New to Huron
Your First Week in Canada
Set up an appointment with an immigrant-serving organization
Settlement workers help newcomers settle in their community. They can assist with things like:
- Completing forms and documents
- Referrals and help navigating systems such as health care, recreation services, education and taxes
- Referrals to services and programs
- Learning about Canadian life and culture
- Connections to interpretation services
Settlement support is funded by the government and is provided at no cost to newcomers.
For settlement services in Huron County, contact:
The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
www.YMCAswo.ca/programs/educationenrichment/new-canada
Apply for a social insurance number
Apply in-person:
Service Canada Centre
52 East Street, Goderich, ON
In-person appointments can also be scheduled,
but are not required, at:
Apply online:
Social Insurance Number Application
(Proof of address is required when you apply online)
Apply for a government Health Card
Canada’s health insurance system is designed to ensure that all residents of Canada have access to health care. People can apply for public health insurance. When you have public health insurance, you do not pay directly for most health-careservices. Instead, all Canadians share in paying for them through taxes. When you use public healthcare services, you must show your health card to the hospital or medical clinic.
Sign up for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in person at:
Service Ontario
38 North Street, Goderich, ON
(Services for new health cards only available at Goderich office)
Open a Bank Account
You will need to open a Canadian bank account to be able to be paid for work in Canada, and/or apply for financial assistance. To open a bank account, you will need both of the following:
- Your temporary resident status document (copy of your temporary resident permit)
- Your passport
Enroll your child in school
Children aged 6 to 18 are required to attend school in Ontario. Many children can begin full day kindergarten programs beginning at age 4.
Local School Boards:
Learn about your community
Obtain a map and walk around to get to know your new home and the local services available.
You can use Google Maps.
Also, research the best way of getting from one place to another using public transportation, taxis, or cars.
In case of emergency
In case of emergency dial 911.
Fire, ambulances, and police can be dispatched by dialing 911 during an emergency. Learn your residential address so that you can direct emergency responders to your home.
If you need to reach the police and it is not an emergency, call the non-emergency line 1-888-310-1122
Get a Canadian phone number
Get a local phone number. There are pre-paid and monthly contracts available. There are many different types of plans available depending on your needs and how much you want to pay per month. Special plans are available for people who make many long-distance calls (within Canada or internationally). Certain plans require you to agree to a long-term contract in exchange for cheaper service. Always find out the financial penalties for ending the service contract early and do not make any long-term commitments that you may not be able to keep.
Resources to help you make informed decisions to find the services that are right for your needs and budget are available here.
Some of the largest providers of cellular plans in the area are: Rogers, HuronTel, and TCC. You can evaluate cellular plans on their websites listed below:
- Bell: www.bell.ca
- Fido: www.fido.ca
- HuronTel: www.hurontel.on.ca
- Rogers: www.rogers.com
- TCC: www.tcc.on.ca
There are other phone companies available as well. Research online to find a suitable cell phone service.
Your First Month in Canada
Learn or improve your English
You can enroll in adult English as a Second Language classes. Sign up at the Centre for Employment & Learning:
The Centre for Employment and Learning
Or visit one of five locations across Huron County:
Clinton Centre 60 Mary St, Clinton, ON 519-482-1700 |
Seaforth Centre 9 Goderich St W, Seaforth, ON 519-527-2288 |
Exeter Centre |
Wingham Centre 152 Josephine St, Wingham, ON 519-357-4995 |
Goderich Centre |
Join a Conversation Circle
Conversation Circles give newcomers an opportunity to connect with each other and practice speaking English with an English-speaking volunteer. Ask about joining in-persons sessions at the following locations:
Exeter – Huron County Library
330 Main St S, Exeter, ON
519-235-1890
Goderich – Huron County Library
52 Montreal St, Goderich, ON
519-524-9261
Get Ready to Work
Community agencies provide employment services for newcomers to Ontario at no cost.
The Centre for Employment and Learning sites mentioned above, offer:
- Support to update your resume and cover letter for the Canadian job market
- Interviewing techniques
- Job search strategies and more
WILL employment solutions connect immigrant job sekers to employers who are looking to hire qualified workers: www.willemployment.ca/
To find local job advertisements visit:
- Job Board – Ontario’s West Coast: www.JobsInHuron.ca
Learn about your rights at work
Find out what to expect in an Ontario workplace and what your rights are, by visiting this website for newcomers moving to Ontario:
My Rights at Work
More information about worker rights in multiple languages can be found here:
Community Legal Education Ontario
Get your credentials accredited
Certain jobs require your skills and training to
be assessed. Regulated jobs, including work in the trades, are controlled by provincial or, sometimes, federal laws. They are governed by a regulatory body or apprenticeship authority.
To learn more visit: Get your credentials assessed in Canada – Canada.ca
Find childcare
In Huron County, there are many types of child care options for families. These include:
- Huron EarlyON
- Licensed centre-based childcare
- Licensed home childcare
- Unlicensed childcare
- Nursery schools
- Before and after school programs
To learn more, visit County of Huron Children’s Services
Book an immigration medical exam
Some immigration applicants who enter Canada are required to take a medical exam as part of Canada’s immigration process. This exam must be performed by a physician who has been approved by the government to do these medical exams.
The following service providers have been identified:
Immigration Medical Examiners: Kitchener (imemed.ca)
751 Victoria St S, Suite B 106, Kitchener, ON
Phone: 519-748-8510
Dr. Edgard A. Arcia Bravo MPC
750 Baseline Rd E, Suite #104, London, ON Phone: 519-850-3335
Panel Doctors – Immigration Medical Exams
430 The Boardwalk, Suite 308, Waterloo, ON
E-mail: info@paneldoctors.ca
Phone: 519-744-5932
McDonagh Immigration Medical Services
279 Wharncliffe Rd N, Suite 225, London, ON
E-mail: mcdonaghimmigrationservices@gmail.com Phone: 519-859-898
Get an Ontario Driver's Licence
When you move to Ontario, you can use a valid licence from another country for 60 days. After 60 days, you must switch to an Ontario driver’s licence.
To switch your licence, you must complete testing required by Ontario’s Licensing System. You can review the requirements at: Exchanges & Foreign Licences – DriveTest Home
Tests can be completed at:
Huron County DriveTest Centre
154 Beech St,
Clinton, ON
1-888-570-6110
You can find other test locations online at: Alphabetical Centre List – DriveTest Home
Using a foreign licence
You can exchange a foreign licence for an Ontario driver’s licence if it is from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Isle of Man, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States.
For more details visit: Exchanges & Foreign Licences – DriveTest Home
If your country of origin is not listed above, you must do the following to get a licence:
1. Go to a licensing centre and present your foreign driver’s licence to a customer service agent. There is no need to pre-book an appointment. Additionally, you will be asked to complete and pass:
a. A vision test
b. A knowledge test*
c. Pay all applicable fees
d. Provide acceptable proof of identity
*The knowledge test requires you to study The Official Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Driver’s Handbook
The knowledge test is available in multiple languages.
If you successfully pass the knowledge test, vision test, pay applicable fees and provide proof of identity, you will be eligible to acquire your G1 licence. Note that this licence only lets you drive if you are accompanied by a driver who has had a G2 or G licence for four years or more.
There are two other levels of driver’s licences to drive a car independently. Road tests are required for the additional two levels of driver’s licences. Learn more at: Drivers’ Licences – Cars – DriveTest Home
2. Once you pass the knowledge test, you can sign up for a road test which will grant you a G2 licence. If you are exchanging your licence for a foreign one, you can do the road test immediately. If not, there is a waiting period of 12 months, or 8 months if you go to a certified driver’s education course. Book your road test here.
Get support about immigration matters
For clarification on immigration related matters or processes, you can make an inquiry at Ben Lobb’s office, the Member of Parliament representing the riding of Huron-Bruce within the federal government.
Goderich Office
30 Victoria St
Goderich, ON
519-524-6560
email: ben.lobb@parl.gc.ca
Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament | Huron—Bruce
Local Resources
Newcomer Settlement
YMCA Newcomer Settlement Services
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada funds the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario to provide newcomer settlement services. Settlement advisors support newcomers to Canada as they settle.
Find Your Home
Real Estate Listings
Realtor.ca is the official website of the Canadian Real Estate Association. It is an interactive website where you can find homes and businesses for sale or rent that are available in the area. You can also find local real estate agents who may know about other properties that are not yet listed online.
Real Estate Listings in Canada: houses, condos, land, property | REALTOR.ca
Buying a Home
First time home buyers need to think about financing, finding the right type of home and going through the process of purchasing your home. To learn more about this it is best to make an appointment at a local bank.
Home Purchasing Resources:
Renting a Home
To find a rental property, speak with a local realtor, search for local Facebook rental groups, and check Kijiji. Many communities throughout Huron County have their own Facebook groups where people post available housing. Use common search terms such as “Goderich and Area Homes For Rent” or “Real Estate Rentals – Huron and Perth County.” Once you have joined the group, you will be able to see available rentals or post an ad describing what type of housing you are in search of.
There is a lot to know about renting a home in Canada. You can find the following resources and more, in multiple languages at: Housing for Newcomers to Canada | CMHC (cmhc-schl.gc.ca)
- Renting in Canada: What Newcomers Need to Know
- Signing a Lease
- Keeping Your Home in Good Condition
- Checking out a Home or Apartment
- How to find and rent a home if you have a large family
Before you move in checklist
- Have a signed Residential Tenancy Agreement?
- Check for damage. Ask the landlord to look at the rental unit for damage with you. Take photographs of any damage you see, likes holes or stains. Use the Initial Inspection Worksheet
- Arrange for services and utilities. Services (internet) and utilities (hydro and gas) are sometimes included in your rental fee, check your tenancy agreement. If they are not included, you will need to call to have the services connected and will have to pay for them separately.
- Purchase tenant’s insurance. This pays for damages to your belongings in the rental unit if there is ever a fire or robbery.
- Ask your landlord about garbage and recycling. Many towns have waste collection services, and some apartments have large bins for tenants to use. Talk with your landlord about how to dispose of your garbage and recycling.
Social Housing
County of Huron Social and Property Services offers support and funding services to provide affordable housing options in the County of Huron. Available programs allow seniors to stay in their home communities, offer affordable homes to low-income families and give people with disabilities independence in a safe and secure environment.
Retirement Homes
Retirement homes offer residential accommodation and varying levels of care and support services. Costs vary and are paid for by the residents.
Braemar Retirement Centre | Wingham |
Gilbert Hall Retirement Home | Wingham |
Goderich Place Retirement Residence | Goderich |
Harbour Hill Retirement Community | Goderich |
Queensway Retirement Living and Long Term Care | Hensall |
Long-term Care Homes
Long term care homes offer services for people with medical needs.
Huronview Home for the Aged | Clinton |
Huronlea Home for the Aged | Brussels |
Blue Water Rest Home | Zurich |
Exeter Villa | Exeter |
Fordwich Village Nursing Home | Fordwich |
Maitland Manor | Goderich |
Queensway Nursing Home | Hensall |
Seaforth Long Term Care Home | Seaforth |
Harbour Hills | Goderich |
Healthcare
Huron County Hospitals
Clinton:
Clinton Public Hospital 98 Shipley St, Clinton, ON, 519-482-3440
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
Exeter:
South Huron Hospital Association 24 Huron St W, Exeter, ON, 519-235-2700
South Huron Hospital Association
Goderich:
Alexandra Marine General Hospital 120 Napier St, Goderich, ON,
519-524-8323
AMGH – Alexandra Marine and General Hospital
Seaforth:
Seaforth Community Hospital 24 Centennial Dr, Seaforth, ON, 519-527-1650
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
Wingham: Wingham and District Hospital 270 Carling Terrace, Wingham, ON, 519-357-3210
Wingham and District Hospital
Walk-in Clinics
Blyth:
Blyth Walk-In Clinic 442 Queen St, Blyth, ON, 226-532-9500
Check website for available dates, times:
Walk-In Clinic— Blyth Pharmacy
Exeter:
South Huron Medical Centre Walk-in Clinic
23 Huron St. W., Exeter, ON, 519-235-2700
Check website for available dates, times:
South Huron Hospital Association – South Huron Medical Centre
Healthcare Providers
Brussels:
Huron Community Health Team
373 Turnberry St, Brussels, ON
519-600-2273
Clinton:
Clinton Family Health Team
105 Shipley St, Clinton, ON
519-482-3000
Exeter:
South Huron Medical Centre
23 Huron St W, Exeter, ON
519-235-2700
Goderich:
Maitland Valley Family Health Centre
180 Cambria Rd N, Goderich, ON
519-524-6060
Grand Bend:
Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre
69 Main St E, Grand Bend, ON
519-238-2362
Hensall:
Grand Bend Area Community Health Centre – Hensall Site
122 King St, Box 159, Hensall, ON
519-262-3140
Seaforth:
Huron Community Health Team
32 Centennial Dr, Seaforth, ON
519-600-2273
Wingham:
Listowel-Wingham and Area Family Health Team
270 Carling Terr, Wingham, ON
519-357-3210
Zurich:
Bluewater Area Family Health Team
6 Goshen St. S, Zurich, ON
519-236-4314
Pregnancy Support
The Huron Midwives provide primary care to low-risk individuals throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period. They take pride in offering professional care that is also personal and compassionate, and empowers each client to make informed choices during their pregnancy.
Huron Perth Public Health
Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) works with the community to promote and protect health and prevent illness, based on community need, evidence and law. They deliver public health programs, classes and services throughout the community that are accessible for everyone
Education
Elementary and Secondary Schools
Post-Secondary & Adult Education
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine job experience with technical training. Apprenticeship in Ontario is the responsibility of the provincial government, which offers apprenticeship studies in a variety of fields. Apprenticeships are available to adult and youth learners.
Apprenticeships are available to high school students through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a secondary school cooperative education program that allows students to participate in an apprenticeship occupation, while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Transportation
Taxis
Goderich:
Anytime Taxi
519-524-8888
Goderich Taxi
519-524-6594
Seaforth:
Blue Heron Taxi
519-949-7433
Seaforth Taxi
519-527-0050
Buses
A bus is available in some communities within Huron County through Huron Shores Area Transit. For up-to-date schedules and fares, visit their website to plan your next trip.
Huron Shores Area Transit – Home
Huron County Routes:
Route 3: Grand Bend ↔ Goderich – Huron Shores Area Transit
Route 2: London ↔ Grand Bend via Exeter – Huron Shores Area Transit
Buy or lease a car
You can buy a car new or used from a car dealer.
You can also buy a used car from another person who is selling his or her car. In Ontario, used cars must pass a safety certification before they can be driven by a new owner. If the car is not sold with a valid safety certificate, it is your responsibility to arrange certification from a licensed mechanic. You are also responsible for paying for any repairs that are necessary for the car to pass the certification. After you buy a car (new or used), it must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. At the time of registration, you will also need to get a license plate. To get new license plates, visit your local Service Ontario location.
As an alternative to buying a car, many people in Canada lease a car from a car dealer. A lease is a legal agreement between you and the dealer in which you agree to pay them a fee to use the car for a specific period of time (usually several years). After this period ends, you must return the car to the dealer in good condition. Since a lease is a legal agreement, make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the lease before signing.
For information on buying a vehicle, consult the Canadian Consumer Handbook produced by federal, provincial and territorial governments at Canadian Consumer Handbook.
Local car dealerships:
Clinton & Area:
DeJong Auto Sales (Brucefield)
519-525-8491
Goldsworthy P J Motor Sales
519-482-7051
Otten Auto
519-482-5790
Redline Trucks Inc.
519-48-5691
The Distance Automotive Group
519-606-2277
Exeter & Area:
Eric Campbell Ford Lincoln
519-235-1380
Exeter Chrysler
877-244-1708
Exeter Tire & Auto Centre
519-235-2597
Frayne’s Exeter Toyota
519-235-2353
Huron Motor Products
519-235-0363
Goderich & Area:
Auburn Auto Sales
519-524-9878
Autosell on 8 Inc.
519-524-9767
Goderich Honda
519-524-2131
Goderich Toyota (new, used, rental)
519-524-6709
Huron Auto Sales
519-524-6709
Hyundai of Goderich (new, used, rental)
519-524-1500
Lake Huron Chrysler
519-524-7195
McGee Motors
1-800-265-5507
Lucknow & Area:
Hillside Auto Sales
519-357-5194
Montgomery Ford Lucknow
519-528-2813
Seaforth:
Robinson Chevrolet Seaforth
519-527-1140
Wingham & Area:
Leslie Motors
833-357-3460
Pentastic Motors (Gorrie)
519-335-6565
Assistance: Food & Clothing
Foodbanks
Bayfield: Bayfield Food Bank – monthly food bank. Trinity St. James Anglican Church, 10 Keith Cres, Bayfield, ON, 519-955-7444
Centralia: Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre – mobile food bank truck with pick-up locations in Brussels, Blyth Dungannon, Huron Park, Lucknow, and Vanastra. 39978 Crediton Rd, Centralia, ON, 519-913-2362
Clinton: Salvation Army – monthly food bank, regular support with clothing and household items, transportation assistance, rent and utility assistance and more. 32 Albert St, Clinton, ON, 519-482-8586
Exeter: Exeter and Area Food Bank – monthly food bank. 249 Andrew St, Exeter, ON, 519-860-4104
Goderich: Salvation Army – monthly food bank, regular support with clothing and household items, transportation assistance, rent and utility assistance; store selling used clothing and more. 309 Suncoast Dr E, Goderich, ON, 519-524-4188
Goderich: Society of St. Vincent de Paul – community food bank; store selling used clothing, household items and furniture; support for health related issues, emergency shelter, rent assistance, and more. 441 Macewan St, Goderich, ON, 519-524-1087
Seaforth: Seaforth and District Food Bank -monthly food bank. 72 Main St, Seaforth, ON, 519-527-0281
Wingham: North Huron Community Food Share – monthly food bank. 405 Josephine St, Wingham, ON, 519-357-2277
Wingham: Salvation Army – monthly food bank, regular support with clothing, rent and utility assistance; store selling used clothing and more. 205 Josephine St, Wingham, ON, 519-357-3757
Zurich: Blessings Community Store – monthly food bank; store selling used clothing and household items. 45 Main St, Zurich, ON, 519-236-4376
Community Meals
Brussels: Soup n’ More – weekly community meal by donation. Melville Presbyterian Church, 55 Dunedin Dr, Brussels, ON, 519-887-6820
Clinton: Soup and More – weekly community meal. 243 Princess St, Clinton, ON, 519-482-5264
Exeter: The Community Table and Noah’s Ark Family Apparel – regular community meals; store selling used clothes. Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, 70670 London Rd, Exeter, ON, 519-235-2991
Goderich: Goderich Fishes and Loaves -weekly free meal pick-up program. Locations vary, sign up here: www.facebook.com/fishesmeals/
Financial Support and Taxes
Federal Funding Programs
There are a variety of financial support programs provided by the government for people in need. In most cases, you must meet certain criteria to benefit from these programs. You can obtain information on what support is available by visiting:
Benefits Finder – Search – Welcome to the Benefits Finder (services.gc.ca)
Provincial Funding Programs
Emergency assistance: Up to $733 is available for temporary financial support through emergency assistance.
Visit: Apply for emergency assistance | ontario.ca
Municipal Funding Programs
County of Huron Social and Property Services offers a variety of supports and programs.
Huron Area Newcomer Fund – Goderich Lions: Up to $1,500 for emergency expenses or unforeseen needs is available for people during their first 18 months in Canada. Visit: About the Huron Area Newcomer Fund — Goderich Lions
Taxes
Residents of Canada pay a variety of taxes to all three levels of government: federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal. By filing an income tax and benefit return you may qualify for various government benefits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Universal Child Care Benefit, and the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax credit. You may also qualify for benefits from provincial or territorial government programs. For more information, visit: Taxes – Canada.ca
Community volunteer income tax clinic
Volunteers will help newcomers file taxes if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation. Learn more about the Community Volunteer Income Tax program: Free tax clinics – Canada.ca