After I Arrive

Citizenship and Immigration Canada provides helpful checklists of things to do after you arrive in Canada.

For more information on what you should do during your first two weeks in Ontario, read My First Days: A Guide to Your First Two Weeks in Ontario on Settlement.org. This guide is available in many different languages. Settlement.org also created a helpful document on 14 Things to Do in Your First Week in Canada.

You may also enjoy the Newcomers to Canada DayPlanner, which is provided free of charge by the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE). It provides useful information for newcomers, along with a place to store notes and appointments. The DayPlanner can be downloaded as printable PDF files, or as a program to install on your computer.

Some items in the guides above will require additional information about Peterborough. Information about Peterborough is available on this website. This includes information pertaining to: 

• Local weather
• Looking for a job
• Applying for OHIP (government health insurance)
• Learning English
• Finding a family doctor
• Opening a bank account
• Applying for a driver's licence
• Finding housing
• Learning about public transportation
• Registering your child in school
• Finding a library
• Finding places to shop

If you have gone through the immigration process and are new to Peterborough, you are eligible to receive the Peterborough Welcome Pass.  This pass provides free or discounted admission to a variety of cultural, arts and recreational organizations and programs.  For more information or to get your pass please contact the New Canadians Centre.  The New Canadians Centre will also be able to help you adjust to life in Peterborough. Their friendly staff can connect you with local agencies providing the services you need.