Finding a Place to stay

Before you arrive in Timmins, you should make arrangements for short-term accommodations.  By making these arrangements, you will alleviate some of the stress associated with first arriving in Canada and give yourself the opportunity to adjust to your new surroundings and time to find permanent accommodations.  Arrangements can be made to stay in a hotel, apartment or with friends and family.

Hotels

Upon arriving in Timmins, you may require a temporary place to stay. Hotels in Timmins rent rooms by the night; however, you may find one that would be willing to cater to a lengthier stay.  Hotel rooms vary in price and size; availability may be a challenge at times.  Booking a hotel room in advance is the best way to ensure you have a temporary place to stay that will meet your budget.

Finding a place to call home

Timmins can accommodate your residential preferences from urban to country settings. Five new subdivision developments are currently underway, resulting in 140 new homes. In Timmins, there is mix of housing, including semi-detached and single-family houses, as well as smaller apartment buildings. Country living is possible within minutes of downtown. In Timmins, you'll be sure to find a place to call home. City and country living both have their benefits. People who live in the city are usually attracted to the wide variety of services and activities nearby. People who live in the country prefer quiet, open spaces. A benefit to living in Timmins is the quality of life. Whether living in the city, or in the country you will be amazed by the open space, fresh air and relaxed pace of life.

Types of housing

When you first arrive you will probably be living in a temporary home. You will soon be looking for a more permanent place to live. Canada has many different types of housing and a wide range of prices. Finding the right place will take some time and effort. Your first decision will be whether to rent a house or an apartment, or to buy a house.

Furnished or unfurnished
Furnished housing should include beds, tables, chairs, lamps, curtains, a stove and a refrigerator. Unfurnished housing may include a stove and a refrigerator, but not always.

Room for rent
This is usually in a house or an apartment that is owned or rented by other people. Everyone shares the kitchen and bathrooms.

Bachelor or studio apartment
These are small apartments designed mainly for one person. They have one large room with a kitchen and a sleeping area, plus a separate bathroom.

Other apartments
Most other apartments have from one to three bedrooms. All will have a separate kitchen, a living room and a bathroom. Apartments or apartment buildings can be found throughout all areas of the City.  Different sizes are available from a bachelor (one room) to a three bedroom apartment.  Most apartments are rented by the month; however, some may require that you sign a minimum of a 1-year lease or commitment.  References from previous landlords are usually required, as well as first and last month's rent. 

Duplex
This is a house divided into two separate apartments. It may be bought or rented.

Townhouse
This is a small house joined to other houses. It may be bought or rented.

Condominium
Condominium ownership means you own the unit you live in and share ownership rights for the common space of the building. Common space includes areas such as corridors, the grounds around the building, and facilities such as a swimming pool and recreation rooms. Condominium owners together control the common areas through an owners' association. The association makes decisions about using and maintaining the common space.

What if you have a large family?

If you have three or more children, or you have older relatives living with you, you will probably not be able to find a big enough apartment. In that case, you may need to think about renting a house.

To buy or to rent

Whether you rent or buy will depend on your personal finances and whether you already have a job in Canada. Most newcomers decide they should first rent a house or apartment. This gives them more time to save money to buy a house and to decide where they want to live.

If you want to buy a house, unless you can pay the full price, you will need to get a longterm loan called a mortgage. Mortgage loans are provided by banks and other financial institutions. They decide whether the borrower has enough income, more assets than debts, and a good credit rating. Most will ask you to pay at least five percent of the cost of the house from your own money.

How to find a place to live

• Search the classified advertisements in local newspaper
• Become familiar with the public transportation available
• Ask an immigrant-serving organization in your area for advice
• Ask friends and family already living in the area for advice
• Look for "Vacancy" or "For Rent" signs on houses and apartment buildings
• Check bulletin boards in grocery stores, laundromats, health clinics and community centres
• Ask for advice at your place of worship.