What To Know Before Moving To Winnipeg?

Winnipeg is one of Canada’s most culturally rich cities despite many assertions. It is home to the newly opened Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the ever-famous Centennial Concert Hall and Winnipeg Folk Festival.

Winnipeg’s long, cold winter means that the city of nearly a million people is also home to the infamous moniker “Winterpeg.”

Despite the harsh winters of the Winnipegers, however, their hospitality remains strong.

This friendly and renowned reputation is one of the main reasons many Canadians choose to make Winnipeg their home in Canada. So, let us know more about living in Winnipeg, the largest city in Canada.

Winnipeg is the capital of Manitoba. The city is located on the eastern edge of the Canadian Prairies. Below are facts about Winnipeg: 

Human And Immigrant Communities

Winnipeg has recently been ranked as the third-fastest growing economy among Canada’s largest cities.

It is considered one of the most diverse globally, but it is not the only attraction for newcomers to live in Winnipeg. Immigrants to Canada for decades.

The city may be considered one of the most isolated in North America. Still, its attraction among immigrant communities worldwide means it has become a diverse and multicultural place to call home.

For example, one of Winnipeg’s most substantial immigrant communities is newcomers from the Philippines.

Winnipeg witnessed its first significant influx of Filipino immigrants in the 1980s, and the multi-generational community has grown from strength to strength ever since.

Today, Winnipeg has arguably the third-largest Filipino population in Canada, and the largest per capita, by less than 10 percent.

In 2016, more than 57,000 Filipinos lived in Winnipeg as permanent residents or naturally resident Canadians. However, it is not just the Philippine thriving community in Canada’s most sunny city.

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In 2019, 14,745 permanent residents were deported to Canada and settled in Winnipeg.

The total Manitoba total was 18,905, which means that about 80 percent of all Manitoba residents living in Manitoba in 2019 voted for Winnipeg.

In addition, the 2016 census data shows that there were approximately 180,000 immigrants based in Winnipeg, representing about 24 percent of the city’s population. It increased from 20.6 percent in 2011 and 17.7 percent in 2006.

As a province, Manitoba became the second-largest youth province in 2019, and I am very grateful to the many immigrant families based in the province through Express Entry.

Either through the Manitoba Provincial Nomination Program (MPNP) or the Family Class Funds channel.

Some newcomers to Winnipeg include refugees and other business immigrants, but most come with Express Entry, MPNP, or beloved support.

Aside from the established Philippine community in the city, Winnipeg is also home to a growing Indian community and a British and Chinese population.

Accommodation

Rental costs in Winnipeg are ranked amongst the lowest in Canada, making the city ideal for newcomers who want to find their place after arriving in Canada without sharing an address with their roommates.

According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Winnipeg should set aside an individual or a couple for about $1,050 per month.

An apartment the size of suburban areas will be $990 per month. If you decide to move to Winnipeg with a family or are looking for a larger space, you can expect to pay about $1,660 a month for a three-bedroom apartment in the suburbs of Winnipeg.

The same continuous apartment will cost about $1,550. In a further context, you should note that Winnipeg rental rates are about 12 percent cheaper than similar properties in Hamilton, Ontario.

This comparison is significant because many Canadian immigrants feel that GTA’s foreign cities and other urban centers elsewhere in Ontario are Canada’s only affordable city residential options. Living in Winnipeg proves otherwise.

Suppose you are moving to Winnipeg with some savings and hard work or savings.

You may want to consider buying a home in Winnipeg, which has buildings in Winnipeg that are more affordable than in other similar Canadian cities, such as Calgary and Ottawa.

Transportation To Winnipeg

Like many Canadian Prairie cities, Winnipeg is well-known for its public transportation system. However, the simple fact is that cold winters and overcrowded urban areas mean that many Winnipegger people choose cars before boarding a bus.

If you choose to use public transportation in the city, you should know that the Winnipeg transportation system offers comprehensive bus service, and a monthly pass will cost you back about $102 per month.

Lastly, if you are a cyclist, you will be happy to know that a cycling network covers many parts of the city. And, with a lot of flatlands, you can be sure you won’t have to wander on any treacherous or crippling climb.

Living / Studying In Winnipeg With Family

Winnipeg is the center of some of the most affordable child care options and nursery services in North America.

Another good news for Winnipeg families is a comprehensive program for primary and secondary schools, with a wide range of public and private schools to make a choice.

Public schools operate directly under the Department of Education. Separate school boards/district boards govern these schools.

All Canadian citizens and immigrants living with a parent or legal guardian in Manitoba have the right to attend public schools under provincial laws.

The performance of private schools varies. Some schools have affiliations with a particular religion or denomination.

As well they have their governing bodies or boards. Independent schools are qualified for provincial funding if they use the Manitoba curriculum and meet several additional requirements.

Non-funded private schools should not adhere to the provincial curriculum but must provide the quality of education offered in a public school.

Regarding the university education in Winnipeg, the two most striking are the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba.

The first has a flexible campus located all over Winnipeg, and the number of international students is more than 10 percent of the total student population.

The University of Manitoba is located in Winnipeg’s Fort Garry area and is the oldest university in western Ontario, founded in 1877.

The University of Manitoba is the only university that conducts extensive research and is one of the top research institutes in the country. The university also has more than 145,000 students living in 140 countries.

Winnipeg Leases

Employers may obtain a Fixed Term Agreement or a Monthly Lease for their rental property. The lease term applies to the fixed term, and the monthly lease is valid for one month at a time.

All lease agreements must include details relating to the obligations of the landlord and tenant, lease term, services provided, and other important information.

Before signing a lease agreement, you must make a Manitoba Leasing Act.

Public Transport

Public transportation is not as readily available in Manitoba as in other provinces. However, you have the following travel options:

Train: One can use the train from Winnipeg’s Union Station. However, the route includes only six stops in Manitoba.

Bus: Winnipeg is the only city in Canada with a city bus service. If you want to travel to other parts of Manitoba, you can check out downtown bus companies like Greyhound Bus and Beaver Bus Lines.

Water Taxes: Northern Ports Service & Marine Operations can take you to various Manitoba valleys.

Ridesharing: Platforms like Uber and Lyft provide services in Winnipeg but are still hard to find throughout Manitoba.

Electricity and Gas Registration

Electricity: There is only one electricity supplier in Manitoba Hydro province.

Natural Gas: Manitoba’s natural gas suppliers include ECNG Energy, Just Energy, and Planet Energy.

Internet and Mobile System

Internet: Two of the most used internet service providers in the province include TELUS and Shaw. You can use FindInternet as a great resource to compare offers from various providers in Manitoba.

Mobile Network Company: Manitoba’s most popular mobile carriers are Rogers and Bell. You may refer to Planhub to compare different mobile applications from other airlines.

Food, Alcohol, and Various Resources

Food: Manitoba has a reputation for its seasonal fruits, blueberries, and seafood. There is also a wide range of farmers’ markets available, but the most famous is Le Marché St. Norbert Farmer’s Market in Winnipeg.

Alcohol: The legal age for drinking in Manitoba is 18 years. You can buy alcohol at Manitoba Liquor Mart.

Prescription Drugs & Cosmetics: You can find prescription drugs at the Shoppers Drug Mart. You can find cosmetic products in Sephora.

Hardware and Tools: Home Hardware is an excellent online platform where you can find the hardware and tools you need.

It can then be delivered to your address or retail location near you. You can also purchase tools from department stores on Lowe’s and Canadian Tire sites.

Prescription Drugs and Cosmetics

You can find prescription drugs and medicine in the national retailer outlet Shoppers Drug Mart. In addition, you can find cosmetic products in Sephora.

Hardware and Tools: Home Hardware is a pretty good online platform from which you can find the hardware and tools you need. You can then get them delivered to your address or a retail outlet. You can also purchase tools from on-site departmental stores like Lowe’s and Canadian Tire.

Moving To Winnipeg, Manitoba

If you want to move to Winnipeg, you can consider a few options to proceed to Manitoba.

However, if you are unsure where to start or looking for expert advice, we recommend that you book a consultation with a Managed Immigration Advisor to Canada.

The first steps you can take when you arrive in Manitoba are:

• Before doing anything else, you need to handle the following administrative tasks when you arrive in Manitoba.
• Apply for a Manitoba health card by applying to the Manitoba Provincial Government and completing the Registration Form.
• Apply for a Driver’s License by contacting the Autopac Agent at Manitoba Public Insurance.
• You need to change all your addresses officially. Start by creating a checklist for lessons that need to be changed or accounts that need to be closed. To do so quickly, you can enlist the help of MovingWaldo, Canada‘s favorite address changer app. A free app that allows users to notify more than 700 public and private organizations about their new addresses at once.
• If you move to Winnipeg from another country, you will also need a local mobile app. 

Immigrating To Winnipeg, Manitoba

If you’re interested in moving to Winnipeg, there are a few options you may want to consider for immigration to Manitoba.

However, if you’re unsure where to start or want professional advice, we recommend booking a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.

First Steps To Take Upon Arrival In Manitoba

Before doing anything else, you need to handle the following administrative tasks upon arrival in Manitoba.

• Apply for the Manitoba Health Card by applying to the Province of Manitoba Government and filling in the Registration Form.
• Apply for a Driver’s License by contacting an Autopac Agent at Manitoba Public Insurance.
• You need to change all your addresses officially. Start by creating a checklist of the addresses that need to be changed or accounts to be shut down. To do so conveniently, you can enlist the help of MovingWaldo, Canada’s favorite app for addressing changes. It is a free app that allows users to simultaneously notify over 700 public and private organizations about their new addresses.
• If you’re moving to Manitoba from another country, you’ll also need a local cell phone plan. We’ll discuss that in detail later.