Daily Living

It is important to know where you can find information on community resources that will ease your transition to your new life in Northumberland.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, ambulance or fire services. Only dial 911 if you, a family member or friend is in serious danger or a life-threatening situation.

• To contact police, paramedic or fire services about non-emergency matters, look for their local office phone number in your phone book.
• Helplines are phone numbers to put you in touch with people who can help.
  • 211 Ontario is a free, confidential, province-wide helpline that helps you find support and community services.
• There is no cost to make a phone call to any phone number that starts with “1-8” as in 1-8XX-XXX-XXX.
• TTY is a special phone system for people who have a hearing loss. You need a special machine to type what you say.

Normally, within five years of becoming a permanent resident of Canada you may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. However, there are several requirements that you must first meet. For example, Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires that as a permanent resident you must have physically lived in Canada for a required number of days. This means that if you spent a significant portion of your time outside Canada in the previous four years, this may delay your eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship. You must also meet specific requirements in the following areas:

• Age
• Permanent resident status
• Residence in Canada
• Language abilities
• Criminal history
• Knowledge of Canada

Check whether you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship and/or prepare for your citizenship test. If you are eligible, visit Canada.ca to learn why you should think about applying for Canadian citizenship.

Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada if you are unsure whether you are Canadian or not, and may already be a citizen.

Other helpful resources

• Residence calculator
• Canada’s Citizenship Study Guide

Applying for a Canadian passport

There are three ways by which you can apply for or renew your Canadian passport:

• Adult simplified renewal application (Adults in Canada or in the USA)
• Adult application (16 years of age or over)
• Child application (under 16 years of age)

Learn how to apply for Canadian passports for you and your family and pay the application fee.

As a parent in Ontario, you are in charge of your children’s safety and well-being until they are 18 years old. You must give reasonable supervision and care.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, it is against the law to abandon a child. This applies to any parent who leaves a child alone under the age of 10, exposing the child to possible danger.

Other helpful resources

• Kinark Child and Family Services
• Northumberland Child Development Centre
• YMCA Northumberland

Newcomer parents

Many newcomer families face stress when they start their new life in Canada. Some newcomers might find a new lifestyle and learning new languages very challenging. There are special challenges when you look after the care of very young children in a new environment as well. The Best Start Resource Centre has a booklet for parents of children 0-6 years old called “Growing Up in a New Land”.

You can also find important information on child care in different languages at the Ministry of Education website.

Child care in Northumberland

Do you need financial assistance for child care or want to know about child care providers available in your community? Visit the Northumberland County Child Care webpage.

In urban areas, drinking water is usually treated and supplied by a municipal water treatment plant and wastewater is treated and disposed of by a municipal wastewater treatment plant.

The source of water for municipal drinking water systems in Northumberland County is groundwater, local rivers or Lake Ontario.

Treated wastewater is discharged into Lake Ontario or local rivers. Many municipal programs and policies are in place to ensure residents have a safe, plentiful source of drinking water and that wastewater is appropriately treated.

Water conservation

Local residents are fortunate to have access to clean and plentiful water. However, water should not be taken for granted. Make it a daily exercise to reduce the amount of water you use, including:

• In your home – run the washing machine or dishwasher when you have full loads.
• In your yard – install a rain barrel to capture rainwater for use in your gardens.
• In the future – consider installing a grey water system to help recycle your water.

Freedom of religion in Canada is protected by the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act.

You have the right to observe your religion unless it interferes with the rights of others or is a safety or health concern. You are entitled to the same opportunities as others and you must be treated with equal dignity and respect.

Finding a place to worship

Having your own place to worship in your community can provide a great deal of joy. Many places of worship in Northumberland provide children and family events and celebrations. They might provide food or clothing for people in need or help newcomers get settled.

Cost for services

There are many places to buy food and household items in Northumberland County. They range from grocery stores to international food stores and farmers’ markets.

Community food banks help families who are in need of food but struggle with affordability.

Grocery stores and supermarkets

These are stores that sell food. They often have foods from different places and cultures. Large grocery stores that stock products other than food including clothing or household items are called supermarkets.

Names of supermarkets that you may see in Northumberland include Metro, No Frills, Foodland, Sobeys and Sharpe’s.

Convenience stores

A convenience store, corner store or corner shop is a small store that has everyday items like groceries, toiletries, soft drinks, tobacco products, and newspapers.

Farmers’ markets

These are markets, usually held outside in public spaces, allow farmers to sell vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, honey and other items to the public. Since Northumberland is a very strong agricultural community, there are many farmers’ markets throughout the community.

Brighton

May to October
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Proctor Street near Memorial Park

Campbellford

May to October
Saturdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon
Corner of River Street & Front Street

Cobourg

May to December
Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Victoria Square behind Victoria Town Hall

Codrington

May to October
Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
2992 County Road 30, Codrington

Hastings

May to October
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Four Corners, Downtown Hastings

Port Hope

May to October
Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
Behind Port Hope Town Hall

Farmers’ gates

Many farmers also sell produce they grow or raise outside their own farm gates.

Large drug stores

These are large drug stores that carry food, household items, personal items, as well as medicine and health care products. Some of these drugs stores in Northumberland include IDA Pharmacy, Guardian Pharmacy, Pharmasave, Rexall and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Food banks

If you are unemployed or do not have the money to buy groceries, there are seven food banks in Northumberland County to assist. At any of these locations, canned or packaged foods are available free of charge to those in need.

Special conditions and rules apply during emergency times.

Visit Food Help in Northumberland County for information about food support services in our community, including food banks and local food programs.

Northumberland County manages the disposal of garbage, recycling, leaf and yard waste and household hazardous waste in Northumberland.

Most areas in Northumberland receive curbside waste collection. For curbside collection, household waste can be placed at the end of your driveway for pickup on the specified day of the week for your area. Garbage must be bagged with a bag tag attached. Recycling must be properly sorted into blue and grey boxes.

Visit the Northumberland County Garbage and Recycling page for more information about curbside collection, how to properly dispose of your waste, and where to dispose of bulky or hazardous waste.

There are three levels of government in Canada:

Federal government

The federal government is responsible for things that affect the whole country, like citizenship and immigration, national defence and trade with other countries. Visit the Parliament of Canada website and discover how Canadians govern themselves.

Provincial government

The provincial government is responsible for things like education, health care and highways. Visit the Ontario provincial government website to learn more about their programs and services.

Municipal (local) government

Oversees the cities, towns and villages that make up their area. They are responsible for firefighting, city streets and other local matters. Visit the Association of Municipalities in Ontario website to learn about the differences between ‘lower-tier’ and ‘upper-tier’ municipalities.

County government

Your local or municipal government provides many services that affect you every day. Northumberland County is the upper-tier municipal county government in our area. Some of their services include:

• Garbage collection/bag tags
• Recycling collection
• Maintenance of some larger roads
• Community and social services
• Northumberland Paramedics
• EarlyON child and family centres
• Long-term care
• Northumberland County Archives and Museum
• Northumberland County Forest
• Emergency planning
• Economic development
• Tourism
• Settlement services
• Job search and training

Municipal government

In addition to the services provided by Northumberland County as an upper-tier level of local government, you will also be served by the lower-tier local government for your town, village or community, depending on where you live in Northumberland. These member municipalities are part of the Northumberland County area. Visit their websites to learn more about the services provided by each of our member municipalities:

• Municipality of Alnwick/Haldimand
• Municipality of Brighton
• Town of Cobourg
• Township of Cramahe
• Township of Hamilton
• Municipality of Port Hope
• Municipality of Trent Hills

Northumberland County has excellent health care. There are two community hospitals, as well as skilled doctors, dentists, optometrists and other medical service professionals.

For more information on how to apply for your OHIP Card visit the Ontario of Ministry of Health and Long-time Care website.

Housing in Northumberland County costs less money than housing in larger Canadian city centres like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver or Ottawa. Northumberland is generally very safe since the surrounding communities are so peaceful.

Some housing options in Northumberland include:

• House: A building for human habitation, especially one that is lived in by a family or small group of people.
• Apartment: A suite of rooms forming one residence, typically in a building containing a number of residences. Apartments are often rented rather than purchased.
• Townhouse: A two- or three-storey house built as one of a group of similar houses, usually attached in a row.
• Condominium: A building or complex of buildings containing a number of individually-owned apartments or houses.

To check which apartments or houses are available to buy or to rent in your area, search the online listings at Realtor Canada or check the listings in the classifieds section of your local newspaper.

You will need to fill out some documents to get some important cards that should be carried with you when you live in Canada.

Driver’s licence

You will need to get an Ontario driver’s licence if you want to drive a car here. To obtain a licence, you will have to pass driving tests at a DriveTest centre.

Ontario has three types of licences for driving ‘Class G’ vehicles such as cars, vans and small trucks:

• Class G1: Level 1 of graduated licensing. G1 holders may drive Class G vehicles when accompanied by a fully licensed driver with at least four years of driving experience. Additional conditions apply.
• Class G2: Level 2 of graduated licensing. Holders may drive Class G vehicles without an accompanying driver. Additional conditions apply, particularly to those 21 years of age or under.
• Class G: A full licence to drive a car, van, or small truck. Additional conditions apply to those 21 years of age or under.

To apply for a driver’s licence, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old at the time of application.
• Meet the vision standards established by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
• Pass a knowledge test about the rules of the road and traffic signs.
• Pass two road tests (classes G2 and G) to become fully licensed.

For more information and to book a driving test, visit the Service Ontario website.

Have a licence from your home country?

In Ontario, you must be at least 16 years of age to legally drive.

No matter what your age or driving experience, we highly recommend reading the relevant driver’s handbook prior to driving on roads in Ontario. Each handbook contains information about the rules of the road and safe driving practices for that vehicle type.

You may exchange or apply for an Ontario licence at any DriveTest Centre. Because of the tests required, Service Ontario does not issue licences to new Ontario residents.

The driver’s licence application process for newcomers to Ontario varies depending on:

• Your place of origin
• The type of licence
• The documentation and/or identification you have
• The number of years of experience you have driving

If you have previous driving experience outside of Ontario, that experience may be acknowledged through licence exchange privileges or through foreign licence experience credits.

Licence exchanges

Ontario has licence exchange agreements with certain provinces, states and countries. If you are from one of these jurisdictions, you may be eligible to do a direct licence exchange for an Ontario licence without the standard testing. However, if you have a probationary licence such as a learner’s permit, you may only be entitled to have driving experience credited.

If you have a licence from a country that does not have a licence exchange agreement with Ontario, you may be eligible to receive credit for your foreign driving experience. However, you are still required to pass all applicable tests to earn your Ontario driver’s licence.

Learn more about exchanging your licence in Ontario.

Ontario Hospital Insurance Plan (OHIP)

You must have a health card from the Government of Ontario to get medical treatment. This card is called an OHIP card.

• You must apply as soon as you arrive in Canada.
• Permanent residents, work permit holders and their dependents qualify for OHIP coverage.
• There is usually a three-month waiting period after you apply.
• International non-resident students get separate health coverage under the University Health Insurance Plan or UHIP.
• Some refugee claimants and refugees might qualify for the Interim Federal Health Program or IFHP. Visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada to learn more about the IFH program.

For more information on how to apply for your OHIP Card, visit the Ontario of Ministry of Health and Long-term Care website.

Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

The Permanent Resident (PR) card is proof that you have approval to live in Canada.

• If you have gone through the immigration process with the government, you will receive this card by mail without having to apply for it.
• Permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on an airplane, boat, train or bus use this plastic card.
• If you leave the country, you are expected to have this card when returning to Canada.
• Immigration documents such as the PR Card have an expiry date. You are responsible for keeping your status valid. It is also important to keep track of all your entries to and exits from Canada. You need to report the number of days that you have been absent in Canada when you renew your PR Card or apply for Canadian citizenship.

Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website to apply, renew or replace your PR card.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You need to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you can work. Your SIN is a nine-digit number that identifies you to the government.

It should not be shown to anyone other than government agencies, employers who hire you and some other authorized organizations. Do not put your SIN in a resume.

To apply for your SIN, visit the Service Canada website for more information or visit our local Service Canada Office at:

1005 Elgin Street, Suite 103
Cobourg, ON K9A 5J4
Phone: 905-372-3326 or 1-800-206-7218

Does your property have a wetland, river or lake on it? Do you live close to a body of water? If so, a permit may be required to construct a home, shed, driveway or deck, or to alter a stream pond or wetland. Permission is required so that your property is protected from floods or erosion, and the environment is protected from your activities.

Contact your local municipal building department or conservation authority to learn more.

The Canadian banking system is regarded as one of the most effective and secure in the world, though not always free.

Check the Just for Canada Website for important information about:

• How to open a bank account
• Types of bank accounts
• How to build your credit history
• Sending money abroad
• List of Canadian banks

Local conservation authorities maintain a flood forecasting and warning system. The purpose of the system is to reduce risk to life and damage to property by providing local agencies and the public with advanced notice, information and advice so that they can respond to potential flooding and flood emergencies. There are four types of flood messages: flood safety bulletin, flood advisory, flood warning and Lake Ontario shoreline hazard warning.

Environment Canada warns residents of severe weather. There are 22 types of weather events that can trigger an alert. An alert is a transmitted signal that is used to heighten awareness and/or initiate preparation for action. Alerts are issued by Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service (MSC) for weather or environmental hazard events that are either occurring, imminent, or forecast to develop. Alerts are currently issued as special weather statements, advisories, watches and warnings.

There are many support services for people who have special learning needs or health needs in Northumberland County. Children, adults and the elderly can benefit from these services. In some cases, these services are subsidized by the government, reducing or eliminating fees to the individual.

Northumberland County is an hour east of Toronto along Ontario’s major highway, the 401. There is also easy access to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal by Via Rail Train. The local bus system is a good way to get around Cobourg and get to and from Port Hope. In Northumberland County’s other small communities, you can drive, take a taxi, or cycle.

Car

To drive a car in Northumberland (and in Canada), you will need to get an Ontario driver’s license.

Buying A Car?

There are many things to consider before you buy a car. Do you want a new or used car? Be aware that there are many costs involved in owning a car. Aside from the ownership costs including applicable taxes, you will need to pay for your car insurance, car loan, gas and maintenance. To learn more about what it really cost to own a car in Ontario visit Settlement website.

Connecting Northumberland Transportation

Community Care Northumberland offers door-to-door, rural-to-urban and specialized transportation services to residents in Northumberland. These programs help transport residents who are unable to drive themselves to medical appointments, social outings and other activities. For more information about these programs, visit the Community Care Northumberland website or call 1-866-768-7778.

Bus

The Town of Cobourg provides two fully accessible bus routes in the urban area of Cobourg, an express shuttle between Cobourg and Port Hope, and WHEELS, a door-to-door service for those unable to use conventional transit. Visit the Town of Cobourg website for more information and to view the bus schedule.

The Municipality of Port Hope provides two bus routes in the urban area of Port Hope, an express shuttle between Port Hope and Cobourg, and ROLLS, a door-to-door service for those unable to use conventional transit. Visit the Municipality of Port Hope website for more information and to view the bus schedule.

Taxi

Here are some taxi services in the area:

• Cobourg Cab: 905-373-9449
• First Choice Taxi: 905-375-8816
• King Taxi: 905-373-2993
• Ganaraska Taxi: 289-829-3636
• Van Air Taxi (to and from Toronto airports): 905-373-8850

Train

Cobourg and Port Hope provide VIA Rail service, connecting residents and visitors to destinations across Canada.

The closest GO Transit station is located in Oshawa, approximately 30 minutes to an hour west of Northumberland.

In rural areas drinking water is usually supplied by a well and wastewater is treated and disposed of in a septic system. Aquifers (areas underground where water is found) are widely distributed and generally will supply enough water for household and/or farm needs. Groundwater quality is generally good although treatment is sometimes necessary to reduce hardness and remove iron. Many household installations include treatment systems to remove bacteria which may be present. If a new resident is buying existing property, they should have the well and septic system tested/inspected.

For more information, please visit the Northumberland County Plumbing and Septic page.

Young people up to the ages of 18 have unique needs when they come to live in a new place. Northumberland is a welcoming community with lots for youth to do.

Getting settled

There are activities and programs to help with the following:

• improve English language skills
• improve social networks
• adapt to the education system
• assist with learning
• help find a job or get volunteer work
• help voice needs and concerns
• connect other to youth resources

Visit the community centre nearby to find programs adapted for young people.

Newcomers youth

The Northumberland Settlement Services helps newcomers students and their families reaching the education their children’s needs. Call 1-800-354-7050 ext. 6256 or email us to be referred to a Settlement Workers in School (SWIS).

You can also visit New Youth website for daily life, school, health, work and immigration resources.