Moving to Canada is one of the integral decisions one makes in life. Residing in a new nation changes your way of life. Also, there are several opportunities to explore. Mississauga, Ontario, is a popular city for immigrants to call home. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Mississauga, Ontario. So, without further ado, let us begin!

About Mississauga, Ontario 

Mississauga, Ontario, is located in the Greater Toronto Area and is home to thousands of immigrants. It is located in the Peel region on the shores of Lake Ontario. Only 24 km from Toronto, this place is popular among commuters and is an excellent alternative to the City of Toronto. 

Mississauga has grown significantly over the years & is one of the biggest municipalities in Canada. It was first established in 1805 as Toronto Township. Further, it was reclassified as Mississauga Township in 1974. Today, the city is home to Pearson International Airport & the headquarters of many local & international corporations. 

How Many People Reside In Mississauga, Ontario?  

Mississauga’s population is 717,961 as of 2021. This is around a 0.5% drop from 2016, when the population was 721,599. It remains the third-largest city in Ontario & the seventh-largest in Canada. 52.2% of Mississauga’s population was born outside the nation, making it one of Canada’s most prominent landing spots for immigrants. 

Mississauga’s Local Economy 

Considered as home to Pearson International Airport and with access to all prominent highways in the GTA, Mississauga is a popular location for business. It is a top destination for corporate offices, supply chains, manufacturing, transportation, etc. 

The top industries are: 

  • Transportation 
  • Aerospace
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Electronics
  • Banking & Finance
  • Life Sciences 
  • Food & Beverage Manufacturing
  • Information & Communication Technology 

Is Housing Expensive In Mississauga, Ontario? 

Another thing to know about living in Mississauga, Ontario, is its housing market. 

Well, the housing market in Mississauga is more expensive than in other areas of Ontario and Canada. However, it tends to be more affordable compared to other areas of the GTA, i.e., Greater Toronto Area. 

Where you choose to reside within Mississauga will affect what amount you pay for a mortgage/ rent. Some of the expensive areas are Lorne Park, Credit Mills, Gordon Woods, etc. Some of the most affordable areas include Applewood, Meadowvale, Mississauga Valleys, Fairview, etc.

Finding A Place To Rent In Mississauga 

Rent is expensive in Mississauga. The city commonly ranks among the top five most expensive cities in Canada, with rent typically higher than $2,000 per month. 

The average rent for an apartment in the city is $1832 for a Bachelor, $2290 for a one-bedroom, $2681 for a two-bedroom, and $3095 for a three-bedroom. Rental prices will fluctuate depending on market trends. 

Moreover, the renter’s insurance is an integral consideration when renting. It protects your family, finances, as well as belongings. While renter’s insurance is optional, many property owners might require you to have it as part of your rental application. 

Driving In Mississauga, Ontario 

Commuting to work is expected for residents. It is common for people to spend a lot of time driving to & from work. Fortunately, major highways pass through the city, thus making it easy to get around. Highway 401 passes through the north end. Residents even have access to Highway 403, Highway 409, Highway 410, & Highway 427. If you wish to avoid some of the traffic, you can access Highway 407 ETR, which is a toll road. 

Language Support In Mississauga, Ontario 

Public libraries offer programs to help newcomers/ immigrants learn English and improve their language skills. You can even take language classes through Settlement.org, Immigration Peel, & other community groups throughout the region. 

Personal Finance & Banking 

It is essential to have a strong financial base when you move to Canada. Every local bank and financial institution has programs to assist newcomers. You can also open a bank account, open a credit line, apply for a mortgage, apply for credit cards, and much more. You can even get assistance for many other financial products. Visit a local bank branch in person to start the procedure. 

Post-Secondary Institutions In Mississauga 

The next thing to know about living in Mississauga, Ontario, is its education. In order to study in Canada, newcomers should know that numerous post-secondary education options are available.   

The University of Toronto has a campus in the city. The Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning McCallion Campus is located downtown. Lambton College and Mohawk College also have satellite campuses in the city, which are specifically intended for international students. 

You are only a short commute away from numerous other world-class post-secondary institutions within the Greater Toronto Area. 

Where To Obtain Medical Care In Mississauga, Ontario? 

The next topic to know about living in Mississauga, Ontario, is from where you can get medical care in Ontario. 

Mississauga has two hospitals which are part of Trillium Health Partners. Credit Valley Hospital is situated in the northwest, and Mississauga Hospital is in the southeast. Mississauga also has hundreds of smaller medical and dental clinics. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. This number is the same regardless of where you live in Canada.    

Permanent residents can obtain publicly funded health care through the provincial government’s Ontario Health Insurance Plan. There is no waiting period for the plan’s coverage. You can apply as soon as you come to Ontario. You can even pay for additional health insurance plans for prescription drugs & some services that Ontario Health does not cover. Some people have third-party health insurance via their employer benefits packages. 

Conclusion 

Mississauga, Ontario, is a vibrant & diverse city offering a high life quality with its mix of urban amenities & green spaces. It is located near Toronto and provides easy access to the city while maintaining a more relaxed suburban atmosphere. The city boasts excellent public transit, diverse dining alternatives, & a thriving cultural scene. Families appreciate the strong educational institutions & numerous parks, while professionals benefit from the city’s growing job market. With its safe neighborhoods, active community life, & proximity to major highways & Pearson International Airport, Mississauga is an ideal place to call home.  

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].