Victoria has been named the most livable city in Canada for newcomers, according to a new ranking.
Every year, The Globe and Mail releases its annual ranking of most Livable Cities in Canada.
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One of the six rankings is specifically designed for newcomers to Canada, which are defined as individuals who have arrived in Canada over the past five years.
In the 2024 ranking of Most Livable Cities for Newcomers, British Columbia’s capital claimed the top spot, moving up from second place in 2023.
British Columbia was heavily featured in the list, with all the top three cities hailing from the province.
Winnipeg, in Manitoba, was named fourth on the list while Saskatoon, in Saskatchewan, came in fifth.
Erin was ranked as the most livable city in Ontario, placing 18th overall, followed by Oakville, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ottawa, and Guelph.
The list of top 20 cities in Canada can be seen here.
- Victoria, British Columbia
- North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Penticton, British Columbia
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Regina, Saskatchewan
- West Vancouver, British Columbia
- Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
- Whitehorse, Yukon
- Kamloops, British Columbia
- Fredericton, New Brunswick
- Vernon, British Columbia
- Calgary, Alberta
- Brandon, Manitoba
- Terrace, British Columbia
- Saanich, British Columbia
- North Cowichan, British Columbia
- Erin, Ontario
- Delta, British Columbia
- Vancouver, British Columbia
Methodology
The Globe and Mail’s rankings are designed to “help people find the best city for them based on their stage of life.”
The newcomer-specific ranking looks at factors such as easy integration into the community, access to basic amenities, and affordable housing.
It also places weight on demographic factors, the economy, and housing variables.
The Globe and Mail rankings looked at 448 cities across the country with populations over 10,000. Its evaluation included an analysis of 50 variables which spanned 10 categories such as healthcare, safety, education, community, transportation, and climate.
Earlier this month, another BC city received recognition, with Mercer’s annual Quality of Living survey naming Vancouver among the best cities for quality of life — and several other Canadian cities also made the cut.
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