survival arrival

[SoMeOnE-SoMeWhErE]

Thanks for providing this info..... +1 for you indeed...

 

[a4architecture]

Very informative, thanks. +1 for you.

Thanks,
Will keep on updating

 

[a4architecture]

Thanks for providing this info..... +1 for you indeed...

Thanks,
Will keep on updating

 

[a4architecture]

Toronto: Getting Around

Toronto is an easy city to navigate on foot or by public transit. The bulk of hotels, even those outside the downtown areas, are located near streetcar stops, bus stops or subway stations which can take you to most of the sites and shopping districts you may want to see.

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) rates are C$3.00 per person per direction for one continuous ride. Buying multiple tokens drops the price to $2.50 each. You can get a single day pass for $10.00 that you may use as many times as you want. During weekends and holidays, these day passes apply to families of two adults alone or with up to four children or youths (under 19 years of age), or one adult with up to five children -- a great deal. For those staying longer, there are also weekly and monthly passes available. These passes and transfers are good for all TTC buses, subways and streetcars. Some TTC routes go beyond city limits. You only need to pay extra fare if you are riding beyond city limits. If you enter and exit within city limits, a normal TTC fare applies. TTC drivers and operators can be very friendly and helpful with tourists who need some advice on where to transfer or which stop is best for a particular site. That said, try to get your information before boarding. The TTC's phone service offers translation when operators are on duty: 416-393-4636. Subway collectors have free system maps (called Ride Guides) or visit the TTC website. More TripAdvisor transit info on Public Transportation page.

People on the street are also usually very willing to help strangers, so don’t be afraid to ask for directions -- and keep a map on hand. Toronto’s grid system is very easy to follow, but streets are named rather than numbered. Maps of downtown Toronto are available at airport and hotel tour desks -- there are usually several free tourist guides and magazines (such as the Where.CA magazines) that contain very helpful maps. Some of the best road maps of the city are the ones that are published by MapArt. They have yellow covers, are available at most grocery stores, newsstands, and gas stations for 5-10 Canadian dollars.

Although driving the city is possible, you may find it easier to park the car in a lot and walk. Especially in downtown areas, traffic can be heavy and slow and the lack of available or reasonably priced parking often makes walking or using transit a preferable option. TTC parking lots & Municipal lots

Cabs are also easily hailed in the downtown area. There are a variety of different cabs in all sorts of colors, but you will know which ones are available by the lit up sign on the roof of the car. Simply wave one down from the curb. When the meter is turned on it shows $4.25 for 1-4 passengers. The rate increases by .25 every 143 metres.

Many of the city’s attractions are located along the Harbourfront and are within walking distance of Union Station, where GO Transit, TTC and VIA Rail lines meet in the center of the city. Especially in winter when the wind off of the lake can be bitterly cold, an underground system of corridors called PATH connects some of the hotels, shopping centres and financial buildings. PATH makes the distances between some of these tourist sites easily reached on foot.

TourbyTransit.com - Toronto has information on many popular Toronto attractions, parks, museums, theatres and dining and easy directions for getting to them by public transit

 

[a4architecture]

Toronto Weather and When to Go

Toronto is a most wonderful city to visit any time of year. Here are a few tips on how to deal with the weather and when to go.
If you bring the proper clothes, then any time is a good time to visit the incredible city of Toronto.

Weather Forecasts and Averages
If you've already picked the dates for your trip, you can find out what to expect:

Average temperatures and precipitation for each day of the year are listed on the MSN Weather page for Toronto (click a month for day-by-day details).
For more detailed climate information, such as precipitation and wind speed for each month, check out Environment Canada's Toronto climate page.
For current weather and forecasts, and up-to-the-minute weather warnings, go to Environment Canada's Toronto forecast page. This page is also available in Imperial units (°F and inches), and in French.
You can get a 10-day forecast from Weather.com or a 14-day trend from The Weather Network.

However, there's no way to know exactly what the weather will be. You should always pack an umbrella in case of rain and some extra warm clothes in case the weather turns cold.

Seasonal Tips
Toronto enjoys a full experience of all four seasons, so you'll get a different view of the city depending on when you visit.

Winter
By early December, the first signs of winter weather can appear. The chances of experiencing a "white Christmas" in Toronto is about 50/50. It can get cold in December and January and even some Februarys are cold and windy, but it's rare you have to jump over snowbanks if you are in the city area. However, if you have a good winter jacket, winter boots, a good Canadian toque (that's a wool cap for you outsiders), scarf, mitts or gloves you will be prepared for the weather. An extra sweater is recommended which you can wear under your coat if it is particularily cold. You can always leave the sweater behind if it is a mild day. (Probably throwing in a pair of long underwear wouldn't hurt either!!)

In comparison to some of the very remote areas of Ontario, where winter usually starts in October and generally ends in April with tons of snow and many, many freezing cold days, Toronto's winters are not that cold or that harsh. The average temperature in Toronto in January is -2°C (28°F). There are usually a few cold snaps every winter, and usually a couple of pretty good snow storms. There are also many very mild days as well.

Toronto does not get the severe weather that many other cities in such close proximity to large bodies of water can get. In conclusion, with regard to Toronto's winters, as long as you are dressed for the elements you will be able to deal with them.

As far as getting around Toronto, if you are leery about driving in snowy conditions, you can usually rely on public transit or even taxis. If you are in downtown Toronto, it may be possible to get from one place to another without even going out into the cold by following the PATH, an underground walkway linking 27 kilometres of shopping, services, and entertainment. The city streets are fairly quiet during the winter season, but don't be fooled. Clubs are hopping, world class live theatre is available, and the Leafs (hockey) and Raptors (basketball) are in full season.

Spring
By mid-March, spring is in the air and the transition to more outdoor society can be seen. Baseball season arrives in April and the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) guarantees a good climate for ball fans. By May, the temperature is very comfortable and is typically a light jacket season. May is typically the start of patio season at many restaurants in Toronto.

Summer
Summer months in Toronto are from May (low 20's) to August. (Mid 30's).

The summers in Toronto can be hot and humid with a few smog days thrown in. Summer temps in Toronto can range anywhere between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It's perfect weather for going to all the outdoor activities and events around Toronto including Centre Island, Ontario Place, Canada's Wonderland, the Toronto Zoo, the Beaches Jazz Festival, Taste of the Danforth or driving north of the city to experience the wonders of Muskoka and other lakes. Pack mostly clothing for fairly hot weather, but be sure to bring a light jacket and sweater for evenings (and for shopping in malls and dining out, as the air conditioning can make it very cool.)

Anyone visiting Toronto in the summer months, especially July and August, should come prepared in case it rains. Sometimes, seemingly out of the blue, it gets very dark and the weather can turn quite unpleasant followed by brief downpour. Nonetheless, umbrellas and water proof hoods are always handy.

Note that if a person has asthma or any type of respiratory condition they should watch the forecast closely for smog warnings for Toronto, as it can pose a health risk if you are prone to those conditions. Visitors would be more comfortable in air conditioned accommondations while visiting in the summer months.

Fall
September and early October are fantastic weather months, often at very warm temperatures and little rain. Fall can be felt in the air by mid-October and the leaves start to turn. Drives north of Toronto can reveal dramatic leaf colours -- a detailed fall colour report tracks progress across the province. Speaking of leafs, the Toronto Maple Leafs start up yet another quest for the Holy Grail (aka the Stanley Cup) in the fall, and the Raptors hit the floor as well. November is often a cool and rainy month in Toronto.

 

[a4architecture]

Toronto's top 10 cellular service providers simplified

With so many service providers in the Toronto area, it's difficult for most people to really know which one is the best for them. Each person has unique needs when it comes to our cellular devices making it difficult to say one company would be better than another. It is crutial that consumers interested in signing up for a new cellular plan keep a few things in mind and know the facts about each individual company. Each individual company has it's own pricing and features. First time cell phone buyers should always keep in mind the basics when selecting a cellular provider. The most painless approach to this would be asking yourself a few simple questions, for example: "Is the coverage in areas I frequently visit?" or "What am I going to be using my cell phone for?" If your cell phone is also your home phone you will require a provider that allows you the freedom to talk unlimited at any time of the day. The cellular providers that are mentioned are not limited to the plans and rates that are stated.

Rogers is one of the better known companies to date. The company has a solid name that most people would reconize when mentioned and a plan that allows the customer to purchase a cell phone at limited or no cost to them as long as they adhire to a contract for 2 - 3 years depending on the phone that is selected.The coverage offered by Rogers is impressive as it spans all across Canada. The basic cellular plans that are provided by rogers range from $35, which gains the customer 150 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends and My 10 anywhere in Canada, up to $100, which gains the customer 1,000 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends and a single feature of the customer's choice. Family and shared plans range from $100, which gains the customer 400 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends, one feature which the customer gets to select, and 1 GB of data, up to $140, which gains the customer 1,000 day time minutes, unlimited weekends and evenings, one feature and 2 GB of data. Additional air time over those included with your plan would be billed at $0.40 for each additional minute. Should the customer need more than two lines on the family or shared plan they would be required to pay an extra $25 per phone they wished to connect.
Bell Canada is yet another major name known in the GTA. Bell tends to work similarly to Rogers in the regard that they both require a rather hefty upfront investment with the purchase of the customer's new cell phone, or a monthly contract which locks the customer in for 2 - 3 years, and they both have coverage which spans all across Canada. Bell is somewhat more affordable in terms of their monthly rates however. The general range for their monthly rates are from $30, which gains the customer 150 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends and one feature, up to $55, which gains the customer 600 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends, and one feature. Family and shared plans range from $40, which gains the customer 50 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends, and one feature, up to $75, which gains the customer 600 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends, and one feature. Should a customer require data with their family or shared service, Bell caters to that by offering additional plans for families and shared plans with include data. Family and shared plans which include data range from $70, which gains the customer 100 day time minutes, 100 "bonus" minutes, one feature, and 50 MB of data, up to $120, which gains the customer 450 day time minutes, 100 "bonus" minutes, one feature, and 3 GB of data. Each addtional minute spent on the phone after the customer's allocated minutes have run out would cost that person $0.40 per minute, and each additional line a customer would need added onto the plan would cost an additional $20 per connection required.

Telus has been around quite some time; consequently, they have made quite the name for themselves over the years. Telus offers a pretty reliable network with coverage that spans across Canada. The basic rates for this service provider ranges from $20, which includes 50 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends, and unlimited family calling, up to $50, which includes 500 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends, unlimited family calling, and one feature. Some people are not interested in a regular plan and would prefer to use prepaid methods; consequently, Telus has risen to that challenge and offers a prepaid service, however, all prepaid cards are only valid for 30 days from the date of purchase. The prepaid cards through Telus range from $20 up to $45 and offer no additional benefits other than having an activated cell phone; furthermore, prepaid customers have the option to add on special options such as $7 per month to make one phone number unlimited all the time creating more flexability in what your service includes. Each minute regardless of which plan or prepaid method you chose costs $0.50 per minute.

Virgin Mobile is a fairly new company to the GTA; however, they are not short of being well known.The Virgin Wireless network is pretty reliable with a fairly decent coverage range across Canada. A basic plan with Virgin Mobile can range from $15, which includes 50 day time minutes, up to $35, which includes 350 day time minutes, unlimited weekends and evenings, and one feature. Should you require the phone to have more talk time you can always go with the unlimited plan which is $35 and offers unlimited local talk as long as you are within your city zone designated by Virgin Mobile. For $10 more a customer is able to get unlimited talk and text across Canada with no restrictions. Prepaid packages range from $10, which is a basic package and offers no minutes and no features, up to $40, which includes 100 day time minutes and unlimited weekends and evenings. Additional air time with Virgin Mobile would cost $0.35 per minute. Anyone requiring data plans are limited since they must purchase the data plan as an add-on to the plan.

President's Choice Mobile is a relatively new service provider that does not offer any contracts or monthly bills. The company only offers a prepaid service and the amount of coverage is below average. Billing is done by the minute at $0.20 per minute and each outgoing text message is billed at $0.15 per text. The length of time available before the customer's prepaid card expires ranges by how much the customer purchased in the first place. If a customer purchases a $15 prepaid card they would have 30 days until their card expired. However, if a customer purchased a card that was $25 for the prepaid card the card itself would not expire for 60 days. Any long distance calls are billed at $1.80 per minute and if a customer is outside their country they would be billed an additional $0.90 for roaming charges as well.

Wind Mobile is a relatively new service provider in the Toronto area, however, they are quickly becoming much better known by the local residents. Wind has excellent coverage and features unlimited calling packages ranging from $15, which includes 100 province wide day time minutes and unlimited wind to wind calling, up to $45, which includes unlimited Canada wide calling, unlimited incoming calls, unlimited data and of course unlimited text messages. Wind Mobile features no contract obligation and rather decently priced cell phones which keep up with today's fast pace technology. Wind generally works with two zones, wind home and wind away. Each of these zones are important as they are needed when traveling. However, it is crutial to make sure the customer is located in the wind home zone prior to selecting this service provider.

Public Mobile is another new name making a big sceen in the world of cellular technology. Public Mobile offers no contracts giving the customer much more freedom to switch providers at any given time. Public Mobile does not offer the greatest coverage (ranging from Hamilton to Vaughn to Oshawa), however they do offer unlimited plans. Public Mobile's unlimited plans range from $15, which includes province wide calls, up to $35, which includes unlimited Canada wide talk and text. Public Mobile does feature affordable add-ons making it easier for the customer to spoil themselves and a special long distance plan which allows customers to make calls over seas for a flat rate of $15 per month.

Fido was once Toronto's leading service provider, but recently they seem to go forgotten by most. Fido is one of the only companies to date to feature by the second billing. Additionally, they feature a decent coverage range and unlimited internet for $1.00 per day. Fido offers basic phone plans ranging from $15, which features 50 day time minutes, up to $70, which includes 2,000 day time minutes and unlimited weekends and evenings. Prepaid services range from $10, which does not include anything, up to $39, which includes 2,000 daytime minutes.

Koodo is a relatively new company with pretty decent coverage spanning Southern Ontario and major cities in most other Provinces. Koodo has a unique option called build your own package which allows users to add any add-on content to their basic cell plan in order to cut back on extra features. The build your own package option ranges from $15, which includes 50 day time minutes, up to $40, which includes 600 day time minutes and unlimited weekends and evenings. Already made plans from Koodo range from $25, featuring 100 day time minutes, unlimited evenings and weekends, and unlimited family calling, up to $70, which includes 1,000 day time minutes, unlimited nation wide calling, unlimited evenings and weekends, unlimited family calling, and no long distance charges to anywhere in Canada (air time still applies).

Solo Mobile is another company that has gone hiding in the shadows of the others for too long. Solo features amazing coverage and per second billing after the first minute. The monthly plans for Solo Mobile range from $15, which includes 50 day time minutes, unlimited Canada wide calling and unlimited incoming text messages, up to $35, which features 350 day time minutes, unlimited Canada wide calling and unlimited evenings and weekends.Solo Mobile also offers prepaid cellular plans ranging from $15, which includes 50 day time minutes, up to $35, which offers 350 day time minutes, unlimited text, and unlimited evenings and weekends.

As outlined earlier, there is no one provider that is better than another simply by one factor or another. Lack of coverage may not effect one customer due to their travel habits opposed to another. Each customer should evaluate their own usage and requirements of a service provider and make the best choice for them.

 

[a4architecture]

Before You Arrive to CANADA

The decision to leave your home country and come to Toronto is a big one. But, now that you have decided to come to here, it is important to learn what you need to do and bring before you leave home.
This section of our website will help you create a series of checklists and research notes to ensure that you have everything in order before you arrive. You can create lists to help you plan how much it will cost to move and live here, which documents you will need, where you might live, how you get around and even information about the weather.
It will also give you the opportunity to get to know Toronto before you arrive, understand the immigration process and the types of rules and procedures to expect in your new country.

 

[izuagie]

wao well said
God bless you very informative .
am moving to ottawa what do you think of the place .

 

[a4architecture]

Planning Your Move

Helpful Checklists

To Do List

Determine your budget

• Save enough money to cover living expenses, such as rent, food, clothing and transportation, for up to six months. Visit the cost of living in Toronto section to get more detail.
  Get your travelling documents together
  Gather your family's important documents including marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts and medical records.
  Make sure you have a valid travel document, a valid visa and confirmation of Permanent Residence for you and each family member traveling with you.
  Check Citizenship and Immigration Canada for a list of other important documents for your move to Canada, and for a list of items that can and cannot be brought into the country.
  Get your health records together
  Purchase private medical insurance for the first 3 months in Canada. Learn about medical insurance here: private health insurance. Take a look at Health Care page to get more info.
  Find a place to stay
  Before you come, arrange for a place to stay for your first few nights.
  Start exploring community agencies and groups that you can connect with to help get settled and meet other immigrants in your community.
  Prepare for employment
  Look at Employment in your field, before you arrive. Learn about jobs in Toronto here Check out the Employment in Toronto section for more info.
  Look into having your Foreign Credentials recognized for Canada or Employment Ontario.
  If possible, have the following work-related documents translated into English: a resume that includes your education, work and volunteer experience, skills and qualifications, diplomas, degrees, certificates and other proof of qualifications, school records or transcripts, letters of recommendations. You'll find more info about this in the Employment section.
  Decide what to pack
  Pack clothing for all weather conditions: hot, cold and rainy. You can learn about different weather conditions in the Weather section.
  Learn about how to transport other belongings, such as your pets, vehicles or other large items.
  Learn how to get around the city
  Apply for an international driver's license (IDL). You need to have a valid driver's licence from your home country when you drive with an IDL. An IDL is valid for 1 year for tourists. If you are a resident of Ontario it is valid for only 90 days.
  Familiarize yourself with the different ways to get around Toronto, including how to get to and from the airport. You'll find more details in the Transportation section.

 

[a4architecture]

Applications and Documents

Before immigrating to Toronto,
you must have completed the application and documentation process. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada website provides all of the information and applications that you will need. The website includes "Welcome to Canada: What You Should Know" - a guide that lists everything you will need to know before you leave your country.
To enter Canada, you will need to present the following documents:

A Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member travelling with you;
A valid passport or other travel document for each family member travelling with you;
Two (2) copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you; and
Two (2) copies of a list of items that are arriving later and their monetary value.
Upon arrival, get a Canada Border Services Agency form to list your items.
Other documents you may need in Canada include:

Birth certificates or baptismal certificates
Marriage certificates
Adoption, separation or divorce papers
School records, diplomas or degrees for each family member traveling with you
Trade or professional certificates and licences
Letters of reference from former employers
A list of your educational and professional qualifications and job experience (for your résumé) immunization, vaccination, dental and other health records for each family member
Photocopies of all essential and important documents, in case the originals get lost (be sure to keep the photocopies in a separate place from the originals)
Car registration documents (if you are importing a motor vehicle into Canada)

Documents after you arrive

The Permanent Resident Card, issued by the federal government, is an important document you will receive when you’re admitted to Canada as a permanent resident. It is proof of your status in Canada. Be sure to keep it with you if you leave the country and have plans to return. Permanent Resident Cards are required by all immigrants if they should leave Canada and plan to return.
Everyone who works in Canada must have a social insurance number (SIN). For information on how to obtain a health card in Ontario, visit the Ontario government’s website to get the information you need.
You can also learn about how to get an Ontario driver’s license by going to Getting an Ontario Driver's Licence which is a link to the Province of Ontario webpage, Ministry of Transportation. There you will find all the information you should need to get a driver’s licence in Ontario.
Once you have all your documents in order, it is time to learn more about how much living in Toronto will cost and the planning and logistics needed to get here.

 

[a4architecture]

Cost of Living in Toronto

Budget Considerations

There are several areas that you will have to think about to understand how much it will cost to live in Toronto. There are six main areas of financial expenses. You should see if they apply to your situation and how you can put them into your monthly or yearly budget.
Proof of Funds
Food Costs
Housing
Health Care
Transportation
Job Search
Proof of Funds

The government of Canada expects you to be financially independent when you arrive in Canada. One of the most important things they will be looking for is your ability to financially support your family members.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides information telling you how much you should expect to spend on your family each year. If you have not arranged for employment here in Canada, you will have to prove that you have specific amounts of money saved.
Number of Family Members Funds Required (in Canadian dollars)
1 $10,833
2 $13,486
3 $16,586
4 $20,130
5 $22,831
6 $25,749
7 or more $28,668
More information:
Citizenship & Immigration Canada – Proof of funds
Health care

The Ontario government provides free health insurance to residents of this province but you will not be eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan benefits until you have been here three months. That's why it is recommended that you buy private health-care coverage. For example, pregnancy-related costs may not be covered. So, make sure that the plan you choose suits your needs. For some companies, you might have to buy insurance within a certain number of days after arriving in Ontario.
These private insurance companies have individual health insurance for new immigrants and people who do not have OHIP:
Blue Cross - 1-866-732-2583 (For calls outside Canada, call collect 514-286-8411)
ETFS - 1-800-267-8834 (For calls outside Canada, call collect 819-566-8839)
TIC - 1-800-670-4426 (For calls outside Canada, call collect 416-340-0049)
*This list comes from the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) and is provided as an information service only. We do not recommend or endorse any particular company.
To find other insurance companies, you can browse CLHIA's membership or look in the Yellow Pages.
Job Search

When you apply for a job in Canada you may need a resume and a cover. Especially within the professional levels of employment, both of these items are expected. Your application will not be taken seriously if you don’t have a resume and cover letter. There are many agencies that can help you write them for free.
You can also so hire a professional resume writer to do it for you. The fees for these services depend on the writer you hire but here are the price ranges you can expect
Service Cost
Resume writing $150 - $500
Cover letter $75 - $100
Food Costs

A family of four
The average weekly cost for food for a family of four in Toronto is $136.28 ($590.09 per month average). These amounts are based on the province of Ontario's 2008 Nutritious Food Basket. Included in these figures are 66 items from the four food groups recommended in Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Living.
There are many different types of fruits and vegetables available in Canada. Some may be different from what you are used to but they are still very good to eat. Toronto Public Health provides a listing of fruits and vegetables available in our city. Quite often in the grocery stores you will find a section called "produce". This is where the fruits and vegetables are sold.

 

[a4architecture]

Finding a Place to Live

Before you arrive in Toronto, it is important to arrange for housing for yourself and your family. Toronto settlement agencies recommend securing housing prior to arrival simply because it is such a difficult and time-consuming task. It is suggested that you send a family member ahead of time to visit Toronto neighbourhoods, work with a real estate agent, broker or rental locator via phone or email, or view online classified advertisements.
If you do arrive in the City with nowhere to stay, there are many short-term alternatives, such as hotels, hostels, and vacant university residences, but those can be costly. Also be aware that there can be a long waiting list for many rent-geared-to-income housing units.
Looking for a Place to Rent

Newcomers to Toronto will find a number of different housing options that are clean, safe, affordable and either temporary or permanent. There are a number of ways to find a rental home. Check classified advertisements in Toronto community newspapers, rental magazines and websites. You can also walk or drive around looking for "For Rent" signs.
There may be additional costs that you should prepare for. Utilities (water, heat, hydro) may not be included in the cost of your rent and are never included in the cost of your mortgage. Other additional costs include telephone service, internet and television cable fees.

Housing Connections
They provide a range of housing types from shelters to shared accommodation to self-contained units, with varying levels of support services for tenants in all buildings. These projects help with the difficult transition from homelessness to temporary shelter to permanent accommodation.

Toronto Community Housing
This is home to more than 164,000 tenants living in communities across Toronto. If you are interested in making Toronto Community Housing your home you can find the necessary application here.

Toronto Long-Term Care Homes and Services
They are owned and operated by the City of Toronto and is directly accountable to Toronto City Council. As a major provider of long-term care in Toronto, it offers many services to the community and residents in 10 long-term care homes.

 

[a4architecture]

Transportation Options

Public Transit

When you move to Toronto it is important to know about the public transit system. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates a large system of buses, subway lines and streetcars. At first the TTC may seem confusing with so many subway stations, buses and the large rush-hour crowds. However you will soon understand how to find your way around our city.
GO Transit is another transit system operating in Toronto, utilizing buses and trains to transport the public. Go Transit provides service to and from smaller towns and cities located just outside of Toronto, linking them directly to the city centre. Many people work in Toronto but live in smaller communities. These communities are part of the GTA or the Greater Toronto Area. You will hear the term 'GTA' used again and again by business people, members of the public and the media. It is the most common way to refer to the region of towns and cities that surround Toronto.
Buying a Car

If you are thinking of buying a new or used car in Ontario, please read the information provided by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council. Their ‘Know Before You Buy’ page has some excellent information to help you avoid problems when purchasing a car. You should also look at the Canadian Automobile Association’s (CAA) ‘Things to Know Before You Buy’.
You should also realize that the base price quoted to you by the sales representatives or the price you see in an advertisement is much lower than the final price you will be paying. There will be taxes, freight charges and of course anything you add to the basic model such as air conditioning, interior upgrades or tinted windows will add much more to the final cost of a car.
The CAA also has a feature called ‘Build and Price a New Car’. This feature will assist you in pricing various models of cars that are available in Ontario.
Don’t forget that owning a car also includes paying for gas, maintenance, vehicle licence fees, registration fees and insurance. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has great information to help you understand how much a car can cost to operate in Canada.
Driver’s Tests and Examinations

Drivetest is the company that the Provincial government of Ontario has contracted to conduct driving tests and examinations. Their website provides a list of all individual licensing costs.
Automotive costs
Average price of a new passenger car $25,000
Average price of a new truck $39,000
Auto Insurance Approx. 3,000 per year (for drivers who own a vehicle)
(G1) Driver's Licence $125.00 See Drivetest.ca licensing fees.
Car Insurance

The Insurance Bureau of Canada provides information about your car insurance. You cannot drive a car anywhere in Canada without car insurance so you must plan to pay this fee either monthly or annually. You can also calculate how much insurance might cost by going to the Financial Services Commission of Ontario website. They have a form that you can fill out to help determine your insurance costs.

 

[a4architecture]

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[a4architecture]

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