A recent study revealed the top 20 cities for newcomers to live in Canada. The Globe and Mail published this study as it examined the potential of cities to readily welcome newcomers and integrate them well, letting them access facilities and affordable housing. This ranking comprises people who came to the country in the past five years.
Reportedly, the Globe and Mail accumulated data from 493 cities in Canada. Each of these cities consisted of a population of more than 10,000. The assessment consisted of a summary of 43 variables across 10 categories that emerged as vital when a person thinks of relocating to a different city. These categories are housing, demographics, safety, education, economy, amenities, community, health care, climate, and transportation.
The top 20 cities for newcomers to live in Canada
Refer to the table below for the ranking:
| Rank No. | Name of Canadian Cities |
| 1. | Pitt Meadows, BC
|
| 2. | Victoria, BC
|
| 3. | Winnipeg, MN
|
| 4. | North Vancouver, BC
|
| 5. | Saanich, BC
|
| 6. | Wellesley, ON
|
| 7. | Burlington, ON
|
| 8. | Regina, SK
|
| 9. | Delta, BC
|
| 10. | Maple Ridge, BC
|
| 11. | West Vancouver, BC
|
| 12. | Oak Bay, BC
|
| 13. | Abbotsford, BC
|
| 14. | Colwood, BC
|
| 15. | Norwich, ON
|
| 16. | Parksville, BC
|
| 17. | Fort St. John, BC
|
| 18. | Port Coquitlam, BC
|
| 19. | Middlesex Centre, ON
|
| 20. | Coldstream, BC
|
The study considered a few categories essential for those choosing a community to reside in, such as housing. Moreover, the study emphasized these categories in contrast with other categories like climate.
To conclude, they calculated a combined score for every city by aggregating and evaluating the results. No town was flawless; in fact, Victoria, the city with the highest ranking, had some mediocre results in terms of housing and healthcare. The ranking, however, provides a comprehensive picture of each city’s advantages and general livability.
Looking closely at the categories and variables
The economy category evaluated a city’s financial condition by assessing the job market, income levels, tax, and total economic stability. A few cities in Canada observed an unemployment rate of 6 percent, such as Colwood, Port Coquitlam, Oak Bay, Middlesex Centre, and Norwich.
Next, the housing category assesses housing affordability as well as seniors’ ability to access housing alternatives. They perceived the average value of property tax, principal real estate, and household expenditures. In addition, they evaluated the housing per capita of the seniors.
Meanwhile, the demographic category acknowledged a city’s stability and sustainability concerning cultural richness, diversity, and population growth.
The Globe and Mail considered three variables under a diversity indicator index. These variables are as follows:
- The population ratio of those who didn’t have French or English as their mother tongue.
- The proportion of the population who are either First or Second-generation immigrants.
- The percentage of the population under the category of visible minorities.
West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Delta, and Abbotsford are Canadian cities with increased density compared to Canada’s average.
Healthcare and safety categories
The Globe also evaluated the health care quality and accessibility and also the common viewpoints of residents in Canada. It even considered indicators, including the following:
- The population receives automatic care for small problems within three days.
- The percentage of the population having a consistent health care provider.
Cities like Pitt Meadows, North Vancouver, and Maple Ridge comprise a population of 88 percent with access to a regular healthcare provider.
The safety category evaluated the chances of crimes and the overall perception of public safety among residents. Wellesley consisted of a crime rate possibility of 88 percent below the average of Canada’s overall crime rate. This city had the lowest percentage of crime rate among all other cities. A few other cities in Canada with lower crime rate percentages include North Vancouver, Burlington, Saanich, and Pitt Meadows.
Education, community, and amenities categories
The education category evaluated the community’s educational qualifications and the prevalence of schools, universities, and educational institutions in a specific region.
The community category perceived the venues of the city’s social engagement, community events, volunteer opportunities, and the sense of connectivity in the town.
Two Canadian cities with an increased sense of connectivity and belonging to the local community include Coldstream and West Vancouver. This implies 74 percent of the population.
Also, Globe considered the number of entertainment options, recreational facilities, shopping centers, and leisure options for the amenities category prevalent among community residents.
These include movie theatres, cannabis stores, proximity to childcare, libraries, parks, gyms, and grocery stores.
Transportation and climate categories
The transportation category evaluated the overall public transit system, accessibility, and the convenience of moving around the city. This involved the following key points:
- Considering the household percentage within 45 minutes of the household.
- The percentage of the population residing within a kilometer of a public transportation source.
Victoria, North Vancouver, and Winnipeg are the chief cities that are more walkable than Canada’s average.
Lastly, the Globe acknowledged the city’s climate each day, listing temperature extremes and general seasonal patterns.
They looked at the number of days in a year where the low temperature during the day was below -15 degrees Celsius, and the humidex was over 35.
Winnipeg and Regina had the most significant number of days with temperatures below -15 degrees Celsius.
If you still have questions about the Canadian immigration process, you can access all relevant details through Make Home Canada’s immigration consultants. Please write to us at [email protected]
