Lanark CountyNewcomer’s Guide 2013

From the Rideau System to Canada's Mississippi, Lanark County is home to over 100 lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Coves and beaches speckle the landscape.

After building the world-renowned Rideau Canal, Scottish stone masons stayed to create some of the oldest and prettiest towns in Canada. Evidence of their craft is seen in over 140 designated heritage properties throughout the County, often by water's edge. Bring your camera and capture our historically significant “Seven Wonders of Lanark County!”

Generations of residents and visitors have built a strong community spirit that has cultivated small business’, events and festivals that speak to our ancestral and geological heritage.

Geographically, Lanark County is a remarkably distinct region within the Frontenac Axis where the Canadian Shield meets the Limestone Plains. This presents a combination of ecological features that offer an especially diverse growth area for native plant species which attract a variety of birds and wildlife. Residents and visitors enjoy cycling and paddling through these breathtaking natural vistas.

As the Maple Syrup capital of Ontario, our concentration of sugar maple trees creates a dramatic display of fall colours. Visitors from all over the world enjoy this authentic Canadian experience.

Only minutes from the Nation's Capital, people of the region have access to all the world-class amenities of a major centre. At the same time, they enjoy the relaxed lakeside lifestyle.

Lanark County is a world heritage destination!

Welcome to Lanark County

TABLE OF CONTENTSABOUT THE AREA IN LANARK COUNTY................................................ 2

LANGUAGES AND DIVERSITY................................................................. 7

GETTING HERE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.......................................... 8

LANARK COUNTY MAPLE SYRUP CAPITAL OF ONTARIO................... 9

JUST BEYOND LANARK COUNTY........................................................... 12

YOUR FIRST DAYS IN LANARK COUNTY................................................ 13

ARRIVING IN ONTARIO.............................................................................. 14

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR HOME TOWN................................................ 15

FINDING INFORMATION SETTLEMENT SERVICES................................ 16

OPENING A PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNT............................................... 17

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE IN YOUR HOME TOWN................................ 19

SETTING UP UTILITIES FOR YOUR HOME............................................... 23

REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN IN SCHOOL................................................ 24

FIND A DAYCARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN................................................. 25

PAYING TAXES AND RECEIVING TAX CREDITS....................................... 27

HEALTH CARD, HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE.................................... 28

EMERGENCY SERVICES IN LANARK COUNTY........................................ 32

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN LANARK COUNTY.............................. 33

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN)......................................................... 35

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LANARK COUNTY........................... 37

LEARNING ENGLISH IN LANARK COUNTY............................................... 41

COMMUNITY INFORMATION FOR LANARK COUNTY............................... 42

IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP................................................................ 47

SENDING AND RECEIVING MAIL................................................................ 48

RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND WEBSITES.......................................... 49

ABOUT THE AREAIN LANARK COUNTYAccording to Statistics Canada, the county has a total area of 3,033.82 square kilometres (1,171.36

sq mi). It is located in the subregion of Southern Ontario named Eastern Ontario. Geologically, the

northern part of the county is in the Canadian Shield and the southern part is in the Great Lakes

Basin. The county has two large rivers, the Mississippi and Rideau, each of which empty into the

Ottawa River.

Most of the county is covered in temperate deciduous forest, except for cleared farmland. The

dominant forest trees are maple, oak and beech. Some of the higher ridges in the west of the county

were once natural re barrens. There are over 1,200 species of plants in the county ora. Seventeen

areas have been documented as outstanding examples of plant diversity; these include Blueberry

Mountain, Burnt Lands Alvar, Clay Bank Alvar, Christie Lake, Murphy's Point Provincial Park and

Almonte Town Park.

2 For more information on Lanark County please visit Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanark_County or the Lanark County website at http://www.lanarkcounty.ca/

The county also has 47 provincially signicant wetlands. Some of the largest are Blueberry Marsh

(north of Perth), the Innisville Wetlands (upstream of Mississippi Lake) and the Goodwood Marsh south

of Carleton Place. In addition to David White's list of 17 areas of plant diversity, Paul Keddy lists 17

special places in the county. Both lists have the Burnt Lands Alvar, the Christie Lake Barrens and

Murphy's Point Provincial Park. Keddy's list adds areas such as Playfairville Rapids, Lavant/Darling

Spillway and the Carleton Place Hackberry stand.

Also of interest is an old shoreline which crosses the county diagonally, approximately from Almonte in

the northeast to Perth in the southwest. This shoreline was formed about 12,000 years ago near the

end of the last ice age when much of the Ottawa Valley was inundated by the Champlain Sea. Many

areas below this old shoreline are at clay plains, with occasional outcrops of gneiss or limestone

ridges. Some of the distinctive southern animals in the county include ve-lined skinks (Ontario's only

species of lizard), black rat snakes and southern ying squirrels.

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9 MUNICIPALITIESof Lanark County

BECKWITH TOWNSHIP

The Township of Beckwith boasts 240 km squared of land mass. Residents of the Township enjoy easy commutes to centres such as Ottawa, Smiths Falls, Perth and Carleton Place.

From 1996 to 2001, the population in Beckwith Township increased by 10.7% in an orderly and efcient manner according to their Ofcial Plan.

MONTAGUE TOWNSHIPThe Township of Montague is situated on the southeast corner of Lanark County and covers 283.22 square kilometres. The municipality is bordered on the south side by scenic Rideau River and extends west from the City of Ottawa to the Town of Smiths Falls. According to the 1996 Census, the population of Montague Township is 3,802, having increased by 5% since 1991.

DRUMMOND/NORTH ELMSLEY TOWNSHIP

The Township of Drummond / North Elmsley is situated along the north shore of the Rideau River between the Town of Perth and the Town of Smiths Falls and covers 241.74 square kilometres. According to the 1996 census, this new municipality, which was created in 1998 by the merging of the Townships of Drummond and North Elmsley has a population of 6,203.

TOWN OF PERTHThe attractive and unhurried Town of Perth is the Lanark County Seat. Bisected by the Tay River which links pleasure boaters from the Town to the Rideau Water system, Perth reects a strong Scottish heritage from whence comes its name and its roots.

The Town population is 6003, ranking it second only to Carleton Place as the County's largest centre and over the past ve years, has grown by just under 6%.

TOWN OF SMITHS FALLSThe Town of Smiths Falls offers a “Sensational” lifestyle, centered around its affordable housing, range of educational facilities, medical services, municipal services, recreation, shopping, leisure activities and other services.

Smiths Falls is a great choice for commuters who work in neighbouring cities like Ottawa, but want to live in a less urban setting. Experience the comfort, convenience and affordability of the friendly, beautiful town with all the benets of a full service community.

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9 MUNICIPALITIESof Lanark County

MISSISSIPPI MILLSMississippi Mills has a population of just over 11,000. Almonte town's population is 4611, an increase of just over 5% over the past ve years while Pakenham (2007) and Ramsay (4451) have grown by 13% and 23% respectively.

The average age of the population ranges from 34.3 to 38.7 with the Ramsay Township region marking the youngest average age and Almonte itself the older. On average, Mississippi compares to the provincial average of 35.8.

TAY VALLEY TOWNSHIPFormally Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke, Tay Valley Township makes up the southwest corner of the Lanark County and covers 528 km squared. It is bordered to the east by the Town of Perth, and to the South by Big Rideau Lake.

In 1998 the townships of South Sherbrooke, Bathurst and North Burgess amalgamated to form the new Township of Bathurst Burgess Sherbrooke (BBS).The name of the new township was later renamed to Tay Valley in June 2002.

According to the 2001 census, the municipality is home to 5,440 residents, which was a 5% increase over 1996.

LANARK HIGHLANDSThe Township of Lanark Highlands makes up the northwest corner of Lanark County and covers 1064.72 square kilometres, easily making it the largest (by area) of the eight municipalities that make up the County. The municipality is bordered to the north by Renfrew County and to the west by Frontenac County.

According to the 1996 Census, the population of Lanark Highlands is 4,629. The main settlement is the Village of Lanark, followed by the numerous scenic hamlets such as Hopetown, Poland, Lavant, Flower Station and McDonalds Corners.

TOWN OF CARLETON PLACECarleton Place has emerged in recent years as a very popular place to live with a high quality of life, excellent schools and an abundance of recreational and cultural opportunities.

Considered the Pride of the Mississippi River, Carleton Place has the distinction of having the oldest canoe club in Canada, great shing and a beautiful beach.

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4 SEASONSof Lanark County

SUMMER AUTUMN WINTER SPRING

Summer begins on June 21 but, July and August are the main months of summer. In summer, the weather is very warm in most parts of the province. In southern Ontario, daytime temperatures are usually above 20°C and often rise above 30°C. It can be hot and very humid in the summer. On TVand radio you will hear warnings about health problems caused by heat, sun and smog.

What to wear:Light pants or shorts, short-sleeved shirts, light jacket, sandals, light shoes, hat, sun screen to exposed skin to prevent sunburn, rain gear, umbrella, mosquito and black y repellant.

Autumn begins in September. The weather gets cool and the leaves on many trees change colour and fall to the ground. It can also be very rainy at this time of year. In some northern parts of Ontario, it can snow in late October. In these months, the average daytime temperatures are about 10°C - 12°C in most of the province. The temperatures get lower as winter approaches.

What to wear:Rain gear, umbrella, thick pants, medium weight jacket, sweaters, long sleeved shirts, shoes to cover the whole foot.

In winter, it is cold and snows often. During the winter months (December, January and February), the temperature in most of the province is usually below 0°C, day and night. Temperatures in some parts of the province can drop below 25°C. In most of Ontario, snow can be on the ground from the middle of December until the middle of March.

What to wear:Warm clothing, dress in layers, socks, long sleeved shirts, sweater, long pants, thick, windproof coat, mittens, gloves, winter hat that covers your ear, scarf for around your neck or across your face, warm boats that are lined and/or waterproof.

Spring in Ontario runs from March 21st through to June 20th. Spring is the season when the snow melts and there is a lot of rain. While the days become warmer, the nights remain cool.

Daytime temperatures rise throughout the season, but the nights are cool. The average temperature during the day is about 12°C in March, April and early May.

What to wear:Long sleeved shirts, thick pants, warm socks, sweaters, light weight spring jacket, rain gear, water repellent footwear and an umbrella.

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LANGUAGESAND DIVERSITYFor hundreds of years people have been immigrating to Ontario – from the earliest 17th century French and British settlers to the post-WWII wave of European settlers and - most recently - the new wave of newcomers from many different parts of the world. From the earliest beginnings, newcomers have helped enrich and grow Ontario with their new perspectives, diverse cultures and willingness to work together to help build this great province.

Although more than a quarter of all immigrants and a third of members of visible minority groups have either English or French as a mother tongue, most say they have a mother tongue language other than English or French. In 2006, seven in ten immigrants (70.3%) stated this. Among recent immigrants the proportion is even higher; about eight in ten (81.2%) newcomers said they had neither English nor French as their mother tongue language.

Seniors are most likely to say they cannot converse in English or FrenchIn Ontario, about 6% of all immigrants and members of visible minorities say that they cannot converse in English or French. However, seniors are considerably more likely to make this statement. Among immigrant seniors, 15.6% say they cannot converse in English or French; and among seniors in visible minorities, 31.2% said the same. Nearly all 15 to 44 year olds are able to converse in an ofcial language. Other age groups fare better than seniors, yet still have a signicant number of individuals that cannot converse in English or French. Both adult immigrants and members of visible minorities between the ages of 45 and 64 are notably more likely to say they cannot converse in English or French.

Chinese languages are the most prevalent non-ofcial mother tongue among immigrants in OntarioIn Ontario, seven in ten immigrants said that their mother tongue is a language other thanEnglish or French. Chinese 6 languages (16.1%) were the most commonly cited mother tongue in Ontario, followed by Italian (8%) and Spanish (5%) and Portuguese (4.9%). If the Indo-Aryan7 languages are grouped together, they become the second largest (13.6%) mother tongue language group among immigrants in the province.

More than one-quarter of members of visible minorities have Chinese as their mother tongueAmong members of visible minority groups, more than one-quarter (27.6%) say that theirmother tongue is a Chinese language. Panjabi (Punjabi) is the second-most-common mother tongue language (8.9%) among visible minorities. In fact, ve of the top 15 languages shown in Chart 13 are among the Indo-Aryan group of languages, and 23.3% of people in visible minority groups say their mother tongue is one of these ve languages.

Most immigrants in Ontario arrived before 1991In Ontario, more than half (55.4%) of all immigrants came to Canada prior to 1991. After that time, the next largest wave of immigrants arrived in the ve-year period between 2001 and 2006 (17.1%).

One-quarter of immigrants from visible minority communities arrived between 2001 and 2006Fully one-quarter (24.5%) of immigrants from visible minorities arrived in Canada recently(between 2001 and 2006), a higher proportion than all immigrants in total (17.1%).

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Information and stats came from http://www.otf.ca/en/knowledgeSharingCentre/resources/DiversityReportOntarioENGLISH.pdf

GETTINGHERE FROMOTHER COUNTRIES If you are ying into Ontario, Canada, you may land in Toronto, at Pearson International Airport. From there, you can get to Lanark County by:

· Airplane: Various airlines offer direct ights from Toronto to Ottawa, Ontario, including Air Canada (www.aircanada.com), WestJet (www.westjet.com) and Porter (www.yporter.com). From there, you will have to take a train, bus or cab.

· Bus line: Greyhound Bus, www.greyhound.ca or call 1-800-661-8747.

· Train: Via Rail, www.viarail.ca or call 1-888-842-7245.

Or you may land in Ottawa, at the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. From there, you can get to Lanark County by:

· Bus: Greyhound Bus, www.greyhound.ca or call 1-800-661-8747.

· Train: Via Rail, www.viarail.ca or call 1-888-842-7245 .

· Cab: Check the local yellow pages for taxi cabs to nd a company or ask at the airport information desk.

SHIPPING HEREWhether you ship via Canada Post, FedEx or UPS, all of your belongings, display materials and documents will get here - and get here promptly.

Extra costs may be associated with shipping into Canada, check the shipping requirement before sending anything across the boarder.

Smiths Falls ............................... Almonte ..................................... Perth ..........................................Carleton Place ...........................Lanark ........................................Packenham ................................Arnprior ......................................

TOWNS AND POPULATIONIN LANARK COUNTY

9,0004,6116,0009,0008,2534,4518,114

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LANARK COUNTYMAPLE SYRUPCAPITAL OF ONTARIOThere are many reasons to celebrate spring in Canada, but in Lanark County the coming of the season heralds pure, sweet joy – maple sap! The Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario takes the season seriously, with good reason. Tapping trees is part of Canada’s history, evolving into a leading industry and a beloved and award-winning tradition. Each year in Lanark County the start of the maple syrup season is celebrated with a Tapping Out Party held at a local sugar bush. The much-anticipated event features a ceremonial/celebrity tree tapping complete with special guests and lots of fun things to do, such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, taffy on snow, entertainment, games and scrumptious food. In 2012, the Lanark and District Maple Syrup Producers annual Tapping Out Party was held at Springdale Farm Maple Products in Clayton on March 15. (In 2009 this farm was a big winner at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.) The Tapping Out party typically marks the beginning of a whole season of maple events throughout the district, culminating with the annual Perth Festival of the Maples on the last Saturday in April.

The Maple TrailTapping trees for sap is a time-honoured tradition that is practiced using heritage and modern methods that you can see in action at numerous sugar bushes and camps across the county. The Lanark and District Maple Syrup Producers Association (www.ldmspa.com) is an organization representing the interests of more than 60 leading syrup producers. Many other smaller and hobby syrup makers ply their craft across the rural area of the county. Taste the bounty of the table - there are many opportunities.

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NORTH AMERICA

LEGEND

Five-Span Stone Bridge – Pakenham:Built in 1903, this one-of-a-kind bridge was constructed by Scottish stonemasons who used locally quarried stone. Five stone arches with piers stretch 82 metres across the Mississippi River and make a spectacular view from the riverbank. The bridge is believed to be unique to North America and around the world – with the exception of Russia.

St. Peter Celestine Church – Pakenham:This Roman Catholic Church is the only known church in Lanark County to be built in the French Classic style. St. Peter Celestine’s preserved Classic Italianate interior of elaborate paintings, faux marble nishes, and statuary collection is remarkable to see in person – and only two other churches within Canada have also retained these original decorations. Climb the church’s bell tower for a far-reaching view of the Mississippi Valley.

Mill of Kintail – Mississippi MillsVisit the Mill of Kintail, the restored studio and home of the great Canadian artist, philosopher, and physician Robert Tait. Located in the town of Mississippi Mills, this 152-acre conservation site along the Indian River acts as a museum showcasing Tait’s work in sculpture, his teachings in physical education, and other memorabilia from his life.

Blueberry Mountain – Lanark CountyTrek to the summit of Blueberry Mountain for a stunning view of the natural forests and wetlands that stretch for more than 500 hectares below. Located within the Alba Wilderness of the Lanark Highlands, Blueberry Mountain is a wildlife sanctuary to numerous plant and animal species and a natural gem within the community.

Showy Lady’s Slippers Orchids – Purdon Conservation AreaThe lady slippers in Lanark Highlands spread far and wide across the grounds of the Purdon Conservation Area. This cluster of more than 10,000 ower plants is the largest orchid colony in all of Canada. The owers make quite a stunning site in mid-June and July when they are in full bloom. The Conservation Area features boardwalks, viewing areas, and educational signage to further enrich your experience.

Silver Queen Mica Mine – Murphys Point Provincial ParkThe Silver Queen Mica Mine operated between 1903 and 1920 and produced an abundance of mica, feldspar, and apatite. The tunnel mines burrow 60 feet deep into the earth and were hand-dug by local farmers looking to make extra income. Located in Murphys Point Provincial Park, you can visit the mine during summer months on a guided, interpretive tour.

Stewart Park – PerthThis ve-acre, luscious park area in Perth, Ontario, was once home to a Scotch distillery. Today, tourists and locals can enjoy a day in Stewart Park surrounded by maple trees, lavish gardens, and the sound of the Tay River. We’ve saved this spot as the nal destination on the Seven Wonders of Lanark County tour so you can relax and contemplate the many remarkable sights you’ve just seen.

7 WONDERS OF LANARK COUNTY

JUST BEYOND LANARK COUNTYOttawa is not only the fourth largest municipality in Canada; it’s also the country’s capital. Located in the Ottawa Valley in the eastern section of Ontario, Ottawa sits on the banks of the Ottawa River. More specically, the city rests on the south bank of the Ottawa River, where it meets both the Rideau River and Rideau Canal, which both have a rich trading and export history.

Ottawa is the seat of Canada’s federal government — here you will nd Parliament Hill, the Canadian Royal Mint and various other government ofces and commerce buildings that all contribute to its grandeur and beauty. One of the most cosmopolitan cities in Canada, Ottawa is home to many different cultural and ethnic groups, and hosts the best national Canada Day celebrations in the country.

Ottawa is a great place to visit and has lots of things to see and do. Ottawa is a short drive away from anywhere in Lanark County making it easy to get into the city and back in one day.

Ottawa isn’t just the capital of Canada — it’s also a world record holder. From having the world’s largest skating rink to holding the world’s largest beach volleyball tournament, including the most tulips found anywhere to a longstanding tradition of chamber music, plus hedge mazes and maple syrup to hedge mazes, Ottawa offers up many unique and special surprises at every turn.

For more information on what Ottawa has to offer visit their tourism website at http://www.ottawatourism.ca/

DID YOU KNOW?

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YOUR FIRST DAYS INLANARK COUNTYIn your rst weeks in Canada, you have many things to do. You need to complete many government forms. These forms will help you get important cards and services such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN), Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), and the Canada Child Tax Benet (CCTB). You do not have to pay for these forms. Often you can download them from the internet. You do not need to pay for help to ll out the forms. You can get free help at settlement agencies.

Here is a checklist of things to do in your rst weeks. You can decide what to do rst. You might not need to do all of these tasks. For example, if you do not have children, you do not need to nd a school near your home. Some tasks you should do right away, such as like apply for your health card andyour SIN. This guide will help point you in the right direction to get the answers you are looking for and complete your checklist.

If you have friends or family in the city where you want to live, they can be a great help to you. They can show you around and help you nd a place to stay. They can help you learn about your new community.

Get a map of your community, and learn to navigate throughout the town.

Contact an immigrant-serving organization in your community that will help you get settled.

Open a bank account.

Look for permanent accommodations.

Find someone who will act as a reference or co-signer for your apartment and/or mortgage.

Set up essential services such as utilities (water, heat, electricity), insurance and telephone.

Register your children in school.

Arrange child care for your children if you will be working.

Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit, a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18.

After You Arrive Newcomer Checklist

Find a family doctor.

Have your children immunized once you have arrived.

Apply for an Ontario driver's licence.

Get licence plates and registration for your car.

Visit your communities Public Library, to use the computers, Internet and inquire about library cards.

Start looking for a job.

Look into having your foreign credentials recognized (if you haven't already done so).

Register for language training to improve your skills or to learn English/French as a second language.

Start volunteering to gain Canadian work experience.

Contact Welcome Wagon in your community to get your welcoming basket.

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ARRIVING IN ONTARIOAsk the Canadian immigration ofcer any questions you have about your immigration or visa status when you go through Customs and Immigration. If you wait until later, it might be harder to get the answers you need.

If you land at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, the Immigrant Reception and Information Services (IRIS) kiosk has a package of information to help you. The package has information about what you need to do rst when you arrive in Ontario. It explains where you can nd agencies that help new immigrants.

Staff are always friendly and helpful at the information desk at the airport and can tell you the best way to get to where you plan to stay. At airports, you can usually nd buses, taxis and other ways to get to where you need to go. Some cost much more than others. It’s a good idea to check the cost with airport staff or the bus or taxi company before you choose.

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GETTING TO KNOWYOUR HOME TOWN

You have a lot to do when you rst arrive. You need to spend part of your time learning about your new city. A good way to do this is to act like a tourist! Before you arrive, get tourist information about the city where you plan to live. Maps, brochures and tourist information can be found at the Town Hall in your community. When you arrive, spend a few days looking around the city in a car or on a bus.

This will help you:

Find schools, hospitals, banks, stores, community centres and parks.

Find the best way to travel around the area. Learn what activities and services are available. See local attractions and landmarks.

Also check out your communities Event Calendar to see what events are being held in your community. It is a great way to get out and meet people and be a part of your town. This information can be found on their website or at the town hall.

This will help you relax and recover from your journey before you start all the work of settling into your new home.

1. Andrew Toshack House - Mississippi Mills

2. Beckwith Street Bridge - Smiths Falls

3. Bridgemaster's House and Beckwith Street Swing Bridge - Perth

4. Cedar Hill Schoolhouse - Packenham

5. CPR Railway Station - Carleton Place

6. Dr. Kelly Building - Almonte

7. Five-Span Stone Bridge - Packenham

8. Gatehouse to Mill of Kintail - Almonte

9. Glebe - Perth

10. Inge-Va - Perth

11. McKinley, Goldrush House - North Elmsley

12. Mississippi Iron Works - Almonte

13. Naismith House - Mississippi Mills

14. North Elmsley and North Burgess Heritage Properties - North Elmsley

15. Old Burying Grounds - Perth

16. Old Post Ofce - Carleton Place

17. Pakenham General Store Inc. - Mississippi Mills

18. Gallipeau Centre - Smiths Falls

19. Town Hall - Almonte

20. Wood's Mill Building - Smiths Falls

ATTRACTIONS

DID YOU KNOW?

The Five Arches Bridge in Pakenham is the only stone bridge of its kind in North America.

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FINDING INFORMATION SETTLEMENT SERVICESSettlement agencies can help you start your new life in Lanark County. Our local communities work with community partners to ensure their services are streamlined and easy to access. Once you arrive in Lanark County, find a settlement agency near you to help you settle into your new town. You may be staying in a hotel when you rst arrive. Settlement agencies can help you nd your rst place to live. They can also help you learn about your new community. You may hear people call these organizations ISAP agencies, multicultural centres, or immigrant-serving agencies. These settlement services are free and always condential.

At a settlement agency you can get:

Help interpreting and translating documents Help lling out forms and applications Information about other resources in the community Somewhere to live English classes A job Training programs Places to buy food, clothes or furniture at a low cost

You can nd a settlement agency or service when you arrive in your new community. You can also visit theSettlement.Org Services Near Me section.

TR Leger Immigrant Services Settlement Outreach Worker - Julia Casejulia.case@ucdsb.on.cahttp://www.trlimmigrantservices.ca/

10 Ontario Street, Smiths Falls, K7A 4K7Ofce: 613-283-5418Services: Settlement services Community Connections Job search workshops Referral services Computer/internet/phone/fax access Community Resources Information on Canadian citizenship DVDs and multilingual information for newcomers to Canada

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OPENING A PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNTBMOMoving to a new country creates exciting opportunities and BMO (Bank of Montreal) will help you build your new life with a strong foundation by assisting with your financial needs, offering you the BMO Banking Package for Newcomers.

For more information, visit the BMO website at www.bmo.com/newtocanada

CIBCAt CIBC, they understand the challenges that newcomers to Canada face and can help you with all your financial needs. Whether you're new to Canada or making plans from overseas, CIBC can answer your questions every step of the way.

For more information on the plan, call 1-866-525-8622 or visit the CIBC website at www.cibc.com/ca/newcomers

TD Canada TrustTD Canada Trust provides multi-language online services as part of its program of services to newcomers to Canada.

More information on the products and services offered can be obtained by visiting the TD Canada Trust branch website a www.tdcanadatrust.com/newtocanada

RBCAs Canada's largest bank, RBC has been helping new immigrants settle successfully into Canada for over seven generations, offering tools and tips to make your transition into Canada easier by saving you time, money and effort.

Banking tutorials can be downloaded in up to 14 languages on how to open a bank account, buy a car, buy a home and send money overseas or save for your children's education. The RBC toll-free number offers support in over 180 languages.

For more information call RBC toll-free 1-800-769-2511 or visit the RBC website at http://rbc.com/canada/index.html.

ScotiabankScotiabank offers the Scotiabank StartRight Program for Newcomers to Canada, which includes savings on personal banking and other special offers. The program brochure can be downloaded in 17 languages on the Scotiabank website at www.scotiabank.com/cda/content

Information on the program is also available by calling toll-free 1-866-800-5159 or emailing startright@scotiabank.com.

DID YOU KNOW?

With a basic bank account you don’t get a cheque book; don’t get an overdraft; can pay in sterling cheques for free; can take money out at cash machines; and can pay bills by Direct Debit or standing order.

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CANADIAN CURRENCYused in Lanark County

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The Canadian dollar, which is divided into 100 cents, is the currency of Canada. Canadian coins include the nickel (five cents), the dime (10 cents), the quarter (25 cents), the one-dollar coin known as the “loonie” and the two-dollar coin called a “toonie.” The most common paper currency bills are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Most Canadians keep their money in the bank. A bank account is considered a safe place to keep your money. Banks let you write cheques, earn interest, apply for credit and pay your bills. These kinds of financial services are also offered by credit unions, caisses populaires and trust companies.

Since banks have various kinds of accounts, you can discuss with them what kind you need. To open one, you should be prepared to provide personal information, as well as some form of identification, such as your passport or your Social Insurance Number.

The bank may need your Social Insurance Number for income tax purposes. This is the same for everyone, at any bank. Post office savings accounts do not exist in Canada.

$0.05 $0.10 $0.25

$1.00 $2.00

$5.00

$10.00

$20.00

$50.00

$100.00

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVEIN YOUR HOME TOWN

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Before you arrive, arrange a place to stay for your rst few nights in Ontario, if you can. You can contact a travel agent anywhere in the world to nd and reserve a place to stay.

When you are in Canada, you can call Tourism Ontario at 1-800-ONTARIO (1-800-668-2746). Tourism Ontario can help you to nd a room and make a reservation. This service is free.

There are many options to choose from when you arrive, you can stay in a hotel, bed-and-breakfast, apartment hotel, travel hostel or a student residence in a university or college for a short time. You can stay in travel hostels or student residences for days, weeks, or months for less money than a hotel. A bed-and-breakfast is a room in a house where the owner gives you breakfast every day.

If you arrive at Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto without a place to stay, look for the Immigrant Reception and Information Services (IRIS) sign or phone 905-672-3660. They also have information about hotels and places to stay near the airport. The hotels near the airport are expensive, so you might want to nd a hotel closer to the city.

Many homes in Ontario are expensive. Your rst home may not be the one you want. You need time to learn about the rental and real estate markets and different neighbourhoods. Most newcomers do not nd a job for many months. Keep this in mind when you decide how much you will spend on housing.

Most experts say you should not spend more than one-third (33.3%) of your total income before taxes on a place to live.

Housing OptionsYou can save money if you share an apartment or house with other people. Rent costs are different in different parts of Lanark County. Depending on where you choose to live, rent costs can be higher than other town within Lanark County. Learn as much as you can about the rental market before you arrive.

Information on Housing in Ontario http://www.settlement.org/topics.asp?section=HO.

Ask yourself these questions before you rent a place:

Is it close to a bus route or subway station? Is it close to other services? (schools, stores, laundromats, parks, playgrounds, community centres,

medical clinics, places of worship) Is the apartment building or house quiet? What are the other tenants like? Is there a place to park a car? Do I have to pay extra for parking? Is the neighbourhood safe? Is it close to a school? (for people with children) Do I have to pay extra for heat and electricity?

ResourcesHere are some places where you can nd out more about housing before you come to Ontario.

Real Estate Rental Services: These services are also called Property Rental Management or Rental Locators. They are companies that help landlords nd new tenants. They can help you nd a place to live. They charge a fee for this.

Ask them what services they provide. Will they refund your money if you are not happy with their service? If they will not, do not pay any fees anddo not use these services.

Relocate Canada: This is an online guide for people moving in Canada. You can look for the city you want and nd information about housing, child care, weather, expenses and many other things. You can also download a telephone directory for many cities in Canada at:www.settlement.org/FD/03.

Yellow Pages: This is the section of a telephone book that lists business and professional rms in alphabetical order. The businesses are organized by categories. You can search for Real Estate Rental Services through the Yellow Pages on the internet at www.settlement.org/FD/18.

Classied Advertisements: Most newspapers in Ontario have a Classieds section. Many landlords list places for rent in this section. Landlords usually list apartments 1-2 months before someone can move in.

Usually you will have to wait until you arrive to nd a home here if you approach landlords yourself. You can also call a landlord before you arrive in Ontario. Most landlords want to meet you in person before they rent their apartment or house to you.

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Most universities and colleges have housing bulletin boards, websites andhousing ofces to help their students nd places to rent. If you are a student, check the bulletin boards at college and university housing services.

Sometimes you can see “FOR RENT” or VACANCY” signs in front of the apartment buildings or in windows of houses with rooms or apartments for rent. You can also ask superintendents at apartment buildings if any units will be vacant soon. You can ask them to put your name on a waiting list. You do not need to pay a fee or deposit to do this.

Your family and friends might know about places for rent. Tell them that you are looking for a place to live.

Look rst in smaller buildings or look for landlords with apartments or rooms to rent in their homes. Some large rental companies want you to give them names of people in the city who know you. Or they may want you to pay a large deposit of money before they will rent to you.

Documents and applicationsWhen you ll out a rental application, you may need a: Letter from your employer stating your

income Bank statement showing that you have

enough money Credit check Person who promises to pay your rent if

you cannot pay it(called a guarantor or co-signer), if your income is low, or if you do not have an income

Personal references, such as a previous landlord, friend, settlement worker or language instructor. You may not have all these documents. Provide as many as you can.

DID YOU KNOW?

Estimated annual need for rental production in Ontario: 10,000 to 12,000 purpose-built rental units.1 in 5 Ontario tenant households spend 50% of their income on rent.

Social Housing Information

To apply for social housing, a common application form is available at any of the following housing sites:

Carleton Place Municipal Non-Prot House613-257-4812

Clayton Senior Housing Corporation613-264-0002

Mills Community Support Corporation613-256-1031

Tay Valley Non-Prot Housing613-264-1997

Tayside Community Residential & Support Options613-264-0953

The Five Arches Non-Prot Housing Corporation613-624-5619

Lanark Housing Corporation613-283-2555

For more information on Social Housing in Lanark County, please contact:

613-267-4200 ext. 2401Lanark CountySocial Housing Manager99 Christie Lake RoadPerth, ON, K7H 3C6ss@lanarkcounty.ca

House Listings

Point2 Homeshttp://homes.point2.com/CA/Ontario/Lanark-County-Real-Estate.aspx

Your Ottawa Regionhttp://yourclassieds.ca/?ap_loc=Ottawa

Realtor.cahttp://www.realtor.ca/index.aspx

Bulletin BoardsYou can nd bulletin boards at communitycentres, laundromats, grocery stores andother local businesses. These bulletin boards often have information about places to rent.

DepositsWhen you rent, you often have to pay rst and last month’s rent as a deposit. You can pay this with cash, certied cheque or money order. Your landlord must give you a receipt. Your landlord must pay you interest each year on the deposit. The landlord will pay you this interest when you move out. This is the only type of deposit the law allows.

Your landlord cannot ask you for a "security deposit" to pay for possible damages or "key money" that is more than the cost to replace the keys. This is illegal.

Some rental agreements do not include the cost of utilities (such as heat and electricity). If these utilities are not part of the rent you pay, then you have to contact the utility company to open an account and start the services.

LeaseA lease is a contract between you (the tenant) and the person or company you rent from (the landlord). Sometimes a landlord will not ask you to sign a lease. You might have a verbal agreement instead. “Month-to-month” rentals are often verbal agreements.

You can choose to sign a lease or rent month-to-month. In both cases, you and your landlord must obey the law that governs rental housing in Ontario (the Residential Tenancies Act). Read your lease. Make sure you understand and agree with everything in your lease before you sign it.

A lease states the rental period (usually 12 months), how much you must pay for rent, when rent will increase, what is included in the rent (for example) parking or utilities) and other information and rules about the apartment buiding, house or room.

At the end of your lease, you can renew the lease. Or, you can start renting from month-to-month. You do not have to sign a new lease if you want to rent month-to-month. If you want to move out, you must write a letter and give it to the landlord 60 days before the month you will leave.

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SETTING UP UTILITIESFOR YOUR HOME WATERLanark County has water treatment plants in every community. Each town issues water bills once every two months for residential accounts and once a month for commercial accounts. The bill is based upon actual readings. If a reading cannot be obtained, an estimate will be made based upon historical consumption.

For more information on water pricing, billing and newcomer information please call your local town hall.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TELEVISIONBell CanadaBell is Canada’s largest telecommunications company, providing telephone services, wireless communications, high-speed Internet, digital television and voice over IP.For information on telephone services, call 310-BELL or 1-800-668-6878.Email: bell.direct@bell.ca (you must include your name and telephone number with area code)Website: http://www.bell.ca/home/Home_Personal.page?language=en

Rogers Communications Inc.Rogers Communications Inc. is a leading provider of Wireless, Digital Cable TV, High Speed Internet and home phone services to consumers and businesses.For more information, call 1-888-764-3771 or visit the Rogers website at www.rogers.com.

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Cogeco Cable CanadaCOGECO is a diversied communications company. Through its Cogeco Cable subsidiary, COGECO provides its residential customers with Audio, Analogue and Digital Television, as well as HSI and Telephony services using its two-way broadband cable networks. Cogeco Cable also provides, to its commercial customers, data networking, e-business applications, video conferencing, hosting services, Ethernet, private line, VoIP, HSI access, dark ber, data storage, data security and co-location services and other advanced communication solutions. Visit the Cogeco website at www.cogeco.ca.

GASEnbridgeAs Canada’s largest natural gas distribution company, Enbridge Gas Distribution serves about 1.9 million customers in central and eastern Canada. Visit the Enbridge website at http://www.enbridge.com/.

ELECTRICITYHydro OneCurrent CustomersLet Hydro One know if you’re moving in or moving out of a property served by the utility company. Please note: You cannot "transfer" account information. If you're moving from one location to another within our service area, you must close your old account and open a new one.

New to Hydro One?If you’re not sure whether your property is served by Hydro One, check our Outage Map to see our service boundaries. Visit the Hydro One website at www.hydroone.com.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make your payment program for Hydro work for you by equalizing your bill payments.

REGISTER YOURCHILDREN IN SCHOOL In Ontario, the law says all children from 6 to 18 years old must go to school. But most children begin school in a kindergarten class when they are 4 or 5 years old. Children begin grade 1 around age 6. Kindergarten to grade 8 is called elementary school. Grades 9-12 are called secondary school or high school.

Elementary and Secondary School SystemLanark County has many schools to choose from and offers high quality education in public, Catholic and school systems. The Ontario government pays for public elementary and secondary school education.

The Upper Canada District School Board225 Central Avenue WestBrockville, ON, K6V 5X1613-342-0371http://www.ucdsb.on.ca/

Catholic District School Board of Eastern OntarioPO Box 931, 385 Highway 29Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 4W7613-283-5007 - 1-800-267-7945http://www.cdsbeo.on.ca/

Post Secondary EducationOntario's publicly-funded post-secondary education system has some of the best programs, offered by renowned experts, in the world. Universities offer a complete range of programs in the arts and sciences, as well as graduate and professional programs. Colleges prepare students for careers in business, applied arts, technology, and health sciences. They also offer part-time and continuing education courses, apprenticeships and skills training programs. There are several college and university campuses within an one hour drive of Lanark County.

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FIND A DAYCAREFOR YOUR CHILDREN Licensed Child Care ServicesChild Care Centres provide care for children in a group setting. All child care centres are licensed under the Day Nurseries Act and are annually inspected by staff from the provincial Ministry of Children and Youth Services. Centres are licensed for a maximum number of children who are grouped together by age. There are also maximum group sizes and staff to child ratios that vary according to the age of the children. Every group of children must have at least one trained staff that has their Early Childhood Education diploma or equivalent qualification.

Child care centres can offer services for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Some centres provide care for all ages within this range, while others only offer care for certain ages, such as toddlers and pre-school children. The operating hours for centres varies, but most provide full-time care Monday to Friday during regular working hours. Some centres also offer part-time care as well as before and/or after-school care. For a list of Licensed Child Care providers please visit: www.lanarkcounty.ca

Carleton Place Childcare

3 Francis, Carleton Place, ON

613-253-0597

Arklan Child Care Centre

123 Patterson Cres, Carleton Place, ON

613-257-1625

Albert Duncan Childcare Centre

389 Bridge Street, Carleton Place, ON

613-257-5429

Day By Day Child Learning Centre

532 High, Carleton Place, ON

613-253-0575

Nursery Rhyme Day Care

11 Elmsley North, Smiths Falls, ON

613-284-0769

Children’s Resources on Wheels (Crow)

91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, ON

613-283-0095

http://www.crowoeyc.com/

Rideau Child Care Centre

2 Gould, Smiths Falls, ON

613-283-3400

Robin Marshall’s Home Childcare

18 Davidson Street West, Smiths Falls, ON

613-878-6557

Daycare Providers

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Almote Day Care Centre

208 State, Almonte, ON

613-256-3833

Almonte Co-Operative Nursery School

106 Elgin Street, Almonte, ON

613-256-0286

http://www.almontenurseryschool.ca/

Home Based Licensed Child Care Programs in Lanark CountyLicensed home child care providers are situated throughout the County of Lanark.

Ontario Early Years CentreThe Ontario Early Years Centre in Lanark County, a program of Childrens’ Resources on Wheels, serves parents of children 0 – 6 years in Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls, regardless of income, culture or special needs. The centre provides advice on parenting, information on developmental milestones and provides organized programs and activities for children, parents and caregivers.

Open DoorsOpen Doors makes it possible for Lanark children and youth with mental health issues to live, learn and thrive. All services are free and provided by qualified child and youth mental health experts.

TayCare Senior Children’s Centre

100 Wilson East, Perth, ON

613-267-2379

Perth Children’s House Montessori School

36 Foster Street, Perth, ON

613-267-5199

http://www.perthchildrenshouse.ca/

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PAYING TAXES AND RECEIVINGTAX CREDITS

PRICES AND TAXIn Ontario, you pay the amount marked on the price tag, plus tax. It is not common to barter for lower prices.

When you pay for the item, the tax will be added to the total. For most items, the total tax will be 13% of the price. The 13% includes the 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

You do not have to pay GST on all things you buy. For example, there is no GST on basic groceries and drugs prescribed by a doctor. If you order alcohol in a restaurant, a 10% liquor tax will also be added.

TAX AND CREDITSGoods and Services Tax (GST) creditThe GST is the tax you pay on most goods and services sold in Canada. The GST/HST Credit is a tax-free payment made every 3 months to some individuals and families with low and modest incomes. It gives back all or part of the GST or HST that they pay.

To receive the GST/HST payments you must meet eligibility requirements and you have to le income tax and benet returns every year. You can get more information by calling the GST Information line at 1-800-959-1953.

Canada Child Tax Benet (CCTB)The Canada Child Tax Benet is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/cctb/menu-eng.html

Application and Eligibility Information:http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/cctb/fq_qlfyng-eng.html

HST CreditApplication and Eligibility Informationhttp://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/gsthst/fq_qlfyng-eng.html

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HEALTH CARD, HOSPITALSAND HEALTH CARE

The Government of Canada and the provincial governments collect taxes to pay for medical services and health insurance for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) pays for most basic and emergency health services for residents of Ontario.

Applying for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)OHIP is the Ontario Health Insurance Plan. It pays for most basic and emergency health care services. OHIP does not pay for the cost of medication or dental services. Health care service providers, like doctors, hospitals and walk-in clinics, will check your Health Card (OHIP card) each time you visit. Always carry your Health Card so you can receive medical help when you need it.

You CANNOT get an OHIP card until after you have lived in Ontario for 3 months. You can apply for a Health Card as soon as you can show that you live in Ontario, but you will not receive your card until after the 3-month waiting period.

To apply, go to an OHIP ofce. Call the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and ask where the nearest ofce is. The phone number is 1-800-268-1153. This is a free call from anywhere in Ontario. You can also nd a list of ofce locations at www.settlement.org/FD/27.

When you go to the OHIP ofce, you must complete an application form. You must also provide original documents that prove your immigration status and that you live in Ontario. If you have children 15 1/2 years old or older, they must go with you to the ofce. The staff at the OHIP ofce will take their picture for their card.

If your application is complete, OHIP will mail the card to you when you are eligible for coverage.

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PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE in Lanark County

It is a good idea to buy health insurance from a private company right away, so you canhave health care during the 3-month waiting period. Contact the Canadian Life and Health Insurance OmbudService (CLHIO) for information about insurance companies - 1-800-268-8099, which is a free call from anywhere in Ontario.

Private Health Insurance On Settlement.Org, you can nd a list of private insurance companies that provide individual health insurance plans. It does not list all of the companies that offer this insurance. We do not support any particular company. It is best to talk to many companies to nd the best insurance for you.

Usually, the coverage you want is for "visitors to Canada." Ask the insurance company if it provides coverage for new immigrants to Canada. Some insurance companies have rules and deadlines for buying insurance. For example, for some companies, you might have to buy insurance within a certain number of days after arriving in Ontario.

It is important to know that:

Insurance companies charge a daily premium for each person. Depending on your age and the insurance plan you get, your premium can be from $2 per day to more than $8 per day.

Most private health insurance companies will not pay for treatment for health conditions you had before you got the insurance, even if you did not know about them.

Often, you cannot make claims until after a short waiting period.

Most insurance covers medical emergencies, necessary treatments, medical tests and medication prescribed by a doctor.

Most temporary private health insurance plans for newcomers do not pay for “regular” check-ups and visits to a family doctor.

When you need health services, call the insurance company rst and ask if your plan will pay for them.

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HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE in Lanark County

Almonte General HospitalThe Almonte General Hospital has been providing excellent medical care to area residents for generations. The Hospital's dedicated and highly trained doctors and nurses, modern facilities and smaller size combine state-of-the-art services with the personal care and attention that only a small community hospital can provide. The 52-bed Hospital provides an extensive range of services, including 24-hour emergency services, a complete range of obstetrical care and the Region's Chronic Care and Day Hospital programs.

Almonte General Hospital75 Spring Street, Almonte, ON, K0A 1A0Tel: (613) 256-2500 Fax: (613) 256-8549

Fairview Manor75 Spring Street, Almonte, ON, K0A 1A0Tel: (613) 256-3113 Fax: (613) 256-5780

Carleton Place and District HospitalCarleton Place & District Memorial Hospital (CPDMH) was opened in 1955 to serve the residents of Carleton Place and surrounding communities. The Hospital was built as a memorial to the lives lost, and the veterans who served in World War I and II.

Carleton Place211 Lake Avenue East,Carleton Place, ON, K7C 1J4 Tel: (613) 257-2200

Perth and Smiths Falls District HospitalPerth and Smiths Falls District Hospital are local, full service hospitals giving the community access to most of the key elements of health care. That includes: Acute Care Emergency Room Intensive Care Unit Maternity Ward Dialysis Unit Radiology Ultrasound Palliative Care

Perth Great War Memorial Site33 Drummond Street WestPerth, ON, K7H 2K1Tel: (613) 267-1500

Smiths Falls Hospital60 Cornelia Street WestSmiths Falls, ON, K7A 2H9Tel: (613) 283-2330

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CPHC Community Family Health Team Mobile UnitThe Community and Primary Health Care (CPHC) provides mobile primary health care services. Retrofitted with an examination room, the Community Family Health Team Mobile Unit is managed by a nurse practitioner and support staff. While the unit offers primary health care to residents of all ages, priority is given to those who do not have a family physician. The mobile unit phone number is 613-803-1710.

North Lanark Community Health CentreWe are aligned with the philosophy of the Association of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC) and its Model of Care.

We focus on five service areas defined in the CHC model of care: Primary care Illness prevention Health promotion Community capacity building Service integration

A family doctor is also called a “family physician,” “general practitioner” or a“GP.” A family doctor is usually the rst person you see when you do not feel well or when you are sick.

Health Care Connect – designed to help nd a family health care providerTo Register: Call 1-800-445-1822 (Have a pen, paper, and your OHIP card with you)Or visit their website:http://www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect

Doctor Search Service: Use the Doctor Search service of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to nd a doctor in your area. You can call 1-800-268-7096 ext. 626 from anywhere else in Ontario.

Health Care Connect: This program refers you to a local doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients. You need to have OHIP to use this service. It is run by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. To register, call 1-800-445-1822.

Yellow Pages: You can also nd a doctor in the Yellow Pages of your local telephone book. Look under “Physicians & Surgeons” for “Family Medicine,” “Family Practice” or “Family Physician.”

You can also ask your friends or relatives if their doctor is accepting new patients. Do not wait until you are sick to try to nd a family doctor.

FINDING A FAMILY DOCTOR

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ClinicsFind a Walk-in/After Hours Clinic Near You:http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/hco/options/walkin.aspx

Health UnitsLeeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit 458 Laurier Boulevard Brockville, ON K6V 7A3 Tel : 613-345-5685 Fax : 613-345-2879 Web : www.healthunit.org

Community Health CentresLanark Health and Community Services207 Robertson DriveLanark, ON K0 G 1 K0Tel: (613) 259-2182Fax: (613) 259-5235

Child ImmunizationLeeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit:http://www.healthunit.org/Schedule of Immunization Clinics in Lanark County:http://www.healthunit.org/clinics/immunization_clinics.html

Medical EmergenciesFor medical emergencies, phone 911. If youor somebody in your family suddenly feelsvery sick (has severe pain, is unconscious, cannot breathe, is bleeding a lot, has a seizure or has a serious accident), call 911.

If you do not speak English, just say "Help!" and tell the operator the language you speak. They will get an interpreter who speaks your language. The ambulance, police and re department will all come to help.

When you call 911, you will need to tell the operator: What is happening Where you are Your name, address and telephone number

Stay on the phone until the operator tells you to hang up. If you go to the nearest hospital in an emergency, go to the Emergency Department or Emergency Room (ER). The ER is often very busy. Unless your life is in danger, it may be several hours before a doctor can see you.

If you do not have OHIP or private health insurance, the hospital will send you a bill for the ambulance transport and any other medical services you used.

AmbulanceThe Lanark County Ambulance Service has five bases. Providing emergency care and transportation for the sick and injured, the ambulance service responds to approximately 14,000 calls each year throughout Lanark County.

Fire DepartmentThe fire department responds to all types of emergencies, including fire alarms, structural, vehicle and chimney fires, medical assist, ice and water rescue, hazardous material incidents and motor vehicle accidents.

Other very important functions of the fire services department is fire prevention, inspection and public education programs. This involves the inspection of all types of public and private buildings and structures to ensure compliance with fire code regulations and assist with fire drills and fire safety training.

The Smiths Falls Fire Department also operates the fire dispatch centre, which handles 9-1-1 and other emergency calls for all fire departments within Lanark County with the exception of the Town of Perth.

PolicingCommitted to working together with the public to create a safer community, the police service has a fleet of police vehicles – marked patrol units, unmarked traffic units, court vehicles, crime unit (CIB) vehicles, community service vehicles acquired with grant monies and administration vehicles.

GENERAL INQUIRIES Town of Perth - (613) 267-3131 Town of Smiths Falls - (613) 283-0357 Town of Carleton Place - (613) 257-2323 Ontario Provincial Police - (613)267

2626, toll-free - 1-888-310-1122

EMERGENCY SERVICESIN LANARK COUNTY

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TRANSPORTATION SERVICESIN LANARK COUNTY DrivingIf you live in Ontario and want to drive, you must have an Ontario driver's licence. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) website provides driver and vehicle licensing in the province. Find out more in the Settlement.Org article How do I get an Ontario driver's licence? www.settlement.org/FD/16

You can use a foreign driver's licence for 60 days after you arrive in Canada. After that, you will need to take a driving test and get an Ontario driver's licence. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for information about licences and driving rules at 1-800-387-3445.

You must register your car with the provincial motor vehicle licensing agency. You alsohave to get car insurance. It is illegal to drive without car insurance. Car insurance can becostly, but it protects you and other drivers in case of an accident.

If you do not have a car, you can rent one (for a day, a week or longer) from a car rental company. Most car rental companies can give you information aboutdriving rules.

Car rental companies charge you a fee based on the amount of time you have the car and the distance you travel in the car. You will also need to buy accident insurance from the rental company and pay for the gas you use.

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Greyhound CanadaThe largest provider of intercity bus transportation in Canada, Greyhound Canada provides passenger service to and from communities in Lanark County. Check out the website for more information www.greyhound.ca

Commuter Bus ServicePlease visit the Greyhound Canada website for more information on daily departures. The Greyhound services offers affordable commuter packages for people seeking to take a bus to Ottawa and back.Please note we are working with Greyhound to establish a user friendly commuter schedule. Please check the schedule regularly to see the accurate departure time. www.greyhound.ca/ticketcenter

Autobus Galland Offers commuter transport service between Carleton Place and Ottawa. Please visit this link to see the current schedule. www.autobusgalland.com

CarpoolingCarpooling is available in each community in Lanark County. Carpooling parking lots are situated all over the County for your convenience.

VIA Rail CanadaVIA Rail Canada offers passenger train service on a daily basis to and from the station in Smiths Falls. For scheduling information, visit the website at www.viarail.ca or phone 1-888-842-7245 (TTY 1-800-268-9503 for the hearing impaired).

Rural Bus ServicesHealey Transportation 613-283-3518 info@healeytransportation.ca. www.healeytransportation.ca.

Groupe Galland613-253-3443www.autobusgalland.com/en/accueil(OC Transp Rural Partner Route 538)

Thom Transport1-800-465-7254(OC Transpo Rural Partner Routes 502/503)

TaxiWhen it comes to taking a cab, there are various taxi services available. Please see you local phone book for listings and services.

For transportation, Lanark County has taxi services and weekly bus service, as well as train and bus services for out-of-town excursions.

COMMUTING in Lanark County

SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER (SIN) Social Insurance Number (SIN)You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada.

It is not legal for an employer to pay you without this number. You also use this number when you apply for government services or pay your taxes.

Applying for a SINAt the Service Canada Centre, you must ll out an application and show documents to prove who you are and to conrm your immigration status. If your application is accepted, you will get your SIN card in the mail.

Apply in Person1 – Get an application form online or from your local Service Canada Centre2 – Complete application3 – Collect the documents required4 – Take your application and documents to your local Service Canada Centre

If you meet all the requirements, you can get your number the day you hand in the application. Service Canada will mail you a SIN card within 10 business days. There is no application fee for your rst SIN.

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Apply by Mail

You can also apply by mail. You have to send your original documents (not photocopies) with your application. Send your completed application and original documents to:

Service Canada Social Insurance Registration Ofce P.O. Box 7000 Bathurst, NB E2A 4T1

This takes about 3 weeks. There is no application fee for your rst SIN.

More information on Social Insurance Number (SIN)http://www.settlement.org/sys/faqs_detail.asp?faq_id=4001100http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml

Online application: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eforms/forms/nas-2120-(09-12)e.pdf

Service Canada Centres

Carleton Place:46 Lansdowne Avenue, Carleton Place, ON

Smiths Falls:91 Cornelia Street West, Suite 115, Smiths Falls, ON

Information on documents required to apply for SIN:http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/proof.shtml

Showing your SIN card to your employerEmployers must ask to see your SIN card when you are hired. You must show your SIN card, or proof that you’ve applied for a SIN card, to the employer within 3 days of starting your job.If your SIN starts with the number “9” it is a temporary SIN. Before an employer can hire you, you must also show your employment authorization (work permit) from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. However, foreign students do not need a work permit to work at an on-campus job.

You don’t always have to show your SIN card

Many businesses ask to see SIN cards as identication or to check your credit rating.

Your SIN card is not a piece of identication. Do not show your SIN card or give your number to people who do not require it. No law stops a business from asking you for your SIN, but you do not need to show it.

Some people use stolen or lost SIN cards to access important personal information or to steal frompeople, the government and businesses.

If somebody gets a job and uses your SIN, you have to pay taxes on that person’s salary.

The law says you must show your SIN to government departments of all levels.

You also have to show it to all institutions from which you earn income or interest (banks, credit unions).

DID YOU KNOW?The SIN card may be a key piece of information to open the door to your personal information.

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LANARK COUNTY Finding a JobMany newcomers ask us, “Is it easy to nd work in Ontario?” There is no simple answer. It is not always easy to nd work in Canada that is right for your skills and experience.

You will often hear that employers want “Canadian experience.” Why do they want Canadian experience? Some employers think it proves that you have good language and communication skills and that you understand Canadian business culture.

You need to learn how to show the value of your foreign education and work experience. Many employers do not know how to assess your experience, so you need to show them how it can be valuable to them.

Job SearchNewcomers have different experiences searching for work. Some nd the same type of job they had before within months. For others, it can take years. Before you come to Canada, take time to learn about the Canadian job market. Find out what support is available to you and how you can nd work in Ontario.

Job search methods in Ontario may be very different from those you have used before.

Finding out that you have to search for a job may surprise you. You might have to learn how to write a resume or create a portfolio of your work. Do you know the type of resume employers in your industry expect you to provide? You might need help to get a job in Canada.

LOCAL JOB BOARDSLanark County Immigration Portal Job Boardhttp://www.movetolanark.ca/job-board.cfm

Ottawa Valley Job Shophttp://ottawavalleyjobshop.ca/

AECL Job Postingshttp://www.aecl.ca/Positive_Careers/Vacancies.htm

Algonquin College Perth, Community Employment Serviceshttp://www.algonquincollege.com/perth/employment/job_postings/

Government of Canada Job Bankhttp://www.jobbank.gc.ca/intro-eng.aspx

Ottawa Valley Jobshttp://www.ovjobs.ca/

JOB BOARDS

WEBSITESWorkopolis www.workopolis.com

Canjobs.com www.canjobs.com

Job Shark www.jobshark.ca

Jobhawk www.jobhawk.com

Canadian RN www.canadianrn.com

Job Bank www.jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Hcareers www.hcareers.ca

Education Canada www.educationcanada.com

IT Positions www.positionwatch.com

Jobs Abroad www.jobsabroadplus.com

DID YOU KNOW?The way that people work and do business in Ontario might be different than the country you left. You need to learn about Canadian workplace culture. You can nd information about this in many places, such as in the Settlement.Org Find a Job section.

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JOB SEARCH ENGINES

Workopolis

www.workopolis.com/work.aspx

Monster

http://www.monster.ca/

Indeed

http://ca.indeed.com

OttawaValleyCareers.com www.ottawavalleycareers.com

Careerjet

http://www.careerjet.ca/jobs-in-ontario-3678.html

Kijiji

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSArnprior

The Arnprior Chronicle-Guide EMC (Weekly)613-623-6571

Carleton Place

Carleton Place EMC/Almonte Canadian Gazette (Weekly)613-283-3182

Lanark

The Lanark Era (Weekly)613-259-2220

Perth

The Perth Courier EMC (Weekly)613-267-1100

Smiths Falls

Record News EMC (Weekly)613-283-3182

Smith Falls Record News (Weekly)613-283-3182

EVALUATING EDUCATION AND WORK SKILLSIf you apply for a job or an educational program, the employer or school may ask you for proof of your level of education or training. The employer or school might also want to know how your training compares to Canadian diplomas or certicates.

You may need to get a credential assessment

Credential assessment means getting your educational credentials compared to their Canadian equivalents. When you get your educational documents assessed, you will get a written report or letter that describes each of your certicates, diplomas or degrees. This letter should tell you what the Canadian equivalents are for your grades and documents.

If you want to work in certain professions andtrades and use the professional title (such as Engineer or Hairdresser) you must have a licence or certicate. To get this licence, you need to register with the association that regulates your occupation. Like some schools, these groups have their own assessment processes.

Generally, you must pay for a credential assessment. Talk to the employer, school or regulatory association of your occupation about what kind of evaluation you need before you pay for an assessment.

An evaluation prepared for an employer might not be the same as one that is prepared for an educational program.

When you come to Canada, look at different evaluation services and their reports before you use their service. You may need assessments for employment, immigration, higher education, licensing and apprenticeship training. Since you have to pay a fee for each report, try to get 1 report that you can use for many purposes.

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The government does not arrange jobs for people. It has programs that will help you to nd a job, but these programs will not get a job for you. People who say they can guarantee you a job might want to sell you something. Be very cautious about giving anyone money.

Many community agencies provide employment services to help newcomers nd jobs. These services are free. It is not easy for newcomers to nd jobs in Ontario. Why?

Here are some things to think about: How do you nd jobs that are not advertised? Are you sure that your English language skills are good enough for the job you want? Are you willing to start at a junior level for your rst job, or to start in a small or mid-sized

company? Do you understand Canadian work culture, and the importance of communication, teamwork and

organizational skills?

You can’t expect to know everything about Canadian work culture when you rst arrive in Ontario. But you can get help.

Some community agencies can help you with one-on-one advice or can help you create your resume and cover letter, and nd local companies. Others have classroom programs about how to nd work in your eld in Canada. These programs can help you nd a job more quickly than if you search on your own.

Most settlement agencies in Ontario can give you some help to get started in your job search.

These agencies can also tell you about employment services for groups such as: Internationally Educated Professionals and Trades people Women Youth Older workers

Many settlement agencies in Ontario provide free Job Search Workshops to help newcomers learn how to nd work in Canada. The workshops take 3 or 4 days.

To attend, you must be a Permanent Resident who is legally able to work in Canada.

You may get upset or frustrated with your job search because you do not know why businesses do not want to hire someone with your skills. However, employers want much more than just the skills needed to do the job.

In some cases, you might need or want to learn new skills or upgrade your skills. There are many ways you can get help and training. Some training programs cost money. Some are free for certain groups of people. Settlement agencies can help you nd out more about what training you can take.

GETTING HELP in Lanark County

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Algonquin College Community Employment Services (Perth)Address: The Factory – Suite 102, 40 Sunset Blvd.Phone: (613) 267-1381Website: www.cesperth.ca

Canadian Career Academy Employment Resource Centre (Carleton Place)Address: 92 Bridge StreetPhone: (613) 257-3237Website: www.canadacareer.ca

ontrac Employment Resource Services (Smiths Falls) Address:52 Abbott Street N., Unit 2Phone:(613) 283-6978Website: www.getontrac.ca

The Personnel People (Perth)Address: 30 Foster StreetPhone: (613) 267-2670

Service Canada :

Carleton Place - (613) 257-3344

Perth - (613) 267-1921

Smiths Falls - (613) 283-4790

ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM SERVICES

Valley Heartland Community Futures Development Corporationhttp://www.valleycfdc.com/In the Regional Centre for Business Development and Innovation91 Cornelia Street West, Entrance BSmiths Falls, OntarioK7A 5L3 Phone: (613) 283-7002Fax: (613) 283-7005Toll Free: 1-888-784-7605Email: valley@valley.on.ca

Canadian Youth Business Foundation Start-Up Financing ProgramCYBF provides pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up nancing and mentoring to help youth (age 18 to 39) launch and sustain a successful business. http://www.cybf.ca/

Canada Business Network http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES in Lanark County

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LEARNING ENGLISH IN LANARK COUNTY LEARNING ENGLISHWhen you arrive, you might want to improve your English skills. If you can communicate easily in English, it will help you to find work and settle in Ontario.

ENGLISH SPEAKING LANGUAGE (ESL) CLASSESThose wanting to improve their skills in written and spoken English are able to do so through ESL (English as a Second Language) classes taking place in a community in Lanark County.

Through a partnership between the towns in Lanark County and TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative & Continuing Education, of the Upper Canada District School Board, classes are being held during the week. Some classes are free and funded through the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. Check with your local community for pricing and location.

The hours for the classes are flexible if anyone has to leave early because of work commitments or arrive a little later because of children getting off to school.

Further information on the classes is available by contacting Daphne Lane, Manager of Literacy and Language Services for TR Leger, at daphne.lane@ucdsb.on.ca or instructor Julie Case at julia.case@ucdsb.on.ca.

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COMMUNITY INFORMATION FOR LANARK COUNTY Recycling and GarbageLanark County is committed to protecting the environment and providing waste management infrastructures that support the on-going development. Each town/township within Lanark County offers services that assist citizens to do their part. Information on the following is available on each of Lanark County community web sites. Garbage Tags Uncollectible Waste Acceptable Items for Recycling Collection Schedules Christmas Tree Collection Leaf Collection Waste Sites And more

Waste CollectionLanark County provides curbside waste collection to the residents, commercial, and light industrial sites throughout the municipality. This biweekly program works in conjunction with the curbside recycling and organic’s collection program. The curbside collection service is conducted by a contractor using a multi-year contract.

Waste DisposalLanark County has several landfill sites located in the local communities. Site operations include services such as waste diversion, recycling, composting, and waste disposal. The sites are reviewed annually by the Ministry of the Environment. The sites are operated by staff members responsible for tracking materials and placing, processing, or diverting materials entering the facility.

RecyclingLanark County operates a two stream recycling program using Blue Boxes and Yellow Boxes. The traditional Blue Box is designed to collect the fibre stream (paper, cardboard, etc ;) and the Yellow Box is for containers (metal, glass, and plastic). These recycled components are collected in an alternating week pattern at various coordinated zones throughout the municipality. The collected materials are processed at a commercial site where they are segregated and packaged for recycling processes.Please note that not all Lanark County communities have both blue and gold bins. For more information please visit the communities websites.

CompostingLanark County communities collect residential organic materials using the Green Bin program. These organic materials are collected weekly and transported to the Landfill sites where they are processed at the composting area into a reusable soil amendment and fertilizer is available.

Please note that not all Lanark County communities have green bins. For more information please visit the communities websites.

Waste DiversionThis component of Waste Management is responsible for the perpetual evaluation of the waste materials generated within Lanark County. Staff and its resources are diligent at monitoring waste issues and providing diversion tools for the residents of Lanark County.

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GROCERY STORES in Lanark County

SMITHS FALLS

Food Basics

275 Brockville,

613-283-5858

www.foodbasics.ca/

Giant Tiger

29 Chambers Street,

613-283-2295

www.gianttiger.com/gt/

Andress’ Your

Independent Grocer

25 Ferrera Dr,

613-283-2999

Walmart

114 Lombard Street,

613-284-0838

www.walmart.ca/

Bradford’s Nutrition Basics

4 Main Street East,

613-284-2349

Modern Thymes Natural Foods

11 Russell East,

613-283-3612

www.modernthymes.com/

Barnabe’s

80 Dufferin,

613-267-6763

CARLETON PLACE

Price Chopper

110 Lansdowne,

613-253-6141

www.pricechopper.ca/ontario/

Giant Tiger

320 Coleman Street,

613-253-5564

www.gianttiger.com/gt/

Steve’s Independent

Grocers

455 McNelly,

613-253-6206

Walmart

450 McNeely Avenue,

613-253-1319

www.walmart.ca/

The Granary

107 Bridge Street,

613-257-5986

www.granary.ca/

MISSISSIPPI MILLS

Patrice’s Independent

Grocer

401 Ottawa Street,

Almonte, ON

613-256-2080

Almonte Natural

Food Centre

34 Mill Street,

Almonte, ON

613-256-1833

www.almontenaturalfoods.com/

PERTH

Foodsmiths

106 Wilson St. West,

613-267-5409

www.foodsmiths.com/

Giant Tiger

37 Wilson St. West,

613-267-2860

www.gianttiger.com/gt/

Metro

50 Wilson St. West,

613-267-4921

www.metro.ca/

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PUBLIC LIBRARIES in Lanark County

Public Libraries provide information and materials for recreational and leisure use; for educational purposes; for personal self-development, enrichment and lifelong learning; to offer access to information to all individuals; to respond to the needs of the community and to adapt to changing technology. All residents qualify for FREE Library services in Lanark County.

Lanark County Libraries are a great place to nd out about the community and more. The library provides a wide variety of materials and services such as:

Mango (Language Learning);

Downloadable e-books and audiobooks;

Online databases, encyclopedias and magazine articles.

Fiction & Non-Fiction Books

Magazines, Newspapers & Periodicals

Children & Young Adult Section

Movies - DVD (Many new releases)

Wheelchair Access

Public computers and wireless internet access

PCs with common Internet and Productivity Applications

Fax & Photocopier

Proctor Services

Children's programs offered

Pakenham Branch128 MacFarlane StreetPakenham, ON(613) 624-5306

Perth & District Union Public Libraryhttp://www.perthunionlibrary.ca30 Herriott StreetPerth, ON(613) 267-1224

Smiths Falls Public Libraryhttp://www.smithsfallslibrary.ca81 Beckwith Street N.Smiths Falls, ON(613) 283-2911

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Carleton Placehttp://carletonplace.ca/library-c234.php101 Beckwith StreetCarleon Plave, ON(613) 2572702

Lanark Highlands Public Libraryhttp://www/lanarklibrary.ca75 George StreetLanark, ON(613) 259-3068

Almonte Branch155 High StreetAlmonte, ON(613) 256-1037

VOLUNTEERING in Lanark County

Volunteering is intended to promote good or improve human quality of life. It is considered as serving the society through your own personal interest, personal skills or learning, without receiving money. Volunteering is also famous for the skill development, to socialize and to have fun. It is also intended to make contacts for possible employment or for a variety of other reasons.

Why volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to get work experience and you learn new skills by trying new jobs. You might nd something you'd like to do for a living, or discover what you would not want to do. You can meet people who can give you guidance and possibly help you to nd a paid job later on. Some volunteer opportunities involve travel across Canada or to other countries. Also Employers may be impressed that you took the initiative to learn new things. You can also learn how a charitable organization works and best of all, you will be taking action to promote what you think is important and probably be helping someone else along the way.

Who needs volunteers?

Hospitals

Charities

Clubs

Overseas development organizations

Music and arts festivals

Sporting leagues and events

Children's camps

Libraries

Environmental organizations

Crisis lines and peer counselling organizations

Human rights organizations

Religious organizations

Political campaigns

Government agencies (local, provincial, federal)

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WELCOME WAGON in Lanark County

NEW TO THE COMMUNITY

Are you new to the neighbourhood and looking for assistance in nding your way around town? Welcome Wagon is there to help with all the civic information you may need to familiarize yourself and your family with the local community, including:

Letter from the Mayor

Local map

Transit information

Recycling information

Library

Local recreation centre

Newcomers club

Welcome Wagon Representatives also personally recommends local community-based businesses (i.e. grocery store, beauty salon, drug stores, hardware stores, etc) who offer gifts and services to the relocated consumer.

COMPANY

The only national, Canadian-owned, FREE greeting service for families experiencing a lifestyle change.

A Canadian company solely-owned and operated by Canadians.

Member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Member of many local Chambers of Commerce.

National Member of the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus.

Member of local Canadian Better Business Bureaus.

Member, Direct Marketing Association of Toronto.

Member, Canadian Marketing Association.

Member, Canadian Employee Relocation Council.

Member, Rotary Club of Toronto.

Supported and endorsed by Mayors everywhere.

First visit was made in Vancouver in June 1930. Service is now available in more than 500 communities across Canada.

We greet people who are undergoing lifestyle changes with a friendly visit including moving to a new neighbourhood, planning a wedding, expecting a baby, a new executive, manager or professional, or new grandparents.

For more information please visit http://www.welcomewagon.ca/index.php/en/.

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IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP Permanent Resident (Maple Leaf) CardYou will get your Permanent Resident (PR) Card in the mail after you arrive in Canada. When you enterCanada and go through immigration, you should give a Canadian mailing address to the immigration ofcer.

If you did not give your mailing address to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) at your point of entry, you should do this as soon as you can. Visit the CIC website or call the PR Card Call Centre to give your address. If you do not receive your PR Card within 30 days after you send CIC your address, call the Citizenship and Immigration Canada PR Call Centre.

If CIC does not receive your address within 180 days of the date you arrived in Canada, you will need to apply again for your PR Card and pay a fee.

The PR Card is an identity document and it gives proof of your Permanent Resident status.

For any questions about the Permanent Resident Card, phone the PR Card Call Centre.

Residency requirementsYou can travel outside Canada after you arrive. However, you must be physically present in Canada for 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period to keep your status as a Permanent Resident.

This means that you can spend up to 3 years outside of Canada during a 5-year period. But, if you leave the country for a long visit, you need to prove to Citizenship and Immigration Canada that you plan to continue to live in Canada.

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SENDING AND RECEIVING MAIL Mailing a letter or parcelTo send a letter or parcel, you have to pay postage. Postage is the amount it costs to send your letter or package.

Postal services are available at post ofces and at postal outlets in stores such as Shoppers Drug Mart. To nd a post ofce, look for the red and blue Canada Post sign in store windows. You can also use the telephone book to nd the post ofce closest to you.

The cost of sending a letter or parcel depends on its size and weight. The cost also depends on where you want to send it and on how fast you want it to get there. Usually, the farther the parcel has to travel, the more it will cost.

If you are sending a parcel to a different country, you must complete a customs form. You can get a customs form at the post ofce. The form describes what is in the parcel. It also describes how much the parcel is worth and how much it weighs. A worker at the post ofce can help you to ll out this form.

Getting a mailing addressAfter you nd a place to live, people can send mail directly to your homeor post ofce box. Before you nd a place to live, you can receive mail in 3 different ways:

Ask if you can use the mailing address of a relative or friend. Tell people to send mail to you “care of” (c/o) your relative or friend.

Ask for general delivery service at the post ofce. This service is known worldwide as “poste restante.” General Delivery or Poste restante mail is held for pickup at the local main post ofce. In large cities with more than 1 large post ofce, 1 of the post ofces in the area is listed as the pickup point for General Delivery or Poste restante mail.

Rent a mailbox at the post ofce or a store that sells business services. This will give you an address where you can receive mail. If you receive a package that is too big to t in your mailbox, the store will leave you a note and you can collect it from the counter.

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YOUR NAMEGD STN MAINLANARK, ON

K2M 5H2

YOUR NAMEc/o FRIEND/RELATIVE’S NAME

1234 MAIN STREETSMITHS FALLS, ON

N2R 5H2

RESOURCES, INFORMATION AND WEBSITES Settlement.orgFirst Days Guidehttp://www.settlement.org/site/FIRSTDAYS/

Lanark County http://www.lanarkcounty.ca/

Lanark County Tourismhttp://www.lanarkcountytourism.ca/

Lanark County Immigration Portalhttp://www.movetolanark.ca/

Welcome Wagonhttp://www.welcomewagon.ca/index.php/en/new-to-the-community

Smiths Falls Immigration Portalhttp://www.movetosmithsfalls.ca/

Language and Diversity Statisticshttp://www.otf.ca/en/knowledgeSharingCentre/resources/DiversityReportOntarioENGLISH.pdf

Ottawa Tourismhttp://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/

Upper Canada District School Boardhttp://www.ucdsb.on.ca/Pages/default.aspx

Catholic School Board of Eastern Ontariohttp://www.cdsbeo.on.ca/

Health Care Connecthttp://www.ontario.ca/healthcareconnect

Toronto International Airporthttp://www.torontopearson.com/#

Ottawa Airporthttp://ottawa-airport.ca/

Citizenship and Immigration Canadahttp://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index-can.asp

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This Guide was Created By

The Town of Smiths Falls77 Beckwith Street North

Smiths Falls, OntarioT: (613) 283-4124F: (613) 283-4764

www.movetolanark.ca OR

www.movetosmithsfalls.ca