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Those who live in Ottawa love it. If you are moving to Canada, it is a top city to consider. As the Nation’s capital city, Ottawa, Ontario offers many career options to help you succeed financially once you arrive.
Where you decide to live in Canada will have a significant impact on your future. So you need to research what the city has to offer. It’s important to think about the housing market and your career options, and how they will affect your family and lifestyle. Ottawa is a large and diverse city in Canada, which is one reason why new immigrants select it as a preferred destination. This overview of living in Ottawa can help you decide if it will meet your personal and professional needs.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the city plays a vital role in Canadian history. Canada’s Parliament building towers over the city, which, along with the famed Rideau Canal, makes it a picturesque place to live.
The city is located in Eastern Ontario, and it borders Gatineau, Quebec. Gatineau is on the north bank of the Ottawa River, and together they form the National Capital Region (NCR). It is also between Toronto and Montreal, and north of the eastern United States. The city was founded in 1826 as Bytown and incorporated as Ottawa in 1855. It was named the capital of Canada with Confederation in 1867.
Ottawa’s multicultural and bilingual populations make it appealing to new immigrants. About 50 percent of its residents speak English, and 30 percent speak French. The remaining 20 percent speak other languages.
Ottawa is also appealing to newcomers because of its economic strength. As home to the Federal Government, it offers many career options in government and the tech sector. It is truly an international city and a great place to raise a family.
Ottawa is the second-largest city in Ontario and the sixth-largest city in Canada. It has a population of 1,017,449 (2021 census). The Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area has over 1.4 million residents.
Ottawa has a young and diverse population. Over 65 percent of residents are between 18 and 49. There are over 200,000 people (23% of the total population) who were born outside Canada who call Ottawa home.
With the highest-educated workforce in Canada, Ottawa has more engineers, scientists, and PhDs per capita than any other city in the country. It also has Canada’s highest due to a booming public sector and high-tech industry. The unemployment rate is stable and is usually below the national average.
Ottawa has a strong economy and offers a variety of job opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds and interests.
Key industries in Ottawa include:
Ottawa is home to major technology and healthcare companies. The Federal Government is the leading employer in the region. The following are some of Ottawa’s top employers in 2024:
Adobe Systems Canada Inc.
Bank of Canada
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
CBC / Radio-Canada
Health Canada
Hydro Ottawa
The City of Ottawa
The Royal Canadian Mint
Statistics Canada.
Ottawa has consistently seen higher job growth than other Ontario cities. It has an unemployment rate of 4.9% (as of March 2024). This is lower than the national average of 6.1%.
The city’s top industries continue to experience the most growth. Industries that are hiring in the region include:
Some local recruitment agencies to help with your job search include Randstad Canada, LRO Staffing, Advantage Group, Keynote Search, Aerotek, and TH Employment Solutions.
While finding a job in Ottawa is an important first step, so is finding a place to live. For new immigrants, it’s common to take up short-term housing or rent an apartment before buying a home.
There are plenty of housing options in the Ottawa region. Housing costs across Ontario are on the rise. Similar to other Ontario cities that you may be considering, Ottawa housing costs are increasing. Fortunately, the cost to buy a home in Ottawa is more affordable than in other larger cities such as Toronto. As always, the neighbourhood you choose to rent or buy will dictate the cost.
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 months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARNew immigrants have many rental options. You can find places to rent across the city. Ideally, you want to find a place that is close to your job, place of worship, schools, shopping, transit, and other important locations.
These are considered the best locations to live for renters:
Find out more about the most popular and Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for Renting.
Most property owners request tenants to buy renter’s insurance as part of their lease agreement. Even if they don’t require it, insurance is beneficial to protect your family, personal belongings, and finances. Read more: Tenant Insurance in Canada: Why Do Newcomers Need it?
🏠 Check out Rentals for Newcomers for available rental units and current prices in Ottawa!
Ottawa’s housing market offers newcomers different housing options. For example, about 40% of properties are detached homes. The remaining are townhomes, semi-detached houses, condos, and apartments.
The cost to buy a home is on the rise in Ottawa. According to Royal LePage, the average home price in Ottawa is $757,700 in the first quarter of 2024. This is a year-over-year increase of 4.4 percent.
The median price of a single-family detached home increased by 4.5 percent over last year to $869,300. The median price to buy a condo increased by 4.6 percent to $401,500.
These numbers are still below the national average and remain more affordable than the housing market in the Greater Toronto Area and Vancouver. To buy a home, contact a realtor in the area who will guide you through the home-buying process. Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Highway driving is a vital skill for Ottawa residents. Commuting from neighbouring communities into the city is common. The region has several highways including Highway 417 (part of the Trans-Canada Highway), Highway 416, and Highway 401. The city also has parkways, including Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Rockcliffe Parkway, and Aviation Parkway.
Winter weather can create difficult road conditions. So if you haven’t driven in winter weather before, it’s helpful to learn how to drive in snowy conditions. The minimum age to get a driver’s licence is 16. All drivers must complete the graduated driver’s licence process. To get a commercial driver’s licence in Ontario you will need a Class A or Class D licence. Read more about Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know.
OC Transpo operates public transit in Ottawa. The rapid transit system consists of buses and light and medium rail lines. Bus services run seven days per week and connect to all major neighbourhoods in the city as well as Gatineau.
Find out more about driving in Canada:
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Winter Driving in Canada: 7 Tips to Increase Your Safety
Ottawa is commonly regarded as the best place to live in Canada. Part of this has to do with its diverse and multicultural population and how the city supports newcomers. The city offers many settlement services for newcomers.
In addition to the Newcomer Information Centre, other agencies include Ottawa Community Immigrant Services, Immigrant Women Services Ottawa, Catholic Immigration Center, and Hire Immigrants Ottawa. For information about settlement services in the Ottawa area, click here. Read more about Services in Canada to Help Newcomers Settle.
Several organizations in the city offer language support services to newcomers and anyone looking to improve their English or French speaking skills. They include the IWSO Language Services Ottawa, Language Interpretation Services (ONHC), and YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre. Language classes are also funded by the Government of Canada.
All local banks in Ottawa have programs to help new immigrants. They can help you open a Canadian bank account. Banks can also help you get a credit card, line of credit, and a mortgage, Visit a local bank branch to start the process.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
How Much Money Will I Need to Move to Canada
10 Canadian Financial Tips to Settle Comfortably
How Do I Transfer Money to Canada & Ship Goods When Moving?
Ottawa offers high-quality English and French education in public, Catholic, and private school systems. The government pays for public elementary and secondary school education. However, if you enroll your children in private schools, you will have to pay tuition fees. Ottawa’s colleges and universities offer specialized learning for adults and high school graduates.
Ottawa is unique because they have four school boards: English, English-Catholic, French, and French-Catholic The largest is the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) with 147 schools. In total, there are 318 schools, including 65 high schools in the city. There are also several private schools.
Ottawa has two universities and two colleges:
University of Ottawa offers more than 300 programs in 10 faculties and is North America’s premier bilingual university.
Carleton University offers over 200 programs in 47 departments, including public affairs, journalism, film studies, engineering, IT, and international studies.
Algonquin College offers more than 100 full-time programs.
La Cite collégiale offers 70 full-time college programs in areas such as administration, media and communications, health, technology, hospitality and tourism, community services and trades.
The city also has two Catholic universities – Dominican University College and Saint Paul University.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada. There are four hospitals in the region: Queensway Carleton Hospital, The Ottawa Hospital, Montfort Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. As well, there are several specialized hospitals and clinics in the region.
Ottawa residents are eligible for the provincial public health program, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). It covers a range of medical services, including check-ups with your family doctor or at walk-in clinics, hospital visits, eye exams, and vaccines. However, OHIP does not cover the cost of prescription drugs.
As a newcomer to Ontario, you can apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive.
For prescription medications and services that OHIP does not cover, you can buy private health insurance. When you secure a job, your employer may offer insurance for you and your family.
Newcomers need to find a family doctor. They can supply medical advice, write prescriptions, and refer you to specialists. To find hospitals, doctors, and dentists in Ottawa, visit Health and Support Services. Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
Ottawa has many cultural attractions, including galleries, museums, and festivals. As well, Ottawa has many recreation facilities throughout the city including multi-purpose facilities, seniors’ centres, parks, tennis courts, basketball courts, arenas, and outdoor rinks. One of the greatest winter activities is skating on the Rideau Canal. You can rent skates, and skate the longest outdoor rink in the world! Winterlude is an epic Canadian winter festival that occurs each year during the first three weeks of February.
As a top tourist destination in Canada, there is much to see and do. Some of the most popular attractions include Parliament Hill, The Canadian War Museum, National Gallery of Canada, Peace Tower, Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.
The city also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. The most popular include the Canada Day celebration, Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival, Winterlude, and other events at the ByWard Market.
Ottawa has a bit of everything. With a diverse population, you can experience food from virtually every culture you can imagine. This city has countless great restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. ByWard Market, Elgin Street, Little Italy, and Chinatown are popular destinations. You also have the choice to cross over to Quebec and visit Hull and Gatineau.
Ottawa lies on the Southbank of the Ottawa River. In terms of nature, it is perhaps best known for the Rideau Canal. Other top nature destinations in the region include Gatineau Park, Rideau Falls, and Hog’s Back Falls.
Ottawa is home to the Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL), also call the city home. There are also other minor pro leagues, minor league, and collegiate sporting teams in the area.
If you love music, Ottawa is a great place to live. In addition to hosting top international artists throughout the year, it also has world-class music festivals such as Bluesfest and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival.
Ottawa is a proud multicultural city and reflects the rich cultures and traditions of both English and French Canada. About 50 percent of residents speak English and 30 percent speak French. The remaining 20 percent speak other languages.
More than 200,000 immigrants call the city home. Of these residents, 45% are from Asia and the Middle East, 26% are from Europe, 14% are from Africa, 11% are from Central and South America, and 4% are from the United States.
14% of residents state their mother tongue is French. 22% have a primary language other than French or English.
As a diverse city with a large immigrant population, people practice different faiths in Ottawa. About 65% are Christian. 6.7% are Islam, and 1.4% are Buddhist.
The city has a humid continental climate. Being in the northeastern part of Ontario, Ottawa is known for its very cold winters. It averages about 88 inches of annual snowfall. Temperatures can reach -20 degrees Celsius or below. The wind chill can make it feel even colder. The coldest month of the year is January. The average temperatures range from -5 C to -14 C.
The good news is the spring and summer months warm up considerably. You can expect daytime highs averaging about 25 C from June to August.
Ottawa is consistently ranked as the best place to live in Canada as well as one of the best 100 cities in the world. Its diversity, strong economy, schools, and Canadian history make it a great place for newcomers. It also ranks as the best place to live for new immigrants to Canada.
Absolutely. Ottawa is an excellent location for immigrants to live. The city is clean, friendly, and culturally diverse. It has a good transit system, is great for pedestrians, and offers many housing options. The city has a world-class education system and is home to the Federal Government. Perhaps most important for newcomers, it offers a range of career opportunities.
Ottawa can be an expensive place to live. While it does have slightly lower than average housing prices, rent is higher than in most cities. Food, entertainment, and transit can be more expensive than in a smaller city. But, considering the career opportunities and job prospects, it balances out.
There are many benefits to living in a small city. Smaller cities in Canada can provide advantages such as:
Discover the advantages and benefits of choosing to live in a small city in Canada and important questions to guide your decision!
Vikram and Nutan had great lives as budding professionals in India’s IT capital Bangalore. But, after a close friend immigrated to Canada, they decided to explore moving to Canada. They soon discovered they met the requirements to immigrate to Canada! However, they were unsure about where they wanted to live. Canada is a vast country.
Both agreed, on factors that were important to them. For example, they wanted to live in a small city that offered job opportunities, affordable housing options, and a nice quality of life. The Atlantic Provinces were a big draw and they settled on Fredericton, New Brunswick for its beauty, charm, and sense of community. Two years later, they had jobs, a 5-bedroom home, and the lifestyle they wanted. But, most importantly, they became members of a welcoming community.
Small cities across Canada attract newcomers by providing quality job opportunities, and a better quality of life. Living in a small City can offer newcomers an option to avoid congestion issues, high housing costs, and hectic pace.
While large cities attract newcomers, you may find high competition for jobs. But, smaller Cities often experience job growth when existing residents leave the community, or retire. So, many small cities look to newcomers with the right job skills to meet their employment needs.
A small city can be much quieter and laid back than life in a large city. This can benefit newcomers looking to integrate into the community more easily. Living in a small city may help you to easily immerse yourself in the local community. But, you must decide if you prefer to live in a large and bustling city or a more relaxed, small city.
In Canada, smaller cities recognize the many benefits of welcoming newcomers. To attract and keep newcomers, they continue to build communities that welcome, embrace, and support newcomers.
Newcomers often move to large Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver because of the social, economic, and community networks. With these networks in place, newcomers may find better access to jobs, cultural and social communities, and support services. However, newcomers often find these same services and jobs in small cities!
Population and migration growth in large cities often puts pressure on areas such as:
As a result, large cities often have a higher cost of living and can create financial stress. As a newcomer, you must decide what you prefer, living in a large or small city. You may discover that a small City can provide the lifestyle and many of the amenities you seek.
When choosing a city, it’s vital to research job opportunities, housing costs, and the culture of the city to determine if it’s the right city for you.
This is a very important question. If few jobs match your skill set, you will leave the community if you and your spouse cannot find suitable jobs. While you may initially settle in the community, you will likely make a costly secondary move to another city.
Questions to Consider:
While many cities in Canada face rising housing costs, small cities can offer more affordable options. As of July 2024, the national average price for a home in Canada was $667,317. The median home price in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the same period was $404,534.
Questions to Consider:
Best Fredericton Neighbourhoods for Renting
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 months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARImmigrants often consider the existing cultural and social network when deciding where to live. This can include services in different languages, faith-based, and nationality-based communities.
Small cities recognize the economic, cultural, and social benefits of welcoming newcomers. Supporting newcomers creates benefits for the community and attractive options for future residents.
Questions to Consider:
What groups, ethnic networks, and professional associations support newcomers?
What’s the quality of life? (fast-paced or relaxed? Access to nature, bike trails, etc?)
Newcomers benefit from services available to help them settle and find jobs in the local community. Services could include help to conduct job search activities, write a Canadian resume, enroll children in school, apply for government programs; and many other activities.
Questions to Consider:
Small city living can be a great option for newcomers seeking a relaxing pace and an option to bustling, hectic, and expensive Canadian cities. With many advantages, it’s worth exploring!
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.
[cjtoolbox name=’Renting Webinar’]
Newcomers to Canada and the Stanley Cup
Toronto Blue Jays for Newcomers to Canada
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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
Senior immigrants often face significant challenges when settling into Canada. Many struggle with language barriers, mobility issues, and feelings of isolation. They may rely heavily on their adult children who sponsored them to come to Canada, but this can lead to feelings of being taken advantage of, such as being overused for babysitting. Additionally, some may feel disconnected from their children and grandchildren as they adapt to Canadian society.
However, there is good news. Many elderly immigrants find comfort in connecting with others who are in similar positions. They often organize events or meetings tailored to their age group or ethnic background. For instance, in Vancouver, a group of retired Russian people runs a chess club that hosts weekly tournaments. To find similar groups and programs, seniors can turn to their local ethnic newspapers or immigrant settlement agencies. These resources offer a variety of activities, ranging from outdoor outings to weekly dance classes to English lessons.
It is crucial for senior immigrants to actively engage with their community and explore all that Canada has to offer. By doing so, they can enhance their quality of life and find a sense of belonging in their new home.
Are you thinking about moving to Canada? Many new immigrants choose the province of Ontario, and the city of Windsor specifically, as their new home. Where you choose to move is a decision that will affect your life for years to come.
Before choosing a destination city, it’s vital to research the cost of living, the housing market, local economy, education options, and things you can do for fun. Learn more about the city and get helpful information about living and working in Windsor.
Windsor, Ontario, is located in Southwestern Ontario on the border of Detroit, Michigan. It is known as the “Automotive Capital of Canada.” The city is surrounded by a rich agricultural region in Essex County.
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and home to the Ambassador Bridge, the busiest commercial border crossing between Canada and the United States.
The area was originally settled in 1749 as a French agricultural region. Then, in 1797, post-American Revolution, it was established as a settlement named “Sandwich.” It was later incorporated as the city of Windsor in 1854, after the town in Berkshire, England.
Today, the city is a major contributor to the auto industry in Canada. It’s known for its industrial and manufacturing industries. It is a hub for commercial transportation and has grown to the third-largest city in Southwestern Ontario, behind London and Kitchener-Waterloo.
According to the 2021 census data, the city has a population of 229,660 people. This makes it the 15th largest city in Canada and the 7th largest in Ontario. Since 2016, the population has grown by 6.3%. The Windsor and Detroit area is the most populated trans-border area in North America.
Windsor is a well-known leader in the automotive industry. There are more than 90 auto and parts manufacturers located in the region. This includes Ford Motor Company and Fiat Chrysler. It is also a tourism destination due to its proximity to the U.S. border. The main drawback of the local economy is its relatively high unemployment rate compared to other cities in the province. It sits at 10.7% (as of February 2022). The national average is 7.7%.
The top industries are:
Most of the major employers in this city are in manufacturing. Other employers include:
Auto and parts manufacturing is the top industry for those looking to work in Windsor. There are a few ways to search for jobs in the city. You can look for work using workforce WindsorEssex, Government of Canada Job Bank, and local employment recruiters. They include Aerotek, Prostaff Employment Solutions, Canadian Executive Search Group, and others.
There are plenty of housing options. The city is divided into four distinct sectors: Downtown, East End, West Side, and South Side. Within each of these areas, there are unique neighbourhoods. For example, some are geared to young families, others to older adults, singles, or even a mix of residents. Before you decide where to live, consider how suitable the neighbourhood is for your lifestyle.
Windsor is one of the most affordable large cities in Ontario. Even with rising house prices, the city has not seen a steep increase like other large cities in the province. Housing costs are still lower than the national average.
Windsor has rental units available across the city. Rent can start as low as $900 per month and go up. The average rent for an apartment is $1,142 for a Bachelor, $1,181 for a 1-bedroom, $1,396 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,698 for a 3-bedroom. Rental rates are more affordable than in many other cities in Ontario.
When renting in Canada, buying renter’s insurance can protect you and your family in the event of damage, a break-in, or a fire. As well, most property owners today will require that you have insurance as part of your rental agreement.
🏠 Check out Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units and current prices in Windsor.
Windsor is one of the most affordable larger cities. According to Royal LePage, the average price of a home in Canada is now $779,000 (as of January 2022). And the average price for a single-family home in Windsor is $553,100 as of February 2022, according to The Canadian Real Estate Association. The average price for a townhouse is $433,900, and the price for a condo/ apartment unit is $346,600.
Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips.
As the southernmost city in Ontario, Windsor is the endpoint for the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor. It is the final stop for Highway 401 and Via Rail. Local highways such as E.C. Row Expressway and Highway 3 connect the city to surrounding communities.
The city has two border crossings, the Ambassador Bridge, and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. There is also a Canadian Pacific Railway tunnel, and the Detroit–Windsor Truck Ferry.
With an international border, there is significant commercial traffic. All drivers must have a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Winter Driving in Canada: 7 Essential Safety Tips for Newcomers
Transit Windsor supplies bus service to the community. It runs 15 bus routes. Service extends to LaSalle, Essex, Kingsville, and Leamington. There is also service to downtown Detroit via Tunnel Bus for special events and for those who work or go to school across the border.
The Windsor Essex County Local Immigration Partnership offers a strong support system for newcomers. It is an initiative of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help communities offer comprehensive newcomer services. Other settlement agencies in Windsor include the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, the Multicultural Council of Windsor-Essex County, and New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc.
Learn more about Services in Canada to Help Newcomers Settle.
As a permanent resident of Canada, you are eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) offered by local settlement agencies. You can have your language skills assessed by the Language Assessment and Resource Centre.
College Boreal offers language support along with other agencies, including The Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women, and Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.
All newcomers need a good financial plan to help them have a successful transition to life in Canada. Local banks offer programs for new immigrants to help them open a bank account, get a credit card, qualify for a mortgage, and access other financial products. Visit your local branch or apply online.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Canadian Financial Tips Before You Move to Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
The province of Ontario oversees the school system in Windsor. Residents have access to public, private, and catholic education. And, the city is home to several post-secondary schools.
City of Windsor elementary and secondary schools are regulated by four school boards:
Private school is also available to students from kindergarten to grade 12. In total, there are 55 elementary and 15 high schools.
Windsor is home to one university and two colleges. They are the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, and College Boreal. Collectively, they offer programs to over 20,000 students annually.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
There are two hospitals in the city, Windsor Regional Hospital and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. These are the places to visit in case of a medical emergency. Windsor Regional Hospital also has formal and informal agreements with Detroit-area hospitals to provide expanded healthcare services.
For non-emergency care, visit a local walk-in clinic. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. This number is the same across Canada.
Residents must obtain a health card to receive free medical care provided by the Ontario Health and Insurance Plan (OHIP). Click here to learn how to apply for OHIP. You can buy private health insurance for prescription medications and services that OHIP does not cover. Some employers offer medical benefits through their employee benefit plan.
Finding a family physician is important to help you maintain your health. You can search for a family doctor by using Health Care Connect, through the Essex County Medical Society, or by using the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario – Doctor Find. Doctor availability changes over time. So, you may be placed on a waiting list until a doctor becomes available.
Get more information about health care in Canada:
Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
This city offers residents a diverse list of things to do. From local festivals, biking on trails along the Detroit River, checking out musical acts and events at the casino, and enjoying the outdoors, there is something for everyone.
This city is well known for being the home of Caesars Windsor. But there is much more to do than test your luck. Great restaurants and events are happening all the time. Other great attractions in the area include The Canadian Club Brand Centre and Hiram Walker & Sons Limited distillery, and the Art Gallery of Windsor. If you like waterparks, take the family to Adventure Bay Family Water Park.
In addition to the restaurants and nightlife at the casino, the city offers a great riverfront park system with fine restaurants. If you enjoy Italian food, check out Erie Street, Windsor’s Little Italy, called “Via Italia”. You can also sample wine in the Lake Erie North Shore Wine Region in Essex County.
If you enjoy festivals check out the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival during Canada Day, the Bluesfest International Windsor each July, and Detroit Windsor International Film Festival.
Windsor has an extensive bike trail system that includes the Riverfront Bike Trail, Ganatchio Bike Trail, and Little River Extension. Other things to check out in the area include Peche Island, taking a walking tour of Ford City, or visiting the Ojibway Prairie Complex.
This city is home to the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League, Windsor Express of the National Basketball League of Canada, and a variety of minor league teams. You can check out local concerts at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor, Rockstar Music Hall and other local music venues.
This is the fourth most diverse city in Canada. There are more than 170 ethnicities and 70 languages spoken. About 23% of the population are immigrants. This is more than 75,000 residents. The biggest minority groups are Arab (7.4%), Black (4.9%), South Asian (4.4%), and Chinese (3.4%).
This city has a diverse religious community. About 40% identify as Catholic, 22% Protestant, 6.9% Muslim, and 4% Orthodox. 20% of residents have no religious affiliations.
Windsor has a humid continental climate. And because of its southern location, it has the warmest climate of all Ontario cities. Windsor actually has the same latitude as Northern California. The average temperature reaches above 10°C (50°F) 223 days of the year.
It gets less snow than other cities in the province. Summers are hot and humid, with an average temperate of 23 degrees Celsius. Winters are mild, with the temperature dipping down to an average of -3 degrees in January.
Yes. Windsor is one of the most culturally diverse cities in Canada. It offers affordable housing and close access to the United States. There are largely Middle Eastern, Italian, Asian, and European communities.
Windsor is known for having more affordable housing prices. You are only 10 minutes from Detroit, and the city offers great entertainment options for a city of its size. It is an ideal location if you plan to work in manufacturing or tourism.
The big potential drawback of moving to Windsor is the local economy. The city has a higher-than-normal unemployment rate. It is also relatively focused on industrial and manufacturing careers. But, on the other hand, being so close to Detroit also opens other career opportunities.
If you’re moving to Canada and plan to drive, it’s important to know what you need to drive legally. If you already have a licence in your home country, you can check if you can exchange that license for a Canadian driving licence. Or, you may need to take a driving test in Canada. Each province in Canada has slightly different rules. Discover the simple process to get your driving licence in Alberta, Canada.
Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with many countries. If you have a valid driver’s licence, you can exchange your license for an Alberta license without taking a knowledge or road test. Canada has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with the following countries:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States.
To exchange your licence for an Alberta licence, you must:
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 WEBINARRelated Posts:
To exchange a licence from a country that doesn’t have an agreement, you’ll need to pass a knowledge and road test.
Step 1. Exchange your driver’s licence
Visit a registry agent and hand in your valid driver’s licence that is equivalent or higher to an Alberta Class 5 licence. The registry agent will check to see if you can apply for the Graduated Driver’s Licence (GDL) exemption program and will give you an application to complete.
Step 2. Pass a Class 7 knowledge test
Visit a registry agent and take a knowledge test.
Your licence, application for GDL exemption, and support documents will be sent to the Alberta Government for review.
Step 3. Get a full Class 5 licence
There are two ways you can get a full Class 5 licence:
When you have more than two years of driving experience, you’ll need to pass an advanced road test to get a full Class 5 driver’s licence.
Are you planning to move to Canada? The city you choose to call home is a very important decision. It will play a key role in your career opportunities and financial success going forward. Living in Hamilton, Ontario is one of many cities in Canada new immigrants consider.
Researching a potential landing spot will help you understand the local job market and your housing options. Recently Hamilton has seen a large increase in the number of immigrants coming to the city. So, it is a location worth considering.
Prepare for Canada can guide you with helpful information about living in Hamilton.
Hamilton is a medium-sized city in southwest Ontario, located about 75 kilometres from Toronto. The City of Hamilton includes the former municipalities of Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, and Stoney Creek. The southern part of the city includes the Niagara Escarpment, which Hamiltonians call “the mountain.”
The City of Hamilton is the centre of the Golden Horseshoe — a densely populated region at the west end of Lake Ontario.
Affectionately known as “The Hammer”, it was named after George Hamilton, the man who established the town in 1815. With the opening of the Burlington Canal in 1830, the city became a vital port and railway centre. Over time, the region has evolved to be one of Canada’s top industrial sectors.
Job prospects when living in Hamilton, especially in manufacturing, are promising in the region. If you are looking for a lower-cost place to live, Hamilton is a safe and healthy place to raise your children. It has beautiful parks, trees and waterfalls, and several world-class schools.
Hamilton has the tenth highest population in Canada with a population of 569,355 according to the 2021 Statistics Canada census. It is the fifth most populated city in Ontario. In many other regions, it is experiencing growth which is largely due to newcomers moving to the region. The city itself had 536,920 people as of the 2016 census. The census metropolitan areas have about 770,000 residents. According to Statistics Canada, 24% of those residents come from other countries.
Hamilton is well known for producing steel for other kinds of heavy manufacturing. This is why it has earned the nickname “Steeltown.” The Hamilton area is the most industrialized section of Canada. It is known as the steel capital of the country for a reason. Hamilton produces 60% of Canada’s steel through two main companies – Stelco and Dofasco.
The job market in Hamilton is evolving. Hamilton’s major industries today include:
The city offers a diverse range of career paths and employers including:
Hamilton is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse economies. This growth is supported by gains in retail, utilities, wholesale, arts, entertainment, and recreation.
The city traditionally has a lower employment rate compared to the provincial and national average. Some of the top industries experiencing job growth currently include:
While finding a job is an important first step for newcomers. Another vital step is choosing where you will live. It’s common for new immigrants to opt for short-term rentals or to rent an apartment before buying a home.
Hamilton has more than 200 neighbourhoods to choose from, from central Hamilton (the downtown core) to Chinatown to Balfour. Rental and home purchase prices vary depending on the location.
Comparatively speaking, Hamilton is more affordable than large cities close by like Toronto, Mississauga, or Brampton.
Some of the most affordable neighbourhoods to consider include Glanbrook, Hamilton East and West, and Dundas. The most expensive areas to live in include Ancaster, Waterdown, Flamborough, and parts of Hamilton Centre.
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 months, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARThe cost to rent a home in Hamilton varies. The location, type of property, unit size, and number of bedrooms determine the monthly rental price. You can find bachelor and 1-bedroom apartments for as low as $950. Renting a 4-bedroom home can easily cost over $2,000 per month.
The average cost to rent an apartment in Hamilton is $1,264 for a Bachelor, $1,403 for a 1-bedroom, $1,768 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,998 for a 3-bedroom.
👉 Use Rentals for Newcomers to search for available rental units in Hamilton. Here you’ll find available rentals with current prices. This is helpful since pricing changes.
To read more about different neighbourhoods and what makes them unique, check out Best Hamilton Neighbourhoods for Renting.
When renting, it’s vital to protect your family, personal belongings, and finances with renter’s insurance. It is common for landlords and property management companies to require proof of insurance as a condition of your rental agreement. Read more: Tenant Insurance in Canada: Why Do Newcomers Need it?
Average home prices are on the rise in Hamilton. This is a common trend across the province. According to Royal LePage the average home price in Hamilton is $772,500 in 2021. This is a year-over-year increase of 19%, and slightly less than the national average cost in Canada ($790,000).
The median price for a single-family detached home is $806,200. The median price to buy a condo is $485,000.
Even with rising prices buying a home in Hamilton is more affordable than living in Toronto. It is one of the many reasons new immigrants choose to move to Hamilton.
To purchase a home, contact a realtor in the area, who will guide you through the home-buying process. Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
The city is situated in a cluster of highways that service southern Ontario. This makes it easy to reach by many different means. The main highways that pass through the city are Highway 403, QEW, Lincoln Alexander Parkway (The Linc), and Red Hill Valley Parkway.
Commuting is the norm in the city. For example, many residents commute from Hamilton to other cities. Many drivers commute to the city for work each day. All drivers must have a valid Ontario driver’s licence to operate a vehicle.
To get a commercial driver’s licence in Ontario you will need a Class A or Class D licence. The class type will depend on your occupation. For example, you will need a Class A licence to drive a truck.
For information on driving in Hamilton and how to get a licence, see Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Getting Your Ontario Drivers License
The public transportation system within Hamilton relies on the Hamilton Street Railway bus system.
The cost of public transit varies depending on the route and distance. See here for fare prices. GO Transit – an inter-regional public transit system in Southern Ontario – offers frequent and reliable express bus service to Toronto.
Hamilton is a diverse city home to newcomers from around the globe. The city supports new immigrants through a variety of services and programs.
New immigrants, refugees, and temporary residents can contact organizations that are part of the Settlement Services for Newcomers. They include the Immigrants Working Centre, Wesley – Resettlement Services for Government Assisted Refugees, YMCA – Immigrant Settlement Services, YWCA – Newcomer Settlement Program, and Centre de Sante Communautaire.
Newcomers can improve their English language skills through free Government-funded programs. They include English as a Second Language, or ESL, classes and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada, or LINC.
Some of the organizations offering classes are the Immigrants Working Centre, St. Charles Adult Education Centre, The Learning Centre and LINC Program, Mohawk College, College Boreal, and Circle of Friends for Newcomers.
All local banks in Hamilton have programs to help newcomers open a bank account and get a credit card. Visit a local bank branch to start the process.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
Hamilton boasts a robust school system with a university, several colleges, and many elementary and secondary schools.
Four school boards offer schooling in English and French. In total there are close to 200 schools, including over 30 high schools.
There are 29 private schools in the Hamilton region including 15 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools.
Hamilton offers many higher education options that provide academic, practical, and hands-on training.
Schools include McMaster University, Mohawk College, Redeemer University College, McMaster Divinity College, College Boreal, and the Hamilton Literacy Council.
Hamilton’s McMaster University was named Canada’s most innovative ‘medical doctoral’ university eight times in the last 11 years in Maclean’s annual ranking of universities. The university’s student-centred, problem-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning has been adopted by many universities around the world. Established in 1887, the university offers programs in health care, engineering, business, social sciences, science, and humanities research and education.
Hamilton also has many private colleges where residents can learn a new trade or skill to better prepare to enter the workforce. Examples of schools are Trios College, CDI College, Anderson College, and Academy of Learning College.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada.
There are six hospitals in Hamilton. Each hospital is a centre of excellence for a particular specialty, providing a state-of-the-art healthcare system to those who live in Hamilton. The hospitals are teaching hospitals. The internationally acclaimed healthcare research conducted at McMaster University ensures that the very best in patient care is available to Hamilton and the region.
Find hospitals in Hamilton here. For prescription drugs and some services not offered through Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), you can buy additional health insurance. Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.
All newcomers should find a family doctor once they arrive in Hamilton. The Hamilton Family Health Team maintains a list of doctors accepting new patients.
If you can’t find a family doctor, you can use walk-in clinics. Check here to find a walk-in clinic.
Learn more about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
Hamilton has no shortage of things to do. It is a great location to keep the family entertained from local festivals, to great restaurants, and beautiful natural spaces. Hamilton is also a big sports city and its residents are famous for their love of professional and amateur sports.
Hamilton has unique attractions such as Dundurn Castle, Royal Botanical Gardens, and African Lion Safari. As well, Supercrawl is large art and music festival that attracts more than 200,000 visitors each September.
The city is known for its local restaurants. Local eateries downtown and on James Street North, King William, and Locke Street have become the places to go out for dinner. Hess Village is a prime location for dining out and nightlife.
Hamilton has some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes and nature. It is located on the west end of the Niagara Peninsula. It features the Hamilton Harbour with the Niagara escarpment running through the city. The area is home to over 100 waterfalls and the Bruce Trail for hiking.
Hamilton is home to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 2021, they are the host to the Grey Cup in which the hometown Tiger-Cats will play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The city is also home to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
With many hockey arenas, pools, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and even cricket pitches throughout the city, it’s proof that the city promotes sports. Hamilton offers other pastimes, including golfing, fencing, mountain biking, swimming, mountaineering, curling and martial arts. The city is also home to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.
With large venues such as FirstOntario Centre, Tim Hortons Field, and many local venues throughout the city, Hamilton attracts top concerts.
Hamilton is a diverse city. About one in four residents in Hamilton were born outside of Canada. About 3,000 to 4,000 new immigrants arrive in the city each year. The city is also home to over 5,000 international students. The most prominent minority groups are South Asian, Black, Arab, Chinese, Black, and Latin American.
Hamilton is a diverse city and home to many different places of worship. The main religions followed in the city include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. See here for places of worship in Hamilton.
Hamilton’s climate is humid continental. The city experiences just about every type of weather throughout the year – humidity, hot sunny days, rain, snow, sleet, and a mixture. The climate is moderate compared to the rest of Canada. The temperature averages about 22 degrees Celsius in July and August, and dips to as low as -4 degrees in January and February.
Yes, Hamilton is considered by most to be a good place to live in Ontario. It has a diverse population, a growing culinary culture, access to affordable housing, and world-class health care. The economy is growing, providing career paths for new immigrants who want to live in Hamilton.
Hamilton can be more expensive than other cities in Canada. However, it is more affordable than Toronto and other larger cities within proximity in Ontario.
Absolutely. Thousands of new immigrants move to Hamilton each year. The city embraces its diverse population and provides many support programs to help newcomers adapt to the city.
We often discuss many practical and interesting topics about migration, but not about the mixed emotions when living in the great white North! And, those mixed emotions come with migrating to Canada.
As we approach another change in season, and with it a lot of mixed emotions, I would like to share my personal experience when I first landed in Canada two Fall/Winters ago.You’re almost packed with your landing date in sight. And, buried deep with all the stress and excitement of your new life, a job, a home, a car, etc. But, have you thought of how your body and mind will react to the extreme change in climate when you first land in the great white North?!
For helpful information about your next steps when you arrive in Canada, join our free webinar:
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We are into the Fall season and soon heading into the harsh and white winters. Just like everybody else, I too did not give this much thought when I planned my trip in the fall/winter months. Most pictures I researched online about my destination city had nice warm sunshine, plenty of people walking the streets, shops and activities galore. And, that painted a very beautiful yet deceptive picture in my mind. Not here to demotivate anyone but a series of emotions and feelings that I went through after I first landed in the freezing cold months, aka The Canadian Winters!!
Migrating to Canada, I had never before experienced such cold weather for months! Leave alone snow falling from the sky non-stop for 3-4 days on end. I had heard of it, but took it in my stride, like I was going on a holiday and would easily cope with it. Though, the first fall of snow for someone like me was like a blessing from the sky. And, I played in the snow for a good few hours.
But, I soon realized it’s not that easy to take it in for days! And mind you, I am not referring to the cold weather here. What I am really getting to is the dark and gloomy skies, poor visibility, and shorter days (less and less sunlight) during the winter months.
I landed in Vancouver, British Columbia (the mild west). And, the winters are mild compared to some of the other provinces. The rain, and the layers of clothing are no different for someone who had moved from a hot and humid tropical country. But, soon I noticed a sudden change in my behaviour, mood, and thoughts.
I was new to the city, sans friends or family and had migrated by myself. So, I often found myself lost in a lot of soul searching and sometimes doubtful questions:
Trust me, a few months down the line when you’re settled in and things seem to have moved along well, you will laugh at yourself. And, with the warmer summer months and long days coming about you’ll find life comes full circle as we approach this season again next year. So, I felt it important to discuss this and termed it as mixed emotions. as it’s often mixed with excitement, yet some soul searching.
This is my third fall/winter in Canada, and I again find myself in that zone I was the first time around. This prompted me to write about it and maybe help those who are about to land, or are on the brink of their first experience with the change of season. Let me tell you, it’s completely natural to feel that way! Don’t add to your stress.
We are so used to the sunshine, having loads of people around, and being up and about until the wee hours of the night. So, it’s a very strange situation when suddenly everything looks so glum. This is a cold country! We all know that. So, that’s something none of us can control. But, what we can do is:
Related Post:
How to stay positive when dealing with NO!
There are many more interactive things you can do to kill the negativity or uncertainty that the winter season brings. I have only listed a few activities that I did do personally or learned along the way looking at others like me. And, it has kept me in good shape and spirits through the changing seasons in Canada.
It is very easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. So, we need to find love (in the small things in life), and a reason to smile each day. Because, you can’t just think about making money, paying bills, buying a car, a home, etc, (even though those are vitals thorns in the shoe that we need to consider. You need to sit back, relax, and absorb every day you live through these seasons.
So, the mixed emotions are not as bad as it may sound…it’s just a phase and remember, Summer is just around the corner! ????????????
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If you have recently arrived in Canada, you likely know how important it is to stay positive when dealing with NO!
No! The word none of us like to hear. And when that happens repeatedly, it certainly isn’t the best feeling on earth. For some reason or the other you will keep hearing this word in your initial few months of arrival.
Don’t be disheartened, and stay positive. It is all part of your settlement into this wonderful country, Canada! Just imagine walking into a large hall where you do not know anybody, how would you react? Overwhelmed?! This is somewhat similar. You are walking into a new country, though as a Permanent Resident, but someone completely new and alien to the people here. They know nothing about your:
You need to make your presence felt, your personality needs to shine.
Now as fancy as that might sound, what we all wonder is: how am I going to do that?! It will take time to figure that out. We all did, eventually. A few examples of the NO’s you could hear in your settlement process are:
There could be a few more NO’s! but these I believe, are the most concerning. The immediate next question that comes to mind is How and What should I do to overcome these? So, through my personal experience let me guide you on how to stay positive and steps you could take to smile through this NO! challenge.
Job and money are two of the biggest pain points for most of us but what we often forget is that this is going to be our new home. You need a social life (friends) too. People you can trust, confide, party, relax, travel and do things you can’t do at work. We often leave this aspect of our new life to be dealt with later but, let me remind you it’s a very important feel good factor. We all love to have some downtime and that’s when you will crave your social circle the most. So, invest your initial few days to get to know the:
Join your neighbourhood library for example. You can read up a lot from there too. Most public libraries even have regular events which have good attendance by newcomers and locals alike. Some libraries even have events happening around the city which are free to attend and those could be sweet spots to meet and interact with people. Also, look up google/local websites for events happening in different parts of the city, which you could access conveniently. Never hurts to travel a bit. You’ll get to know your city better ????.
You have tens of years of experience or just good enough, the capability of handling big teams or working in one, a master’s degree or a professional certification or a unique skill set, it all boils down to creating a CV/Resume which matches the requirements and guidelines of the Canadian Market. As we all know it is important to stand out and be seen and a good structured resume can do the trick.
Most of us follow and circulate our old (home country) resume and are often left disappointed to learn that we were not even considered for the position which was right up our alley. It is because of this very reason; not following the Canadian resume formatting styles. You do not need to completely rework your existing resume but would need to tweak and change it to match the requirements of the Canadian standards. It’s just like in any other country so don’t look at it as an added burden of work but as a means to revisit your old and maybe outdated style.
A simple do and don’t avoid blindly copying someone else’s work. Take it as an example and be unique in your own way. See how you could best maximize your experience and skills and design your resume/CV your way.
For more ideas on how to create a Canadian-style resume and helpful templates, download our free ebook:
Don’t you feel that jealousy or anger when you see someone half as skilled or experienced as you work at a good job? I did! No shame in that. But in my first few weeks, I realized that it all comes down to how well you’re connected. How many people do you know and vice-versa? And No! it’s not just on LinkedIn or other social media platforms, but in person. It’s a well-known fact, most jobs anywhere in the world are ‘hidden’ jobs.
There are plenty of organised networking events that take place throughout the city; some formal and some informal. Make sure to keep a regular tab of these and try and make it to a few each month, irrespective of having a job or not. You should always consider yourself new to the country and maximize the opportunity to meet and get to know more people. You never know where life takes you and what you may discover along the way.
An anonymous quote I read comes to mind here:
‘When it comes to networking, a single strong bond is better than a stack of business cards.’
| Networking Do’s | Networking Don’ts |
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Immigration doesn’t guarantee you a job, a home or a car. Now the big question when you arrive is finding the right place to live and the right way to travel. For most of us, our first home is a rental unit/apartment or just a room in a shared space. A good rental is always a struggle to find and when you do, you hear the dreaded NO! Prospective landlords may say you don’t have good credit, references or a full-time job. Now you’re so new to the country that none of the above reasons can be rectified any time soon.
The concerns landlords have in an immigrant-dominant population might sound a bit harsh, but if you look at it from a landlord’s perspective it’s fair too. They could or may foresee a situation where they or their rental unit could be crooked. So, what do you do then? All is not lost here.
Now you can’t wait to settle in until you have a job. You need a home irrespective. So here working around some of the above-discussed points such as building your social life, friends/colleagues, etc. could vouch for you. There have been occasions when landlords track the social media accounts of prospective tenants to investigate the authenticity of the person, so here your local Canadian professional connections could come in handy (at least it did so in a few cases I saw).
Now what good do these activities do? They’ll help you to overcome NO! stay positive, and help you to blend into life in Canada. When you know how to stay positive, slowly but surely, you begin to realize that the initial struggle is a phase and not the end of the world. Everything starts to fall in place just like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. It has never been and never will be easy to migrate to a foreign land and expect everything to go as planned from day one. So, keep hustling, smiling, and have a positive attitude and be ready to stumble, fall and eventually rise. Learn to respect your new friends, try to embrace their culture, habits, and rules and always be ready to help.
My father told me before I left home to settle in Canada “Son, people are not bad! Circumstances make them behave differently”, so always have compassion in your heart and don’t be judgmental too soon and you will be just fine.
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Choosing quality child care for your family is an important decision. You want to find a safe, healthy environment that supports the social, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional development of your children.
There are many types of child care available:
Daycare programs serve infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
Family day homes offer care in a private residence. There are typically six or fewer children, including the caregiver’s children, with one caregiver.
Group family child care programs offer care in a private residence. There are typically between seven and 10 children with two caregivers.
Out-of-school-care programs operate before and after school, during lunch hours, and sometimes when school is closed.
Pre-school program that offers child care for four or fewer hours per day for pre-school aged children.
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 WEBINARFinding the best arrangement for your family takes time and planning, but it is worth the effort. You know your child best. Think about where they will be most comfortable. List your needs. For example, if your child needs quiet time, a large, busy centre may not be the best choice.
Here are things to consider to help you make a child-care decision:
Your child’s age
The types of activities your child enjoys
The number and ages of children your child enjoys being with
Any food allergies or food preferences to accommodate.
Also, each program will have different child care approaches and services such as snacks or meals. Other things to consider are your work hours, location, and cost. Do you require assistance with your childcare fees for your preschool children?
Locate a child care facility or family day home agency
The next step is to find a child care program. A good way to find a program is to ask friends and neighbours for references. You can also contact your local child and family services office for a list of child care programs or use our online tool to find a program.
Visit a child care program
You must visit each program that you are considering. This allows you to ask questions and observe the care they offer. During your visit, consider these questions:
Are the facility and equipment clean and in good condition?
Is space arranged for children to freely choose activities?
Are toys and equipment in reach of all children?
Do toys and equipment suit the ages and sizes of all children?
Are there enough toys for the number of children?
Is there a program listing daily activities?
Can children choose from a variety of activities?
Do activities suit the ages of the children?
Do children appear relaxed and involved in activities?
Is there room for outdoor play?
Nutrition
Does food for all children meet the standards in Canada’s Food Guide or Alberta’s Nutritional Food Guidelines?
Do caregivers sit with children during meals?
Health and Safety
Do staff and children wash their hands before and after diapering or toileting?
Are medications stored in a locked container, out of reach of children?
Is all indoor and outdoor equipment clean and safe?
Do staff have training in child care first aid?
Child care staff and providers
How many staff per child are present?
What is the training of staff?
Are staff engaged and involved with children?
Do staff calmly reassure children who are upset?