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:

      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
        349 Main St, Exeter, ON
        519-235-0471

        Wingham Centre
        152 Josephine St, Wingham, ON
        519-357-4995

        Goderich Centre
        41 West St, Goderich, ON
        519-524-2515

        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:

        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.

        New to Canada | YMCA SWO

        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 Midwives

        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

        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

        Clinton:

        Clinton Taxi
        519-482-7433

        Exeter:

        Exeter Taxi
        519-235-1013

        Star Taxi
        519-235-2255

        Goderich:

        Anytime Taxi
        519-524-8888

        Goderich Taxi
        519-524-6594

        Seaforth:

        Blue Heron Taxi
        519-949-7433

        Seaforth Taxi
        519-527-0050

        Wingham:

        TJ’S Taxi
        519-531-0910

        Wingham Taxi
        519-357-1234

        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