The most sought-after immigration destination for new permanent residents is Ontario. 42.2% of newly arrived permanent residents in Canada selected Ontario as their first place of residence in 2022.
The most populated city in Canada, Toronto also serves as the provincial capital of Ontario. In 2022, Toronto became the most favoured destination for immigrants in Canada, with over 128,000 new permanent residents moving there. By contrast, the second-highest number of arrivals to Montreal was just around 53,000, which is less than half of the total number of newcomers to Toronto.
Beyond Toronto’s congested streets, Ontario has many more cities, each with its own distinct personality and prospects. Benefits of smaller communities include a higher standard of living, more affordable living costs, and less rivalry for jobs. Smaller Canadian cities still offer newcomers similar amenities, professional opportunities, and cultural communities to larger Canadian towns.
Ottawa
With a population of over 1.4 million, Ottawa is the capital and the fourth-largest urban area in the nation. The city provides access to several government employment as a political center.
Ottawa is a significant economic engine that provides employment and prospects in the government, high tech, and vital fields including education and health.
Due to its great diversity in terms of ethnicity, language, and religion, the city is the second-most popular destination for immigrants in Ontario and a key draw for Francophone immigrants.
Along with the three main rivers and historic canal that distinguish Ottawa as a metropolis, the city also boasts a large number of parks and beaches.
Ottawa was named Canada’s finest place to live based on earnings, automobile ownership, unemployment rate, housing, weather, and lifestyle in a research by Canadian Business, according to the city of Ottawa’s website. An important contributing aspect to Ottawa’s high rating was its culture.
Kingston
With a population of almost 150.000, Kingston is a medium-sized city situated midway between Montreal and Toronto. The cost of living is 55% lower than in Toronto.
All tiers of government, as well as multinational companies and creative start-ups, make up Kingston’s robust and diverse economy. Additionally, Kingston provides access to top-notch research and educational institutes.
The city also has a thriving entertainment and cultural scene, a wide variety of unique dining options, and a feel of a college town. Furthermore, Kingston offers some of the greatest sailing in Canada, with the Thousand Islands’ picturesque waterways and Lake Ontario’s unrestricted waters.
Windsor
Windsor, the southernmost city of Canada, is located across from Detroit, Michigan, on the left bank of the Detroit River. This enables citizens to benefit from the numerous possibilities present in both the US and Canada.
Numerous sectors, including those in healthcare, education, and automobile manufacture, are based in the city. It’s an excellent moment to launch a new career in Windsor, with the city’s economy expanding and a lot of businesses eager to develop.
Windsor’s inexpensive cost of living is one of its main attractions. When compared to other Canadian cities, the affordability of housing, food, and other essentials is particularly noteworthy for families and people on a tight budget.
Last but not least, the city is a wonderful area for families and recent immigrants to settle down because of its close-knit and friendly community.
London
London, also referred to as the “Forest City,” is renowned for its abundance of greenery and natural beauty. London, one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities, is situated between Toronto and Detroit in the center of the country’s southwest region. London is swiftly rising to prominence as a hub for travel, business, entertainment, and more.
The city has good healthcare, education, and inexpensive housing options for immigrants, along with low crime rates.
There’s Western University in London. Leaders in their disciplines are among the researchers, instructors, and graduate students of Western University, one of Canada’s most research-intensive universities.
Last but not least, the city boasts a vibrant culture that offers events, sports, museums, great eating, and entertainment to all of its citizens, regardless of age.
Waterloo-Kitchener
With a population of over 378,000, Kitchener-Waterloo is one of the major cities in Ontario. The total population of the region is just over 575,000.
With one of Google’s offices located here and a plethora of start-ups, Kitchener has a thriving tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem. There are several more robust industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
With three universities in the area—Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier, and Conestoga College—students may take advantage of reasonably priced accommodation, close access to facilities, and job prospects for young workers.
Furthermore, the biggest Oktoberfest outside of Germany takes place in Kitchener. Kitchener has a multi-day event in October to honor its German past, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
In conclusion, there are many cities in Ontario. Other Ontario communities outside of Toronto can be of interest to you if you’re wanting to settle down because they all have different prospects and lifestyles.