Navigating life in Regina, Saskatchewan, is the key to understanding the various aspects, such as career prospects, quality of life, education, housing, transport, etc. When one decides to move to a different city, one needs to evaluate all the above aspects to better comprehend the pros and cons of residing there. It is a vibrant city pulsating with opportunity and community spirit. Situated on the vast Canadian prairies, Regina displays a unique blend of modern facilities and small-town charm. It serves as Saskatchewan’s capital city and also as the cultural and economic hub, enticing new immigrants from all across the globe wishing to start afresh. In this comprehensive guide, let’s navigate the ins and outs of life in Regina, providing significant insights to new immigrants.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to get a deeper understanding of life in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Navigating life in Regina, Saskatchewan
The city comprises a diverse array of attractions, including the iconic Saskatchewan Legislative Building, with its distinctive copper dome, and the renowned Royal Saskatchewan Museum, showcasing the province’s natural and cultural heritage. Home to a thriving arts scene, Regina hosts numerous festivals, galleries, and theaters, providing residents and visitors alike with a dynamic cultural experience. With a strong economy driven by sectors such as agriculture, mining, and technology, Regina offers ample employment prospects, making it an exclusive destination for newcomers seeking both professional growth and a high quality of life.
As far as the ranking is concerned, it holds the 18th rank in terms of Canadian population. The previous decade didn’t specifically witness any growth in international immigrants arriving here. However, there have been a set of unique developments enhancing job opportunities. In addition, the number of new immigrants in this city has increased. Meanwhile, due to a severe labor shortage, it is emerging as an enticing destination for those looking forward to job offers.
Discussing Regina’s population
Regina’s population is nearly 226,106 individuals per the 2021 Census data. This indicates an increase of 5.4 percent in population growth since 2016.
Career prospects available in Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina is one of the few cities in Canada with robust economies and reduced unemployment rates. Regina’s rank is the seventh one in the country, particularly related to GDP. Over the past few years, Saskatchewan has witnessed significant investments in natural resources. These include potash, oil, gas, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.
Regina’s top industries include the following:
- Information Technology
- Steel and metal fabrication
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Energy and Environment
- Finance
- Manufacturing
Regina’s greatest employers
Regina comprises the most significant steel company in Western Canada, referred to as EVRAZ, Regina. Other massive employers in this city are as follows:
- SaskTel
- Co-op Heavy Oil Upgraders
- Bayer CropScience
- Saskatchewan Government Insurance
- Kalium Chemicals
- Degelman Industries
- ADP
- Saskatchewan Provincial Government
- Brandt Industries
However, the city does have an ongoing labor shortage crisis, which can’t be neglected.
Navigating career pathways in Regina
Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Immigration and Career Training is bringing forth employment growth across 16 significant industries in this province between 2019 and 2023. Overall, there will be 98,000 job vacancies in Saskatchewan, most of which will take place in Regina.
The chief industries that will be recruiting in the region include healthcare, retail, educational services, and agriculture. Different industries anticipating future vacancies include transport operators, sales, skilled trades, business finance, and administration.
One can search for jobs through the City of Regina website and by connecting with local recruiters, including David Alpin Group, Summit Search Group, and Randstad Canada.
The housing market prevailing in Regina
After acquiring a job in Regina, finding a place to reside here is the next most crucial step for newcomers. When immigrating to a new city, it is typical of people to search for a short-term rental solution or an apartment or house on rent before actually purchasing a home.
The housing expenditure in Regina, Saskatchewan
Location is the most significant factor in selecting a new home. Before determining about where to reside, you must receive information about the neighborhoods you aspire to select. For instance, The Crescents, a part of the Cathedral Area, is one of the most prominent and reputed neighborhoods in the city. Wascana Creek’s adjacent areas are very vulnerable to flooding. The time when they are prone to floods is spring as the snow melts. In addition, one must refrain from settling around North Central and Downtown East due to the high number of criminal activities.
Finding a rental place in Regina
If individuals seek to reside in Regina, they have the opportunity to access multiple neighborhood areas. The surrounding regions and the unit size will impact the amount of rent they will pay for rent. The rental cost can lie between $750 and $1,300, etc. An average two-bedroom apartment’s cost in Regina could be around $948.
The following chief neighborhood areas in Regina for rentals are as follows:
- Albert Park
- Downtown
- Norman View
- Arcola East
- Lakeview
- Rosemount
- Uplands
- Sherwood
- McNab
While the newcomers choosing a rental home or apartment, it will be vital to acknowledge purchasing renter’s insurance to protect one’s family, belongings, and finances. Even though, renter’s insurance is a choice, several landlords seem to request them for having it.
Purchasing a home in Regina
Regina’s housing options are far more affordable than those of bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver. The Royal Le Page claims that the median price to buy a detached home for a single-family in Canada is nearly $790,000 per Quarter 3 of 2021. However, the average cost in Regina is immensely reduced, that is, $380,800. Rates have increased nearly 12.8 percent compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the average cost of purchasing a Condo in Regin is approximately $196,500. In addition, this has emerged as an ideal alternative for new immigrants looking forward to buying a real estate market.
Navigating life in Regina through the existing transportation system
Regina’s location on the Trans-Canada Highway is a bustling stretch that spreads across Canada. In Regina, most people usually commute to work and some residents even have to commute on a routine basis. However, the winter season seems to be challenging for those who prefer driving. All drivers must be holders of a valid driver’s license in Saskatchewan to run a vehicle.
The minimum age to acquire a driver’s license in Saskatchewan is 16 years. However, one could be 15 years old and hold a High School Driver Education. People will commence with beginners before obtaining a complete driver’s license. On the other hand, if one seeks a commercial driver’s license, they must hold a class 1,2,3 or 4 for a license. The type of class will depend on the type of occupation you have.
Public Transit in Regina, Saskatchewan
Residents will also have the option to consider Public Transit. Regina Transit will offer public transportation, operating 23 bus routes in the city. Moreover, buses function as early as 5:30 AM and continue until 12:30 AM. The operation hours will differ based on the routes.
Newcomers with the privilege of community support
Regina is forever optimistic about receiving newcomers, and it looks forward to more new immigrants from across the globe. In addition, Regina looks forward to several programs and services to assist you in adapting to your new home. New immigrants, temporary residents, and refugees have the option to connect with the Regina Open Door Society. They must provide you with details and assist you while moving to the community. Different organizations that one must acknowledge are as follows:
- Regina Immigrant Women
- Support Service Center
- Catholic Family Service’s Newcomer Center Career
Regina’s Language Support
Most new immigrants often end up looking for assistance when comes to improving their language abilities in a new country. To enhance one’s English speaking skills, they must visit the Language Assessment and Referral Center. They will evaluate your language skills and enable you to find language trainers for new immigrants. The Regina Public Library also provides free classes in English (as an additional language). Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers a wide range of language services for adult new immigrants.
Regina also consists of many non-profit firms if you’re asking to volunteer in the community or assist through the local community.
Navigating life in Regina through its education system
There are four school systems prevalent here when choosing to enroll the children. These typically include public, Catholic, independent, and private schools and homeschooling.
Elementary and High School Education
Regina boasts two public school boards: the Regina Public School Board oversees 45 elementary and nine high schools, while the Regina Catholic School Board manages 25 elementary schools and four high schools. For parents opting to homeschool their children, adherence to the guidelines set forth by the respective School Boards is required.
Private Schools
Regina is home to several private schools, including Luther College High School, operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Harvest City Christian Academy, and Regina Huda School, providing Islamic education.
Post-Secondary Institutions
Regina hosts two prominent post-secondary institutions. The University of Regina features ten faculties and 25 academic departments. These provide diverse programs ranging from social work, journalism, and media production to public policy, business administration, and petroleum engineering. Notably, the campus accommodates the following:
- Campion College,
- Luther College, and
- The First Nations University of Canada.
Additionally, Regina is proud to host the Wascana Campus of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.
Medical Facilities in Regina, Saskatchewan
When in urgent situations, dial 9-1-1; this universal number applies across Canada. Residents of Regina benefit from Saskatchewan health insurance coverage for the majority of medical services. However, it’s essential to present your Saskatchewan Health Services Card whenever seeking medical assistance. For prescription drugs and certain services not covered by Saskatchewan Health, additional health insurance plans are available for purchase. Additionally, some individuals have third-party health insurance provided through their employer benefits.
Family Doctors in Regina – What is the process for finding one?
To ensure access to essential medical care, it’s important to locate a family doctor who can provide prescriptions and make referrals to specialists or hospitals when needed. If you don’t already have a family doctor, Regina offers walk-in medical clinics as an alternative option. The Saskatchewan Health Authority regularly updates a list of medical clinics accepting new patients, facilitating the process of finding suitable healthcare providers.
Navigating Life in Regina – What does the routine life look like?
With abundant facilities and services, it is the best place to raise a family. Individuals can access numerous parks, museums, recreational facilities, arts, and cultural centers that keep happening all year round.
- The MacKenzie Art Gallery enables people to witness spectacular contemporary and historical art exhibitions in Saskatchewan, different parts of Canada, and all over the globe. They might also visit The Regina Symphony Orchestra and concerts like Conexus Arts Center where several artists and musicians perform.
- Prominent festivals are also a treat for people to pass their leisure time, such as Jazz Fest, The First Nations University of Canada’s Annual Spring Celebration Pow Wow, and The Prairie Mobile Taste of Spring.
- For outdoor activities, people can access athletic fields, parks, picnic sites, playgrounds, spray pads, and other recreational facilities.
- Saskatchewan Roughriders of Canada’s Football League is also at the core of Regina, being the only professional team here.
Worship and diversity in Regina
Regina’s diversity is steadily increasing with each passing year. The Aboriginal population is primarily comprised of First Nations people. This is followed by Metis and Inuit, now surpassing almost 20,000 individuals. Recent immigrants constitute approximately 5.5% of the city’s population. Among the most notable minority groups are those of South Asian, Filipino, Chinese, Black, and Southeast Asian descent.
A majority of residents in this city are followers of Christianity. However, the 2021 Census reported the following religious groups as part of Regina:
- Catholic: 24.2%
- Muslim: 4.6%
- Hindu: 2.9%
- Other – Christian: 11.2%
- Other religions: 0.7%
Overall, 35 percent of the total population in Regina was found to have no religious association.
To conclude, home to a thriving arts scene, Regina hosts numerous festivals, galleries, and theaters, providing residents and visitors alike with a dynamic cultural experience. It has a strong economy driven by sectors such as agriculture, mining, and technology. Moreover, the city offers ample employment opportunities, making it an attractive destination for newcomers seeking both professional growth and a high quality of life. Navigating life in Regina is a sure shot way to understand the advantages of moving to this city.
If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our MakeHomeCanada experts at 1-800-979-0509, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
