have questions about OHIP and health cards. Let’s look into some common questions newcomers have about their Ontario health cards.
The short answer is yes, OHIP will cover you outside of Ontario. The level of coverage depends on where you are though. If you travel to another province in Canada, you will get almost the same coverage you would get in Ontario. Quebec is a little different so you might have to pay some extra fees even with OHIP.
If you are travelling outside of Canada, OHIP doesn’t become completely useless. You might still get some coverage from OHIP, especially if you travel to the United States. However, the coverage will be minimal and you will have to pay mostly by yourself. In this case, it’s wise to purchase private travel insurance. With a Canada travel health insurance plan, you avoid situations that could result in significant medical expenses if an illness or accident occurs.
If you lose your Ontario health card, the first thing to do is call ServiceOntario to report it lost. By doing this, your lost card will immediately be disabled and you will be sent a new card right away. However, If there are any information changes on your card, such as address change, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario center.
When you think of Canada, snow, ice hockey, and maple syrup probably come to mind. While those things are Canadian to the core, one part of Canada that most people overlook is the TV shows. Canada has some of the best TV shows out there. Fans from across the world enjoy watching Canadian TV shows. No matter what type of show you want to find, Canada has something for you. From older Western shows to sitcoms, here are a few that capture life in Canada.
L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is one of the iconic Canadian books. It is no surprise that since the book was published in 1908, multiple film adaptations have popped up. Many adaptations have captured the heart-warming tale entertainingly while staying true to the novel.
However, there is one adaptation that stands out. The 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables has captured the hearts of millions of Canadians and is cherished by fans around the world. It perfectly captures life in Prince Edward Island during the early 1900s.
The TV show is about the life of a 12-year-old orphan named Anne who is adopted by two elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla. The ageing siblings wanted a young boy to help out on their farm, but instead received a girl, Anne. Marill and Matthew did not welcome Anne at first because she wasn’t a boy. However, she manages to win the hearts of her adoptive guardians and eventually the people of her town, Avonlea.
The series is available on a streaming service called GazeboTV. Another option is to check out your local public library. Since it is such a popular show, you will likely find the title in your local library.
The Canadian TV show, “Frontier”, brings attention to a part of Canadian history that is usually overlooked. The show brings the audience back to the North American fur trade and the powerful Hudson’s Bay Company. It follows the thrilling adventures of the rebellious Declan Harp. Declan Harp was an employee at the Hudson’s Bay Company before he became an outlaw.
Join Declan as he undertakes his quest for revenge against the very company he used to work for. All three seasons of Frontier are available on Netflix. The show has some violence in it, so it is ages 16+. Click here to access the trailer for the show
Heartland is another show that is based on a book. This Canadian TV show takes place near the Rocky Mountains of Alberta in Heartland Ranch. It follows the teenage protagonist, Amy Fleming, and her family, who run the ranch. After Amy’s mother passes away, it is up to Amy and her sister to revive the bankrupt family ranch.
This show gives a good insight into life in the Alberta countryside. The show is full of scenic shots that cover the wide expanse of the Rocky Mountain Foothills. Heartland offers a view of country life and an interesting storyline that is easy to follow.
Heartland is available to watch on Netflix. If you do not have a Netflix subscription, you can also watch all 15 episodes on CBC Gem for free. Click here to access the complete series for free. Check out the trailer here.
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Kim’s Convenience is a great sitcom that touches upon some of the amazing things about Canada. This Canadian TV show is about a Korean family that immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, and opened a convenience store. Kim’s Convenience combines comedy with real-life elements that make the show fun, engaging, and entertaining.
The show gives the audience a look into another culture and shows how different and at the same time, how similar Canadian families can be. Fans from diverse backgrounds can relate to the dynamics of a family that happens to be Korean-Canadian.
You can watch Kim’s Convenience for free on CBC Gem by clicking here. You can also watch the show on Netflix or Prime Video with a subscription. Check out this video to get a flavour of this Canadian TV show.
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Another great Canadian TV sitcom is Schitt’s Creek. The show follows a once-wealthy family that went completely broke. The only asset the Roses could keep was a small town of Schitt’s Creek. The Roses had bought the town as a joke, but now they had no choice but to move into it, leaving behind life as they knew it.
Join the Roses as they struggle to adapt to their new modest lives with their two spoiled children.
CBC Gem also offers Schitt’s Creek to watch for free. You can access the show for free by clicking here. You can also watch the show on Netflix and Prime Video with a subscription to those streaming services. If you would like to watch the trailer first, you can also do that by clicking here.
Whether you want to get a glimpse of life in Canada, learn about cultural and historical aspects, or just be entertained, these Canadian TV shows cover it all.
It is always a good idea to be careful when shopping online. Scammers can be waiting to trick you out of your money in even the most unexpected of places. This is especially true for the holiday season. November and December see some of the biggest sales volumes every year. While you might find some great deals online this time of year, scammers are also busy trying to cheat you out of your money. Newcomers unfamiliar with these scams can easily fall prey. Here are some common online holiday season scams and how to avoid them.
While shopping online, you might come across a great product. The product looks attractive in the pictures and the price is way below what you expect the price should be. If this is the case, the product is probably a scam. Scammers will buy cheap, illegitimate products that imitate recognized brands from a supplier. These products pose a threat to your health and safety and are produced with no care for regular consumers. They are then sold online as authentic products to turn a bigger profit.
It is easy to fall for this scam because of the way it is set up. These fake goods will be priced in a way that makes them stand out. However, they usually aren’t cheap enough to make them look suspicious. Many people make the mistake of trusting the product just because the price is reasonable. With the right information and a cautious approach, it is possible to spot and avoid buying counterfeit goods online.
Before you hit the checkout button, it is a good idea to research the seller. The best way to avoid buying counterfeit products is to buy from the company that produces them. For example, if you are buying an iPhone charger online on Amazon, there is a good chance that the charger is counterfeit. To make sure you get an authentic iPhone charger, your best bet is to buy from the Apple online store.
Of course, not all third-party sellers online sell counterfeit goods. Some independent third-party sellers do sell authentic products online. The best way to find the difference between counterfeit and authentic items is to look at the price. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
If you find a product online that looks suspicious and you think it might be a fake, you can report it. To learn how to report a counterfeit product, visit this Canadian Anti-Fraud Center page.
The internet is filled with fake websites that claim to sell authentic products. Shopping from these sites results in receiving low-quality products or sometimes, not even receiving anything at all.
A good way to identify a fake website is by looking at the URL of the page you are on. The domain name of the website will almost always be the same as the brand name. If you are looking to buy an iPhone charger from Apple, the domain name should be apple.com. If it is not, you are most likely browsing on a fake website that sells counterfeit apple products.
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One of the best parts of the Canadian holiday season is the exchange of gifts. Canadians like to send gifts to their friends and family during this time of year. Sadly, scammers have found a way to cheat you out of your money here as well.
In recent years, the practice of buying gift cards online during the holiday season has become common. Gift cards are fast and convenient but also allow you to show a thoughtful gesture to your loved ones. While gift cards are great, it is a good idea to be careful when shopping for gift cards online. Many online gift card vendors are fakes. This means that the gift cards you buy from them will be drained of value and will have no money left in them.
The best and easiest way to avoid this scam is to buy gift cards directly from the company. For example, if you want to buy an online gift card from Best Buy, the best place to do that would be through the Best Buy website. While some outside sources might sell valid gift cards for Best Buy, it is best to play it safe.
Another scam that revolves around holiday gifts is fake online cards. Since the pandemic, many aspects of our lives shifted online. Things like online learning and shopping were common before the pandemic. During the pandemic, we had to find new ways to celebrate the holiday season. So many people will send online cards. However, the card you receive can be from a scammer.
The purpose of these fake cards is to introduce harmful malware such as spyware and ransomware into your device. Scammers can then steal your personal information or lock down your computer to make you pay a ransom. Either way, this is something you want to avoid. The best and simplest way to do that is to be careful when you open any cards. If you do not recognize the person who sent the card, you should think twice before opening it.
You also need to look out for prices that are too high for the product you want to buy. Scammers will target people that do not know the market price of a product to turn a bigger profit. Even though many people wouldn’t consider this a scam, it’s a very real way for scammers to cheat you out of your money.
This is probably the easiest scam to avoid as you just have to know the market price for that product. If you want to buy an iPhone charger, do some research on how much they sell for. That way, you will know whether or not the seller is pricing the charger too high. Knowing the market price will also tell you if the charger is too cheap, which could suggest that the charger is a counterfeit product.
This overview of online shopping scams gives you an idea of what techniques scammers use against you. There are countless other scams you will find during the holiday season and they cannot all be covered in a single article. The best way to avoid any scam online is to be cautious of what you are about to click. As long as you know what you are doing on the internet, online holiday season scams will become easy to spot and avoid.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
The PR process in Canada is designed to help immigrants come to the country as easily as possible. Immigrating to Canada is not hard if you understand the Permanent Residence, or PR process in Canada and how to apply. How your Canadian journey will unfold depends greatly on how you decide to pursue your PR in Canada. In this article, you’ll learn about the PR process and how to apply for Canada’s PR status.
The Canadian government can give Permanent Residence status to someone who is not a Canadian citizen. As a PR, it means that you have the right to live and work in Canada for as long as you wish. And, once you have your PR, it cannot be taken away from you unless you commit a serious crime. As long as you follow all the laws, you will be eligible to renew your PR when it expires.
There are many benefits when you obtain PR status. For instance, you’ll have access to Canada’s healthcare system and Canadian government benefits for immigrants and residents. Some of these services include access to free healthcare, and permission to live, work, or visit any part of Canada.
The Canadian government currently has over 80 ways to immigrate to Canada! Each of these pathways is designed for specific groups of people. Below is an overview of the most common ways to apply for Canada PR and follow the PR process in Canada.
Express Entry is an online immigration system used to manage any applications under the:
You can apply for PR through Express Entry if you meet the criteria for any of these programs.
In simple words, Express Entry is a system used to get skilled workers to Canada. These workers could already be living in Canada on a work permit or they could be skilled workers from another country. Each of the programs under Express Entry has its own criteria. You can learn more about the minimum requirements for each Express Entry program by clicking here.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARIf you meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry, you will be put into a pool with thousands of other candidates from around the world. At this point, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Your CRS score considers factors such as:
Your CRS score can be anywhere between 0 and 1200. A minimum CRS score will vary from time to time but anywhere above 500 is usually a good score.
The minimum CRS scores fluctuate because you are ranked against other candidates in the Express Entry Pool. You will be invited to apply for PR only if you score higher than most other candidates. So, some people don’t like the Express Entry system because it is highly competitive.
You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you rank about the cut-off. Once you get your ITA, you are eligible to apply for a PR in Canada. If you rank below the cut-off, you need to improve your CRS score. Some ways to increase your score include:
Another way to boost your CRS score is through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
If you fall below the CRS score cut-off in the Express Entry Pool and don’t receive an ITA, you could apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in Canada.
The PNP allows provinces to nominate certain people in the express entry pool to immigrate to their province. The nominees will get their PR but once they immigrate to Canada, they can only land in the province that nominated them. Furthermore, they must live in that province for a period, usually two years.
If you get nominated by a province through PNP, you get an additional 600 points added to your Express Entry Profile. This guarantees that you will receive an ITA for permanent residency in Canada. Using this PR process in Canada is a great way to boost your CRS score.
Each province has its PNP. For example, Alberta’s PNP program is called the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP). However, Quebec does not have a PNP. Quebec has its own requirements for immigrants who want to settle in Quebec.
When you look to immigrate through PNP, you have to stay alert. PNPs are not always open for every province. Rather, they open periodically. You will have to stay on the lookout with your application prepared so that once the PNP for your preferred province opens, you can apply right away.
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Canada’s family sponsorship program is a program to unite family members. If you have a spouse, children, parents, or grandparents living outside of Canada, you can bring them to Canada through the Family Sponsorship program.
You are eligible to sponsor a family member if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident above the age of 18. If you sponsor a family member, you agree to pay for all their expenses for a certain period. If you follow this PR process in Canada, you’ll have to show proof of funds before you can sponsor a family member.
Once you sponsor your family, they will earn PR status and are free to live and work in Canada.
The Atlantic Immigrant Pilot Program (AIPP) addresses labour shortages and attract workers to the four maritime provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. So far, the program has done just that, and it has been a huge success.
There are three programs that fall under the AIPP including the Atlantic:
Eligibility for each of these programs revolves mostly around education, work experience, and language ability. For the AHSP and AISP programs, you will also need a Confirmation of Designation letter from your employer. This letter indicates that the employer meets the requirements to hire you. This is different from a work permit because the employer doesn’t need to pay any fees and you do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
To learn more about these programs and whether or not you are eligible for each one, click here.
The AIPP is one of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada. There are few requirements and there is no competitive pool where candidates are ranked against each other. All you need is a job offer from an employer in one of the four provinces and meet the minimum program requirements. If you meet the requirements, you are eligible to follow this PR process and immigrate through AIPP.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada, it’s important to understand the PR process in Canada and how to apply. With this knowledge, you can choose the best option and start your promising Canadian immigration journey.
For newcomers, it’s not uncommon to face an uncertain financial situation in your first few years. An emergency fund can help you meet unexpected costs, manage expenses while searching for employment, or stay afloat if you face a job loss. Unexpected expenses can arise at any time, anywhere to anyone. Those who are prepared will walk out without bearing too much harm to their financial health. A good way to make sure you can survive a financial crisis is to save money for an emergency fund. This article covers the different types of emergency funds and how you can save money for each fund.
An emergency fund is a pool of cash that is set aside to be used in the case of an emergency. It should be stored completely away from your checking/saving accounts to ensure that you are not tempted to use it for daily expenses.
The purpose of an emergency fund is to keep you financially secure. When an unexpected expense arrives or you lose your job, this fund will help you cover expenses. Your fund could be used for emergencies such as:
That is why it is important to have at least three to six months of living expenses in your emergency fund. This type of fund is called a traditional emergency fund. However, it is not the only type of emergency fund that will help you.
Emergency funds are a very important asset to have because they can help you get through a financial crisis without bringing much harm to your financial health. Even so, a traditional emergency fund can take years of saving money to build. Fortunately, there are many types of emergency funds, some of which are easier to save money for. Let’s take a look at three different types of funds:
1. A traditional emergency fund
2. Stash of Cash (having cash on hand)
3. Passive income.
A traditional emergency fund is the biggest fund on this list. Because of this, it can take years to save up money to build a traditional emergency fund. Generally, a traditional emergency fund should cover three to six months of your income. This means that if you lose your job, you will have enough money in your emergency fund to pay all the bills for several months.
A traditional emergency fund can also be used for things such as health emergencies, auto and home repairs, and any essential need that requires a large amount of money immediately.
A stash of cash isn’t a big emergency fund and it is easy to save up money for one. This type of emergency fund can come in handy during a natural disaster or a power outage. Basically, you need cash in any situation when you can’t withdraw money from an ATM. Your stash of cash could be anywhere between $500 to $1500. It should be enough to pay your expenses for a week when an ATM is inaccessible.
The biggest concern about keeping money at home is safety. Some argue that it is unsafe to have that much money in your home. This challenge can be overcome by hiding that money in a place that is easily accessible, but hard to find. Just make sure it is nothing too obvious like a money pouch or a wallet.
Most burglaries happen very quickly so hiding your stash of cash in a good place is enough to keep your money hidden. If you are still concerned about safety, you can buy a money safe or locker to hide your money.
This third type of emergency fund isn’t even a fund at all. However, during a financial crisis, passive income can prove to be very beneficial. This strategy is also used by countries to avoid a nationwide financial crisis. The main idea here is to diversify your income. Here is how it works:
Most of us have one job that we rely on to pay all of our expenses. But what if you lost that job? How will you pay the bills? To avoid this, you can diversify your income. Simply put, you should find other ways to make money so that you will still have a flow of income that you can rely on to pay the bills if you lose your main job.
You can make passive income in many ways. Some common ways to make passive income are:
These are just a few ways to make passive income. There are countless other ways you can make extra money. You can also be a little creative and think of your own way to make money on the side. Overall, your objective should be to diversify your income source so that you can rely on other sources of income during a financial crisis.
Even when there is no emergency, passive income will help you save for your emergency fund and overall, have a higher household income. This will not only help you be financially secure but it will also help you grow financially.
When you first move to Canada, it is very likely that you will have a rental house or apartment before you buy a home. Renting a house has many benefits over owning one, especially for newcomers. Not only is renting a home cheaper but it also gives you the flexibility to move to another area. Renting your first home in Canada will also allow you to find the best locations in the city before buying a house.
Even if you don’t own the home, treat a rental like it’s your home to create a happy and pleasant oasis. These maintenance tips will help you keep your rental in top condition. And your landlord plays a key role. A great landlord will ensure that you get any repair or maintenance jobs done quickly. Understanding who is responsible for specific maintenance activities can help you to work together and avoid conflict.
While you are renting, it’s important to keep your home in a liveable condition. While you may not own the rental, you want to make it a pleasant environment. So it’s important to work together with your landlord to keep your rental house in a safe, clean, and liveable condition. Remember, the landlord cares about your rental home as much as you do. So it’s in the best interest of both you and the landlord to maintain it well. This will also serve to build a good relationship with your landlord! And a glowing reference from a landlord about how well you take care of their property can be helpful if you move to another rental house in the future.
Keeping your rental house or apartment in good shape requires the full involvement of both you and your landlord. Your landlord is responsible for keeping your rental home in good shape but they cannot do that without your help. For example, if you notice a leak in the ceiling or the washing machine stops working, it is a good idea to contact the landlord right away. Your landlord will come within a few days at an agreed time to fix the issue. Small repairs can become very expensive problems if not resolved quickly. So your landlord will appreciate you reporting issues early!
There is a good chance your landlord knows the rental home better than you do. They might have renovated it or even lived in it in the past. Because of this, it is a good idea to allow the landlord to come for regular home inspections. Your landlord might see a major fault that you missed such as poor drainage that could cause your walls to rot. These faults can easily be avoided ahead of time if spotted and there is a high chance your landlord will spot one of these faults during an inspection.
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It is also important to know the responsibilities of your landlord. Knowing this will make sure that the relationship between you and your landlord remains equal and cannot be exploited. Your landlord is responsible for maintaining your rental home and making sure it remains in a good, liveable condition. This includes making sure that the rental meets municipal standards and has no faults such as plumbing leaks or appliance breakdowns. Your landlord is responsible for completing maintenance jobs as soon as they arise.
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Another responsibility your landlord has is repairing or replacing any appliances that came with the rental home. However, you may have to pay for the cost of repairing any appliances if you or your guests caused the damage. Or if you rent a furnished home or apartment you are responsible for any damage to the contents. For example, if you break a table that came with the rental home, you will be responsible for fixing or replacing it. However, if the repairs are due to normal wear and tear, the landlord will cover them.
The landlord is also responsible for any heating, plumbing or electricity repairs in your rental home. Utilities, such as water, electricity, and internet may or may not be covered by your landlord. This is something that you will discuss with your landlord before you move into your rental home. These details will also be outlined in your rental house lease agreement.
Keep in mind that most municipalities have by-laws that set minimum standards that landlords must meet related to utilities. So be sure to visit your municipality’s website to learn more.
Your landlord may ask you to enter your rental home or apartment from time to time to inspect its condition or do repair jobs. And as long as they inform you ahead of time, you must legally allow your landlord to enter. However, they must tell you ahead of time, when and why they will be coming. If the timing doesn’t work for you, you can ask to arrange another time.
If you experience an emergency, for example, water starts leaking through your ceiling or roof, or your furnace breaks down in the winter, contact your landlord immediately. Leave a message and note the date and time of your call if you’re unable to reach your landlord. However, if repairs must be performed immediately to protect your health and safety or to prevent property damage, you may be able to authorize the repair work yourself. In this case, be sure to keep all documentation related to the repair and ask the repair company to bill your landlord directly. Or, if you pay any bills, keep track of your expenses so that your landlord can reimburse you.
There are laws concerning tenant rights and giving tenants the freedom to enjoy their rental house without the landlord interfering. However, your landlord does have the right to enter your rental to inspect or do repairs. Each province has its own slightly different laws but the idea is the same. As long as your landlord gives you a 24-hour notice before coming, they can enter your rental.
And really, even if the law didn’t support it, there is no reason to deny entry to your landlord as long as they have a valid reason. Your landlord wouldn’t want to harm your home. After all, even if your landlord isn’t living in your rental home, they still legally own it.
Learn more about your rights as a new renter. For more helpful information about rental housing, be sure to check out Rentals for Newcomers.
There are times when your landlord may need to access your rental house. Here are two common reasons and what it means for you, the renter.
A conscientious landlord will conduct home inspections once or twice a year. There could be major faults in your rental house that you do not identify. There is a good chance that your landlord will find one of these faults and arrange a time with you to come fix it.
The most common reason your landlord will want to enter your rental home is for general repairs and maintenance. This could be anything from replacing an outdated appliance to fixing a clogged drain. As mentioned above, the landlord will complete most maintenance jobs. However, some maintenance responsibilities may fall to you as the tenant. To learn more about how maintenance responsibilities are shared in Ontario, click here. Keep in mind that each province has its own rules and regulations regarding laws on maintenance responsibilities. However, most provinces have many common tenant/ landlord laws.
There are laws concerning tenant rights and giving tenants the freedom to enjoy their rental house without the landlord interfering. However, your landlord does have the right to enter your rental to inspect or do repairs. Each province has its own slightly different laws but the idea is the same. As long as your landlord gives you a 24-hour notice before coming, they can enter your rental.
And really, even if the law didn’t support it, there is no reason to deny entry to your landlord as long as they have a valid reason. Your landlord wouldn’t want to harm your home. After all, even if your landlord isn’t living in your rental home, they still legally own it.
Learn more about your rights as a new renter.
Keeping your rental in top living condition will ensure that you are safe, secure, and comfortable. And working with your landlord to achieve this goal will provide benefits for both you and your landlord!
For more information, tools, and free webinars about rental housing in Canada, be sure to visit Rentals for Newcomers.
For newcomers arriving in Edmonton getting to know the public transit system may seem overwhelming. But once you become familiar with the transit system, you’ll be able to get around the city quickly and cost-effectively. When arriving in any new city in Canada, it’s important to have a quick, reliable and cost-efficient way to get around. If you are moving to Edmonton, public transport is one of the best ways to get from one place to another. Edmonton has an extensive transport system that can quickly get you from one place to another within the city. And, it is much more affordable than owning and maintaining a new car.
Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates both buses and a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Edmonton’s LRT is not the most extensive, but it can cover long distances in a short period of time. Buses are more extensive but they aren’t as fast as LRT trains. The LRT train service combined with the bus system provides a quick and extensive system to meet all your transportation needs.
There are many benefits to using the ETS over owning a car. Not only is public transport cheaper than owning a car but it is also more environmentally friendly. Since a single public transport vehicle can carry more people than a car, using public transport will help you lower your carbon footprint. This means that you, as an individual, will be limiting the amount of harmful gasses that are released into the environment. As well, using public transport will also save you on car-related costs such as fuel and maintenance. For newcomers, this is helpful because managing your expenses is critical during your first few months in Canada while you search for a job.
Let’s take a look at both the bus system and the LRT system in Edmonton and how each mode of public transit will help you get around quickly and cost-effectively.
Edmonton was the first Canadian city to build an LRT system with a population of less than 1 million. The LRT is also one of the fastest ways to get around Edmonton. With 18 stations spread out over two train lines, the LRT system provides the backbone for Edmonton’s transit system.
The first of the two LRT lines is the Capital Line. The Capital line connects northeast Edmonton to the south. It consists of 15 stations and 21 km of track, making it bigger than the other LRT line. The second LRT line is called the Metro Line, consisting of 14 stations. The Metro Line and the Capital line both share stations and tracks so the numbers don’t perfectly add up.
Edmonton has big plans for its LRT system. It plans to expand its LRT system to all sectors of the city by 2040. To achieve this goal, there are currently many projects in the planning and construction stage. To learn about the four major projects concerning Edmonton’s LRT, click here. Here is a brief explanation of each one below.
The first two projects Edmonton is working on both concern the new Valley Line. Once it is finished, the Valley line will connect Millwoods, in southeast Edmonton, to Lewis Farms, in west Edmonton. The Valley Line is divided into two sections, with downtown Edmonton being the divider. The Valley Line will add 27 km of track and 28 new stations to Edmonton’s public transport system once it is finished. The first section of the Valley Line, which connects Millwoods to downtown, is almost finished. The second section, which will connect downtown to Lewis Farms, is expected to open by 2026 or 2027.
The other two projects are both expansions of the existing two lines. Edmonton is currently working on expanding both the Capital Line and the Metro Line to better serve the transportation needs of Edmontonians. The Capital Line will extend towards the south and the Metro Line will expand northwest.
Once these projects are complete, Edmonton is going to have a modern and extensive LRT system that connects all parts of the city. But even then, Edmonton’s buses will not lose popularity. Let’s take a look at Edmonton’s bus system and when you should use it over the LRT system.
Buses are the main mode of public transit in Edmonton. No matter where you live in Edmonton, there will be a bus stop nearby. Most likely, you will have multiple bus stops within a five-minute walk. If you are unsure, you can always open Google Maps and search, “bus stop”, for a map of all the bus stops near you.
Edmonton’s public transport has one of the best bus networks in Canada. With 191 routes and 7456 bus stops, you can get anywhere in Edmonton by using the bus. Keep in mind that you might have to transfer to another bus if your destination is on the other side of the city. However, there is no need to worry as you won’t have to pay extra for a transfer and buses run often.
The bus network, combined with the LRT system makes Edmonton’s public transport an ideal way to get around the city. Public transport is also a very cost-effective option. Let’s take a look at the ETS fare system.
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The fare system for Edmonton’s public transport is made to be simple and easy to understand for all riders. To access Edmonton’s full guide on its fare system click here. Below is an overview of fare pricing for public transit in Edmonton. Keep in mind that fare prices are the same for both buses and LRT.
| SINGLE FARE | BOOK OF 10 TICKETS | MONTHLY PASS | |
| Youth* (12 – 24) | $3.50 | $19.75 | $73.00 |
| Adult (25 – 64) | $3.50 | $27.75 | $100.00 |
| Senior (65+) | $3.50 | $19.75 | $35.00** |
*Children under 12 ride free when they travel with a youth, adult or senior. If not, then children must also pay the regular fare of $3.50.
**Some seniors may also qualify for discounted or even free annual passes. To learn more about Senior ETS passes, click here.
As you can see, the regular fare for youth, adults and seniors is the same. However, if you buy a book of 10 tickets, you will get a discount for each ride. You may be wondering, where do I get a ticket book?
Ticket books are available at many locations. You can buy them at:
Ticket Vending Machines are located at all LRT stations. ETS sales outlets are any retailers that sell ETS fare products. 7-eleven and Safeway are examples of ETS sales outlets. The ETS online store is another great place to buy ETS fare products. ETS fare products not only include ticket books but also monthly passes for youth, seniors, and adults.
TIP: You can also get a monthly pass for Edmonton’s public transit system. A monthly pass is a great option to help you save money if you plan to use public transit regularly.
ETS is currently working on a new way to pay for public transit fares. The Arc Card is an automated fare smart card that can be used to pay for your fare. As of August 2021, the Arc Card is in its first phase of the rollout. Once the third phase is complete sometime in 2022, everyone will be able to use the Arc Card to pay their fare.
The Arc system is based completely online, meaning if you lose your registered Arc Card, you can transfer your account balance to a new card.- Once the Arc Card has been fully released in Edmonton, you will be able to get one at any Arc Card vending machine in the city. Arc Card vending machines will be available at every LRT station throughout the city. As the Arc Card is getting released, ETS will also start making Arc Cards available at other locations as well.
Using an Arc Card will allow riders to contribute to a monthly or daily cap. The monthly cap for an adult rider using the Arc Card is $100. This means that once you have $100 worth of fares using the Arc Card, you can ride the ETS for free for the remainder of the month. It is sort of like a monthly pass, except you only pay when you ride. This system is designed to reward frequent ETS riders and encourage them to use the Arc Card. Click here for Edmonton Transit fares and passes.
Keep in mind that Arc is a new project and many things are subject to change. ETS has not released an Arc Card for seniors or youth yet so all the numbers have not been set. By the time Arc is released in 2022, all ETS riders will be able to get an Arc Card. As of now, it is clear that Edmonton is introducing this new electronic fare system to make fare payment easier and help frequent riders save money on transportation.
Using Edmonton’s public transit system is a great way to get around the city. From expanding LRT routes to introducing the Arc Card, Edmonton is currently working on many ways to improve its transit system. In the future, you can expect to see an even more modern and well-connected public transport system throughout the city. This can provide the convenience and cost-savings that can help you when you arrive in Edmonton.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
Calgary is an eco-friendly city and its public transport system is no exception. One of the greenest and most convenient ways of getting around the city is Calgary’s public transport system. For newcomers, it’s helpful to get familiar with the public transport system so you can use it to get around and reduce your expenses. This guide provides an overview of how public transport works in Calgary and how you can use it.
Calgary has a simple, yet thorough public transport system that is owned and operated by the city of Calgary and managed by Calgary Transit. Its public transport is made up of mostly buses and a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system called the CTrain. Together, this simple and convenient transport system will serve all of your transportation needs in Calgary. Calgary’s public transport system is managed by
Calgary’s CTrain is one of the fastest ways to get around the city, reaching up to speeds of 80 km/h. The CTrain is an LRT which is a modern type of rail transit that runs on electricity. There are two CTrain lines in Calgary called the Red Line and the Blue Line. Because of its speed and reliability, the CTrain is usually the better option over buses whenever you can use it.
The Red Line is the first and largest CTrain line in Calgary. It runs from the northwest quadrant of Calgary, through downtown and ends at the south side of Calgary. The Blue Line is the second of the two lines. It runs from the northeastern quadrant of the city, through downtown, and ends at the western side of Calgary.
Together, these two lines provide the backbone for Calgary’s public transport system. The CTrain is a fast and reliable way to get around the city, with trains running every 15-30 minutes. The CTrain operates from around 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Generally, trains run longer on the south side of Calgary, as the south side is usually busier. Click here to access the full map of CTrain routes and stations, as well as maps for every individual CTrain station.
There is currently a third CTrain line under construction, called the Green Line. Once it is finished, the Green Line will run from the north side of Calgary to the southeastern quadrant. The Green Line will have 29 stations that are spread out over 46 kilometres of track, making it the biggest of the three lines. The first stage of construction, which consists of only the first 15 stations is expected to be completed in 2027. To learn more about the Green Line LRT project, click here.
One of the downsides of the CTrain system in Calgary is that it is not very extensive. Even with the completion of the Green Line, the CTrain will still not serve all your transportation needs by itself. So to get to places where the CTrain doesn’t go, you will need to use the bus.
Calgary’s bus system runs on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Buses are a more extensive mode of public transport compared to the CTrain. And wherever the CTrain doesn’t go, buses will. With over 169 bus routes and 6000 bus stops, you can go almost anywhere in Calgary by using the bus. The operating times for buses depend on the specific bus and which route it runs on. Generally, most buses run every 20 minutes.
Buses are an ideal form of transportation if you need to travel to a place where the CTrain doesn’t go in Calgary. If you are travelling from one side of Calgary to another, a combination of both bus and CTrain routes is usually the fastest way to get to your destination.
Calgary Transit has a helpful tool that will tell you all the timings for each bus route. This tool will also give you directions on what bus to take if you put in your starting location and destination. If you are planning to use Calgary’s bus system in the future, make sure to check it out by clicking here.
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Calgary has a simple and easy-to-understand fare system for its public transport. The fare prices make public transport a much cheaper alternative to owning a car. Let’s take a look at the fare system for Calgary’s public transport below:
Adult Fare (18+) – $3.50
Youth Fare (6-17) – $2.40
Children aged five or under can ride free on Calgary Transit.
These are the basic fare prices you must pay every time you ride on the CTrain and the bus. Once you have paid for your fare, your ticket will be valid for 90 minutes. This allows you to transfer buses and trains for free, as long as the transfer happens within 90 minutes of purchasing your ticket.
Make sure you have a full plan of what buses and trains you need to take to get to your destination. If you have to transfer from the CTrain to a bus or vice-versa, you will need to ask for a transfer from your bus driver or hold on to your CTrain ticket.
The most common way to pay for your fare is by cash. Another convenient way to pay your fare is by using the My Fare app. My Fare is a mobile app that you can use to buy tickets for your upcoming ride. The process is fast and reliable and it saves you from carrying change to pay your fare. You can also buy monthly or day passes from the My Fare app. Here is a guide by Calgary Transit to help you get set up with the My Fare app.
You can also buy tickets and passes from Calgary Transit’s online store. The online store also sells ticket books. You can buy a book of 25 tickets or 10 tickets for both adults and youth. Click here to access Calgary Transit’s online store.
Calgary Transit also has day and monthly passes. A monthly pass is valid until the end of the calendar month and a day pass is valid until the end of service that day. Here are the prices for monthly and daily passes for Calgary’s public transport:
Adult (18+) Day Pass – $11
Youth (6-17) Day Pass – $8
Adult (18+) Monthly Pass – $109
Youth (6-17) Monthly Pass – $79
If you plan on using Calgary’s public transport daily, it’s a good idea to get a monthly pass. Paying for a ticket each time you ride can start to add up if you ride often and monthly passes are a good way to reduce costs. Daily passes are good for visitors or anyone who is planning on using Calgary’s public transport more than three times that day.
Calgary has some of the best urban parks and pathways in Canada. Along with good bike infrastructure, this makes Calgary a bike-friendly city. If you prefer to bike rather than use public transport, Calgary is a great place for cyclists.
Calgary has an amazing public transport system that thousands of Calgarians take advantage of each day. Not only is using Calgary’s public transport cost-effective, but it also helps the environment. The LRT combined with Calgary’s thorough bus system is a quick and reliable way to get around the city. Together, these two modes of transportation will help you find your way around Calgary while making Calgary a truly green city.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
Public transit is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around Metro Vancouver. Whether you have just moved to Metro Vancouver or you are visiting there, you will probably have to rely on public transit to get around. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about Vancouver’s transit system and how to use it to get around Metro Vancouver quickly and cost-effectively.
Vancouver’s public transit system is managed by TransLink, the company that looks over Metro Vancouver’s transportation network. Vancouver Metropolitan Area, or simply Metro Vancouver is a group of municipalities that include the city of Vancouver and its surrounding cities such as Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond.
There are 4 transit systems in Metro Vancouver. You will only need to use the first three to get around Metro Vancouver. The fourth is a commuter railway that connects Metro Vancouver with nearby towns and cities:
Let’s explore each of these systems below.
SkyTrain is Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit system. Launched in December of 1985, the SkyTrain system has helped Vancouverites and visitors get around the city quickly and efficiently. At an average speed of 35 km/h, the SkyTrain is a convenient way to meet your transportation needs in Metro Vancouver.
SkyTrain uses automated trains that run on both underground and elevated tracks throughout the city. Since it mostly runs on elevated tracks, the transit system was named SkyTrain.
Buses are the most common way of using public transit in Canadian cities. The SkyTrain system along with buses is enough to serve most of your transportation needs around the Metro Vancouver area. Buses run through neighbourhoods at frequent timings from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
Buses connect different parts of the city to major destinations and SkyTrain stations. You can get almost anywhere in Metro Vancouver by using buses. However, the longer the distance, the more buses you will probably have to change, resulting in longer travel times. If you plan on using public transit often, you can open Google Maps and look at the best routes to get to your destination. Oftentimes, the best way to get to your destination could be by using both SkyTrain and the bus.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARVancouver’s SeaBus is a ferry service that connects the city of Vancouver to North Vancouver by crossing the Burrard Inlet. The SeaBus system operates from 6 AM to 1 AM from Monday to Saturday and from 8 AM to 11 PM on Sundays and Holidays.
Throughout the day, you can board a passenger vessel every 15 minutes. However, on Sundays and evenings of the rest of the week, a vessel will only come every 30 minutes. This is because, during the day, 2 passenger vessels are in service while during the evenings and Sundays, only 1 vessel is getting passengers across the Inlet.
The West Coast Express is a commuter railway that connects the cities of Vancouver and Mission. It runs from Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Mission City Station in Mission. Between Vancouver and Mission, it stops at 6 stations. In total, the West Coast Express covers 8 stations, stretching over 69 kilometres. It takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to make the journey from Waterfront Station in Vancouver to Mission City Station through the West Coast Express.
Metro Vancouver is divided into 3 fare zones when it comes to its public transit system. If you are using either the SkyTrain or the SeaBus, the amount you pay is based on how many fare zones you cross. However, if you are on a bus, you will be charged for a one-zone ride no matter how many zones you cross.
If you are travelling on weekends/holidays or after 6:30 PM on weekdays, you will also be charged a one-zone fare. This applies even to SkyTrain and SeaBus fares. It is important to know how many zones you are going to cross on your trip and when so you know how much you will be needing to pay.
Fares zones divide metro Vancouver into 3 zones. If you are using SkyTrain or SeaBus, you need to keep these in mind because crossing one or more of these zones will require you to pay more for your ride. Keep in mind that the West Coast Express has completely different zones as it goes outside the Metro Vancouver region.
The fares listed below are for bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus journey and are for each fare zone in Metro Vancouver:
1-Zone Fare – $3.05
2-Zone Fare – $4.35
3-Zone Fare – $5.90
Children/ youth between 5 and 18 years of age and seniors over 65 years of age are eligible for concession fares. Concession fares are a discounted version of the regular fare for each zone. Like the regular fare, the numbers listed below only apply to buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus.
Here are the discounted concession fares for each fare zone:
1-Zone Concession Fare – $2.00
2-Zone Concession Fare – $3.00
3-Zone Concession Fare – $4.05
Here, you will find TransLink’s guide to fare zones and the full fare pricing table. You will also find all your options for paying fares on buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus.
The fare system for the West Coast Express can get a little complicated. In this section, I will try to break it down. The West Coast Express line has 8 stations that are divided into 5 zones. Before I explain any further, let’s take a look at the 5 zones in the West Coast Express.
1 Zone: Waterfront Station (Downtown Vancouver) – Station 1
2 Zone: (No stations)
3 Zone:
4 Zone:
5 Zone: Mission City Station (Mission) – Station 8
So what do these zones mean for you as a traveller? If you travel from Waterfront Station (Downtown Vancouver) to Mission City Station, you would have to pay a full 5-zone fare. This is because there are 5 zones between Waterfront and Mission City. However, if you were to travel from Mission City to Pitt Meadows, you would only have to pay a 2-zone fare. This is because you will have to travel through 2 zones to get to Pitt Meadows.
In general, you will have to pay somewhere between $6 – $13 for a regular one-way ticket. The price would drop to around $4 – $8 for a concession ticket. Remember, the more zones you cross, the more your ticket will cost.
Click here for TransLink’s guide to learn more about the West Coast Express and its fare system. This guide also has the full fare pricing table so if you are planning to use the West Coast Express, make sure to check that table before you purchase your ticket.
Compass cards are the most convenient way to pay for fares in Metro Vancouver. Not only are they easy to use but they will also save you money. A Compass card is a fare card you can use to pay fares for buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express.
There are two ways you can use your Compass card. The first is to add stored value to your card. Stored value is the amount of money you have added to your Compass card. You can use this money to pay for fares whenever you use the public transportation system.
The second way you can use your Compass card is by buying passes. There are 2 types of passes; day passes and monthly passes. As you may have guessed, day passes allow unlimited use of public transportation for a day while monthly passes allow unlimited travel for a month. Keep in mind that monthly passes expire at the end of the month, not after 30 days. Because of this, you cannot buy a monthly pass after the 15th of every month.
So why is a Compass card the best way to pay for fares. Compass cards will charge you less money than regular fares. You can compare how much it would cost to pay for adult fares by cash and by a Compass card.
| Zone | Cash | Compass Card |
| 1 | $3.05 | $2.45 |
| 2 | $4.35 | $3.55 |
| 3 | $5.90 | $4.60 |
If you plan on using the public transportation system a lot, you should consider getting a Compass card. Over time, paying by cash will really start to add up to your cost of living.
Whenever you enter a bus, you will need to tap your Compass card to the card reader inside the bus. This will automatically pay for your ride, as long as you have enough balance on your card. To use the compass card on SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express, you need to tap the card before you enter and exit so the card reader knows how many zones you travelled and charge you accordingly.
There are many places where you can buy and reload your Compass Card. The easiest way is to get one online. Visit this site to purchase a Compass card online. Once you have paid for the card, it will be mailed to your location in Canada.
Another way to buy and reload Compass cards is through Compass retailers and Compass Vending Machines (CVMs). Compass retailers are any stores that sell compass cards. You can find CVMs at every SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express station. For a map of all the CVMs and Compass retailers in Metro Vancouver, click here. You will have to pay a $6 refundable fee when you buy a Compass card.
You can also buy a Concession Compass card. Anyone eligible for concession fares is also eligible for a Concession card. Just like concession fares, Concession cards will charge you less money for each trip. Regular Compass cards are blue while Concession cards are orange. Note that you cannot buy a concession card at CVMs.
You can return the compass card and collect your $6 fee once you are done using the card. This is especially useful for visitors in Metro Vancouver as they will not have to worry about the $6 fee to purchase the card.
To learn more about Compass cards, visit TransLink’s guide to Compass Cards. If you want to learn how to use your Compass card, click here.
Vancouver’s public transit system is not that hard to understand. It might seem complicated online but once you start using it, everything will become clear and make more sense. Taking the time to understand how the public transit system works in Metro Vancouver will help you save time and money in the long run.