Accommodation for Newcomers in Burlington, Ontario

Accommodation for Newcomers in Burlington, Ontario

Accommodation for Newcomers in Burlington, Ontario

Burlington, Ontario Accommodation for New Migrants

New immigrants arriving in Burlington, Ontario have a tough task ahead of them. It is the same around the world. When you land in a new country you have to do everything in one go, and this includes finding someplace to live in Burlington, Ontario.

 

Usually, accommodation for newcomers in Burlington, Ontario is done on a short-term basis. Once the newcomer and their family have a better idea of where they want to live in Burlington, Ontario then they’ll usually move a second or third time until they are finally settled. It is the same in Burlington, Ontario, Canada as in virtually every place in the world.

 

Where is most newcomer accommodation in Burlington, Ontario?

 

 

Accommodation for newcomers in Burlington, Ontario guide

 

Burlington, Ontario is well known the world over for being extremely welcoming to new migrants to Canada. It’s a charming place with plenty or heritage. All newcomers to Burlington, Ontario need to know some of the culture and heritage.

 

Information on Burlington, Ontario, Canada

 

Burlington is a city in the Regional Municipality of Halton at the west end of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Canada. Along with Milton to the north, it forms the western end of the Greater Toronto Area and is also part of the Hamilton metropolitan census area.

Before the 19th century, the area between the provincial capital of York and the township of West Flamborough was home to the Mississauga nation. In 1792, John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, named the western end of Lake Ontario “Burlington Bay” after the town of Bridlington in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England.

The British purchased the land on which Burlington now stands from the Mississaugas in Upper Canada Treaties 3 (1792), 8 (1797), 14 (1806), and 19 (1818). Treaty 8 concerned the purchase of the Brant Tract, 14.0 km (3,450 acres) on Burlington Bay which the British granted to Mohawk chief Joseph Brant for his service in the American Revolutionary War. Joseph Brant and his household settled on this tract of land around 1802. Brant is accordingly often referred to as the founder of Burlington, and the city of Burlington still celebrates an annual Joseph Brant Day in early August. Subsequent disputes between the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Canadian government over payment for the Brant Tract and the Toronto Purchase were settled in 2010 for the sum of $145 million (CAD).

By the turn of the 19th century, the name “Burlington” was already in common use. With the completion of the local survey after the War of 1812, the land was opened for settlement. Early farmers prospered in the Burlington area because the area had fertile soil and moderate temperatures. Produce from the farms was shipped out via the bustling docks of the lakeside villages of Port Nelson and Wellington Square, as well as Brown’s Wharf in the nearby village of Port Flamborough (which was to become Aldershot). Lumber taken from the surrounding forests also competed for space on the busy docks. In the latter half of the 19th century, increased wheat production from Western Canada convinced local farmers to switch to fruit and vegetable production.

In 1873, the villages of Wellington Square and Port Nelson merged to become the Village of Burlington which then became the Town of Burlington in 1914. The arrival of large steamships on the Great Lakes made the small docks of the local ports obsolete, and the increased use of railway to ship goods marked the end of the commercial wharves.

Farming still thrived though, and the resultant growth resulted in continued prosperity. By 1906, the town boasted its own newspaper—the Burlington Gazette—as well as a town library and a local rail line that connected Burlington to nearby Hamilton. During the First World War, 300 local men volunteered for duty in the Canadian Expeditionary Force—38 did not return. In 1914, Burlington was incorporated into a town.

As more settlers arrived and cleared the land, cash crops replaced subsistence farming. Gradually, mixed farming and market gardens became the dominant form of agriculture, and in the early 20th century the area was declared the Garden of Canada. The first peaches grown in Canada were cultivated in the Grindstone Creek watershed in the city’s south-west part. The farming tradition has passed down through the generations. Today over forty percent of the Grindstone Creek watershed is still devoted to farms, orchards and nurseries.

Following the Second World War, cheap electricity from nearby Niagara Falls and better transportation access due to the new (1939) Queen Elizabeth Way encouraged both light industry and families to move to Burlington. The population skyrocketed as new homes were built, encouraging developers to build even more new homes. On 1 January 1958, Burlington officially annexed most of the Township of Nelson, as well as Aldershot, formerly a part of East Flamborough Township. By 1967, the last cash crop farm within the city had been replaced by the Burlington Centre.

Burlington was the site of the Brant Inn built by the lake in 1917, which became famous during the ’40s and ’50s for showing big-band performers.

By 1974, with a population exceeding 100,000, Burlington was incorporated as a city. The extremely high rate of growth continued, and between 2001 and 2006, the population of Burlington grew by 9%, compared to Canada’s overall growth rate of 5.4%. By 2006, the population topped 160,000.

Burlington is at the southwestern end of Lake Ontario, just to the north east of Hamilton and the Niagara Peninsula, roughly in the geographic centre of the urban corridor known as the Golden Horseshoe. Burlington has a land area of 187 km (72 sq mi). The main urban area is south of the Parkway Belt and Hwy. 407. The land north of this, and north Aldershot is used primarily for agriculture, rural residential and conservation purposes. The Niagara Escarpment, Lake Ontario and the sloping plain between the escarpment and the lake make up the land area of Burlington. The city is no longer a port; sailing vessels in the area are used for recreational purposes and moor at a 215 slip marina in LaSalle Park.

Burlington’s climate is humid continental (Köppen climate classification Dfa) with hot, humid summers and cold and snowy winters. The climate is moderated somewhat by its proximity to Lake Ontario. Monthly mean temperatures range from 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) in July to −4.4 °C (24.1 °F) in January. The average annual precipitation is 763 mm (30.0 in) of rain and 99 cm (39 in) of snow.

Although it shares the continental climate found in Southern Ontario, its proximity to Lake Ontario moderates winter temperatures and it also benefits from a sheltering effect of the Niagara Escarpment, allowing the most northerly tracts of Carolinian forest to thrive on the Escarpment that runs through western sections of city. Several species of flora and fauna usually found only in more southern climes are present in Burlington, including paw-paw, green dragon (Arisaema dracontium), tuckahoe (Peltandra virginica), American columbo (Frasera caroliniensis), wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria), plus the Louisiana waterthrush, the hooded warbler, the southern flying squirrel and the rare eastern pipistrelle. Near the visible promontory of Mount Nemo that rises some 200 m (650 ft) above the lake level, a “vertical forest” of white cedar clinging to the Escarpment face includes many small trees that are more than a thousand years old.

Hamilton Harbour, the western end of Lake Ontario, is bounded on its western shore by a large sandbar, now called the Beach strip, that was deposited during the last ice age. A canal bisecting the sandbar allows ships access to the harbour. The Burlington Bay James N. Allan Skyway (part of the Queen Elizabeth Way), and the Canal Lift Bridge allow access over the canal.

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Burlington had a population of 186,948 living in 73,180 of its 74,891 total private dwellings, a change of 2% from its 2016 population of 183,314. With a land area of 186.12 km (71.86 sq mi), it had a population density of 1,004.4/km2 (2,601.5/sq mi) in 2021.

According to the 2016 census, Burlington’s population was 183,314 where 48% of residents were male and 52% female. Minors (individuals up to the age of 19) made up 22.6% of the population (almost identical to the national average of 22.4%), and seniors (age 65+) were 19.2% (higher than the national average of 16.9%). This older population was also reflected in Burlington’s median age of 43.3, which was higher than the Canadian median of 41.2.

According to the 2011 Census, 70% of Burlington residents identify as Christian, with Catholics (31.5%) making up the largest denomination, followed by Anglican (10%), United Church (9.2%), and other denominations. Others identify as Muslim (2%), Hindu (1.1%), Sikh (1%), Buddhist ( 0.4%), Jewish (0.4%), and with other religions. 25% of the population report no religious affiliation.

According to the 2016 Census, the most common mother tongue in Burlington is English (78.7%), followed by French (1.6%), Spanish (1.5%), Polish (1.3%), and Arabic (1.2). The three most commonly known languages are English (99.1%), French (9%), and Spanish (2.5%).

The 2016 Census records a visible minority of 16%.

The top 11 ethnic origins from the 2016 Census are listed in the accompanying table. Percentages add up to more than 100% because respondents can report more than one ethnicity.

Burlington’s economic strength is the diversity of its economic base, mainly achieved because of its geography, proximity to large industries in southern Ontario (Canada’s largest consumer market), its location within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and proximity to Hamilton, and its transportation infrastructure including the Port of Hamilton on Burlington Bay. This diversity has allowed for sustained growth with regards to the economy. The city has a robust economy with potential for growth – it is at the hub of the Golden Horseshoe, is largely driven by both the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

No single employer or job sector dominates Burlington’s economy. The leading industrial sectors, in terms
of employment, are food processing, packaging, electronics, motor vehicle/transportation, business services,
chemical/pharmaceutical and environmental. The top five private sector employers in Burlington are Fearmans Pork Inc, Cogeco Cable, Evertz Microsystems, Boehringer Ingelheim and EMC2. Other notable business include The EBF Group, ARGO Land Development, The Sunshine Doughnut Company and TipTapPay Micropayments Ltd. The largest public sector employers in the city are the City of Burlington, the Halton District School Board, the Halton Catholic District School Board and Joseph Brant Hospital.

Burlington Centre and Mapleview Centre are popular malls within the city. The city’s summer festivals include Canada’s Largest Ribfest, and the Burlington Sound of Music Festival which also attract many visitors.

The Burlington Teen Tour Band has operated in the city since 1947, including members between the ages of 13 and 21. The marching band are regular participants in major international parades. They are also referred to as “Canada’s Musical Ambassadors” and have represented Canada all over the world. One such occasion was during the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade, where the band represented Canada for the fifth time in the band’s history.
The band is led by Rob Bennett, managing director.

The Junior Redcoats are the younger version of the Teen Tour Band. The band includes children between the ages of 9 to 12. The Junior Redcoats’ major performances are most commonly at the Burlington Santa Claus Parade, the Waterdown Santa Claus Parade, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre (along with the Teen Tour Band) and the Sound of Music Parade. They are directed by Caroline Singh.

The Burlington Concert Band has been in operation since 1908. The band, composed of local volunteer musicians, plays a wide variety of musical styles and repertoire. It primarily performs to raise money for charitable causes. The Burlington Concert Band is a participating member of Performing Arts Burlington as well as the Canadian Band Association. The band maintains an open membership policy, allowing anyone who feels they can handle the music competently to join without an audition. Its primary venue has been the Burlington Performing Arts Centre since it opened in 2011. Zoltan Kalman is the former director of the Burlington Concert Band that is led by an elected board headed by Steven Hewis. The current musical director is Joanne Romanow.

The Burlington Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1973, is a community orchestra under the direction of Denis Mastromonaco.

There are 115 parks and 580 hectares (1,400 acres) of parkland in the city. On the shore of Lake Ontario, Spencer Smith Park features a shoreline walking path, an observatory, water jet play area and restaurant. The park includes the Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond, used for model sail boating and ice-skating. Festivals in Spencer Smith Park include Ribfest, the Sound of Music Festival, Canada Day, Children’s Festival and Lakeside Festival of Lights.

The Brant Street Pier opened in Spencer Smith Park during the Sound of Music Festival in 2013.

The Art Gallery of Burlington contains permanent and temporary exhibits.

“Royal Canadian Naval Association Naval Memorial” (1995), by André Gauthier, is a 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) high cast bronze statue of a World War II Canadian sailor in Spencer Smith Park.

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington is the largest botanical garden in Canada. Ontario’s botanical garden and National Historic Site of Canada features over 11 km (2,700 acres) of gardens and nature sanctuaries, including four outdoor display gardens, the Mediterranean Garden under glass, three on-site restaurants, the Gardens’ Gift Shop, and festivals.

Located at The Village Square in Burlington’s downtown are historic landmarks, businesses, shopping, and dining area.

Mount Nemo Conservation Area is operated by Conservation Halton. Bronte Creek Provincial Park features a campground and recreational activities.

The local sections of the Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment, which is a UNESCO designated World Biosphere Reserve, provide hiking trails. Kerncliff Park, in a decommissioned quarry on the boundary with Waterdown, is a naturalized area on the lip of the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail runs through the park, at many points running along the edge of the cliffs, providing an overlook.

The Joseph Brant Museum has exhibits on the history of Burlington, the Eileen Collard Costume Collection, Captain Joseph Brant and the visible storage gallery. Ireland House at Oakridge Farm is a museum depicting family life from the 1850s to the 1920s. Freeman Railway Station (1906) of the Grand Trunk Railway, reopened as an interpretive centre in 2017.

Burlington offers four indoor and two outdoor pools, one splash park, nine splash pads, seven arenas and ice centres, six community centres and nine golf courses. The Appleby Ice Centre is a 4-pad arena, used year-round for skating and ice hockey.

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is a 940-seat facility opened in 2011.

Burlington Centre is a two-storey mall opened in 1968, and Mapleview Centre is a two-storey mall opened in 1990.

Burlington doesn’t host any professional teams, thought several minor league teams are based in the city.

Burlington, Ontario, founded the Burlington International Games (B.I.G.). The games were first held in 1969 “to offer an athletic and cultural exchange experience for the youth of Burlington”.
Until recently,[when?] the games took place between Burlington, Ontario, and Burlington, Vermont, United States. But, other cities from places such as Quebec, Japan, the Netherlands, and the U.S. have all had athletes compete since 1998. The games celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2009 and the competition ceased in 2010 due to limited participation in later years.[citation needed]

The city is divided into six wards, each represented by a city councillor. The mayor, who chairs the city council, is Marianne Meed Ward.

Federally, the city is represented by three MPs whose ridings cover parts of the city:

Provincially, the city is represented by three MPPs, whose ridings are geographically contiguous with their federal counterparts:

Burlington Transit, the public transport provider in the city, provides bus service on a transportation grid centred on three commuter GO Train stations: Appleby, Burlington and Aldershot.

Major transportation corridors through the city include the Queen Elizabeth Way, Highway 403, Highway 407, and Dundas Street (former Highway 5). Commuter rail service is provided by GO Transit at the Appleby GO Station, Burlington GO Station and the Aldershot GO station. Intercity rail service is provided by Via Rail at Aldershot, which also serves Hamilton. Rail cargo transportation is provided by both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific.

Burlington Airpark in the city’s north end is a thriving general-aviation without regular commercial passenger flight service. Some charter operations are provided.

On 26 February 2012, a Via Rail train traveling from Niagara Falls to Toronto Union Station derailed in Burlington, with three fatalities.

Halton Regional Police Service provides law enforcement.

The Burlington Fire Department offers emergency services from eight fire stations. The services is made up of both career and volunteer fire fighters.

Paramedic services are provided by Halton Region Paramedic Services.

Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital is located in downtown Burlington.

Burlington’s public elementary and secondary schools are part of the Halton District School Board. Burlington’s Catholic elementary and secondary schools are part of the Halton Catholic District School Board. French public elementary and secondary schools are part of the Conseil scolaire Viamonde and French catholic elementary and secondary schools are part of the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. Several private schools are also available in the city.

There are 29 public elementary schools and 14 Roman Catholic elementary schools in Burlington.

There are six public high schools and three Catholic high schools in the area.

BurlingtonToday.com is an online local news source in Burlington, offering the latest breaking news, weather updates, entertainment, sports and business features, obituaries and more.

Several publications are either published in or around Burlington, or have Burlington as one of their main subjects, including Burlington Post and View Magazine.

Burlington is part of the Hamilton radio market. One radio station, FM 107.9 CJXY, is licensed to Burlington and another, FM 94.7 CHKX, to “Hamilton/Burlington.” Both presently broadcast from studios in Hamilton. Burlington listeners are also served by stations licensed to Toronto, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York.

Burlington is primarily served by media based in Toronto (other than those noted below), as it is geographically in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

Burlington has twin-city relationships with the following cities:

Past city relationships:

 

Finding Immigration Accommodation for Newcomers in Burlington, Ontario

 

Most searches for immigration accommodation for newcomers in Burlington, Ontario begin with a search engine. Local papers in Burlington, Ontario may well be online and of course accommodation websites like Craigslist Burlington, Ontario and Book Direct and Save Burlington, Ontariocan be of great help.

 

What is the cost of newcomer accommodation in Burlington, Ontario

 

Burlington, Ontario accommodation for newcomers varies greatly in cost depending on requirements and neighborhoods. Lots of new arrivals to Burlington, Ontario use BookDirectandSave.com to give them an indication of short-term rental process in Burlington, Ontario and also the option to book with confidence and security.

 

Rental accommodation in Burlington, Ontario for newcomers

 

Once you decide to rent a property in Burlington, Ontario there are certain things specific to Burlington, Ontario to keep in mind. For example, make sure to agree on who pays for utilities such as electricity and water.

 

Property owners and landlords in Burlington, Ontario will usually require references and bank statements and not all individuals and families looking for newcomer accommodation in Burlington, Ontario have access to these so do make sure you locate some of the new immigrant services in Burlington, Ontario.

 

Rental housing is the most common housing option for new immigrants in Burlington, Ontario. With a huge range of rental properties available, including apartments, condos, and co-living spaces, new arrivals can easily find a rental property that meets their needs and budget.

 

Apartments in Burlington, Ontario are available in a variety of sizes and styles, from studios to multi-bedroom units. They can be found in a range of neighbourhoods from the downtown area to the more relaxed suburbs. Rent prices can vary greatly but expect to pay around CAD $1,800 to CAD $4,500 per month for an apartment in the centre of Burlington, Ontario.

 

Co-living options are increasingly popular for new immigrants in Burlington, Ontario, offering a more affordable and social living experience. They usually have private bedrooms and shared living spaces with added benefits like cleaning, internet and utilities included in the rent.  Rent prices for co-living spaces in Burlington, Ontario start from CAD $1,500 per month.

 

When choosing a rental property make sure to consider the cost of living and the lease terms and conditions.  Read the fine print on your lease documents as it is a contract you are signing so it is important you fully understand.

 

You can find even more detailed information about life in Burlington, Ontario here, places to go, things to do and how to get around in Burlington, Ontario.

 

 

Hotel Accommodation for New Immigrants in Burlington, Ontario

 

Some newcomers arriving in Burlington, Ontario find it easier to take residence in a Burlington, Ontario hotel for a few weeks before finding something more permanent.

 

Long-term hotels in Burlington, Ontario offer affordable rates and flexible stay options for individuals and families who need a place to stay for a few weeks or months.  You might find standard hotels in the area offer a few rooms at long-term rates to ensure they have a regular income.  Ask around and always book direct with the hotel as they can give the best rate that way.  The best way to book direct is with BookDirectandSave.com

 

Business NameRatingCategoriesPhone NumberAddress
Courtyard by Marriott BurlingtonCourtyard by Marriott Burlington
2 reviews
Hotels+128933727001110 Burloak Dr, Burlington, ON L7L 6P8, Canada
Staybridge Suites Oakville-BurlingtonStaybridge Suites Oakville-Burlington
4 reviews
Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces+190584726002511 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 6P8, Canada
Best Western Premier C Hotel by Carmen’sBest Western Premier C Hotel by Carmen's
11 reviews
Hotels+190538198981530 Stone Church Road E, Hamilton, ON L8W 3P9, Canada
Waterfront Hotel Downtown BurlingtonWaterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
24 reviews
Hotels+190568154002020 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7R 4G8, Canada
Four Points By Sheraton Hamilton – Stoney CreekFour Points By Sheraton Hamilton - Stoney Creek
3 reviews
Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces+1905578121249 Goderich Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 4W8, Canada
Homewood Suites by Hilton BurlingtonHomewood Suites by Hilton Burlington
4 reviews
Hotels+19056318300975 Syscon Road, Burlington, ON L7L 5S3, Canada
Quality HotelQuality Hotel
5 reviews
Hotels+19056399290950 Walkers Line, Burlington, ON L7N 2G2, Canada
Home2 Suites by Hilton Milton OntarioHome2 Suites by Hilton Milton Ontario
4 reviews
Hotels+128987838008490 Parkhill Drive, Milton, ON L9T 9B3, Canada
The Pearle Hotel & SpaThe Pearle Hotel & Spa
3 reviews
Hotels, Wedding Planning, Venues & Event Spaces+190563385583 Elizabeth Street, Burlington, ON L7R 0A4, Canada
Comfort InnComfort Inn
7 reviews
Hotels+190563917003290 South Service Rd, Burlington, ON L7N 3M6, Canada
Holiday Inn Burlington-Hotel & Conf CentreHoliday Inn Burlington-Hotel & Conf Centre
23 reviews
Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces+190563944433063 South Service Road, Burlington, ON L7N 3E9, Canada
City View MotelCity View Motel
4 reviews
Hotels+128924511331400 Plains Road W, Burlington, ON L7T 1H6, Canada
Holiday Inn OakvilleHoliday Inn Oakville
13 reviews
Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces+19058425000590 Argus Rd, Oakville, ON L6J 3J3, Canada
Best Western Plus Burlington Inn & SuitesBest Western Plus Burlington Inn & Suites
9 reviews
Hotels+190563927002412 Queensway Dr, Burlington, ON L7R 3T3, Canada
Osler HouseOsler House
2 reviews
Bed & Breakfast, Venues & Event Spaces+1289238927830 S Street W, Dundas, ON L9H 4C5, Canada
Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaHomewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
17 reviews
Hotels+1905667120040 Bay Street South, Hamilton, ON L8P 0B3, Canada
Holiday Inn Express & Suites MiltonHoliday Inn Express & Suites Milton
8 reviews
Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces+190587649552750 High Point Dr, Milton, ON L9T 5G5, Canada
Sheraton Hamilton HotelSheraton Hamilton Hotel
25 reviews
Hotels+19055295515116 King Street W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4V3, Canada
Staybridge Suites Hamilton – DowntownStaybridge Suites Hamilton - Downtown
5 reviews
Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces+1905527100120 Caroline Street S, Hamilton, ON L8P 0B1, Canada
Courtyard by Marriott HamiltonCourtyard by Marriott Hamilton
12 reviews
Hotels+190538377721224 Upper James Street, Hamilton, ON L9C 3B1, Canada

If you are looking for accommodation in another town or city in Canada, you can find it on our Canada Living Guide index page which has guides to finding housing in Canada as a newcomer in more than 700 cities and towns across the country.

Jacqueline Chow is an international immigration and visa expert with over 15 years of experience in the field. With a background in law and a passion for helping people, Jacqueline has built a reputation as a trusted and reliable source of information and advice on all aspects of immigration and visas. She has worked with clients from all over the world, including high-net-worth individuals, professionals, skilled workers and families. As a sought-after speaker and commentator Jacqueline has been featured in various media outlets and has given talks on immigration and visas at conferences and events around the world.