Settle Southwest

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  3. Important Documents
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  5. Life and Work
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  7. Health Care and Family
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  9. Family Success Stories
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Life and Work

Settlement Services

The Manitoba government funds a wide variety of settlement services throughout the province. All of these services are free of charge to immigrants. Each participating community in the southwest region also provides their own settlement services.

Housing

  • Housing and property prices are commonly lower throughout the Southwest region than in major centres such as Winnipeg or Brandon.  Rental costs average $500 - $1000 per month. This price will depend on the number of bedrooms and what utilities may be included. Many families that own older homes in the southwest region pay an average of $40,000 - $100,000 for a one bedroom home or $80,000 - $160,000 for an older three/four bedroom home. In larger communities such as Virden, Souris, Rivers, Reston, Melita, Deloraine or Boissevain, newer upper-end homes may sell for $130,000 - $250,000. Those looking for acreages or farms will need to check with local realtors for pricing.
  • There are many choices for housing in Manitoba.  Rental properties range from single family dwellings, duplexes or even multiplex apartment buildings, as well as acreages and farms.  You will also find that there are many homes for sale on the market.  Some vendors hire a realtor to sell their property and other homes are sold by the owner.  You can use the Multiple Listing Service website to view some of the realtor properties in the region or you can contact a local realtor, town office or check the local newspaper listings.
  • An apartment or suite usually has one or more bedrooms.  All apartments have a kitchen, bathroom and a living room. They can be found in apartment buildings with multiple apartments or in a large house. Bachelor suites have one room with a kitchen and a bathroom. The bedroom is not separate from the living space.  Apartment buildings are usually owned by one person, this person rents out the individual apartments.  Some multiplexes can be bought or rented.
  • A duplex is a house that is divided into two separate dwellings. Duplexes may be bought or rented.
  • If you are looking for a home that can move from one place to another a mobile home may be your choice.  Mobile homes are sometimes cheaper to buy than a house. If you purchase a mobile home you will have to buy or rent the land it is placed on.  Mobile homes are often located together in what is commonly referred to as a moblie trailer park.
  • In some cases you may find a room for rent.  These are usually a shared house or apartment. In most cases you would share the kitchen and bathroom.
  • Building your own home or purchasing a Ready-to-Move (RTM) home is very common in this area.  You may choose to do this if you are unable to find housing that interests you.  In order to build or purchase an RTM home you will need to purchase or rent land for the home to be located on.  Some communities have discounted rates on lots for sale if you are planning to place a newly constructed home on it.  There are many contractors and RTM builders in the area.  If you are interested in this option be sure to educate yourself on the process and talk to multiple contractors and builders.
  • Here is where you will find more information about finding housing in Manitoba.
  • A more detailed guide to housing in Manitoba

Employment

  • Southwest Manitoba is looking for YOU! Currently many employers are searching for skilled workers across the region. As more people are retiring there are more skilled job openings available.  In order to work in Canada, you require a Social Insurance Number.  The employer will request this number when you start your job. There are many job searching tools available. 
  • A guide to Manitoba employment.

English Courses

Although there are many languages spoken in Manitoba, English is the prominent language.  You will find that communicating in English will be a key part to finding employment, creating friendships and participating in your community. As part of Manitoba’s settlement services upon arrival you or your family members will have access to many English classes and programs.  To find out more you can visit the local settlement service offices or Government of Manitoba Immigration website.

Finances

Shopping

Laws


Rivers, Manitoba Deloraine, Manitoba Virden, Manitoba Melita, Manitoba Souris, Manitoba Boissevain, Manitoba RM of Pipestone, Manitoba RM of Whitewater