The recent study by The Globe and Mail presented a comprehensive ranking of the most appealing cities for newcomers in Canada. The research delved into aspects crucial for integration, accessibility to amenities, and affordable housing, focusing on individuals arriving in Canada within the past five years.
Covering 439 cities with populations exceeding 10,000, the evaluation scrutinized 43 variables across 10 key categories deemed vital for those contemplating a move to a new city. These categories encompassed economy, housing, demographics, healthcare, safety, education, community engagement, amenities, transportation, and climate.
The following rankings below were given out:
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
Each city's score was a composite, reflecting their performance across these varied categories. Certain categories held more weight in selecting a livable community, with housing considered significantly more important than climate, for instance. Even the highest-ranking city, Victoria, demonstrated average scores in housing and healthcare, highlighting no city as perfect but offering a holistic view of each city's strengths and overall livability.
Delving deeper into the categories, the evaluation of the economy category assessed job markets, income levels, and overall financial stability. Notable cities with unemployment rates below 6% included Oak Bay, Colwood, Norwich, Middlesex Centre, and Port Coquitlam.
Housing evaluations examined affordability, accessibility for seniors, average real estate values, property taxes, household expenditures, and seniors' housing per capita.
The demographics category focused on population stability, growth, diversity, and cultural richness. Cities like Port Coquitlam, Abbotsford, West Vancouver, Delta, North Vancouver, and Winnipeg showcased higher diversity than the Canadian average.
Healthcare evaluations considered accessibility, quality of services, and residents' health perception. Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, and North Vancouver had over 88% of their population with regular healthcare providers.
Safety assessments analyzed crime likelihood and residents' confidence in public safety, with Wellesley showcasing the lowest crime likelihood, followed by Pitt Meadows, North Vancouver, Saanich, and Burlington.
Education evaluations looked at educational qualifications and institutional availability.
Community assessments measured social engagement, volunteer opportunities, and residents' sense of belonging. West Vancouver and Coldstream exhibited the highest sense of local community belonging.
Amenities evaluations encompassed recreational facilities, entertainment, shopping, and leisure opportunities, while transportation evaluations examined public transit accessibility and walkability, showcasing North Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Victoria as more walkable than the Canadian average.
Finally, climate considerations analyzed extreme weather conditions, with Winnipeg and Regina having the most days with temperatures colder than -15 degrees Celsius.
The Globe's meticulous evaluation sheds light on these cities' diverse strengths, offering newcomers a comprehensive view for informed decisions about their future settlements.