Newcomer Guide to Living in Windsor, Ontario

About Windsor

Windsor is a city of approximately 230,000 people (with a metropolitan area population of around 350,000) located at the southernmost tip of Ontario and mainland Canada. Situated on the south bank of the Detroit River, Windsor is directly across from Detroit, Michigan, and is connected to the United States by the Ambassador Bridge, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. Windsor is actually south of Detroit, making it one of the few places in Canada that is south of the US border.

The city has a long history as a manufacturing centre, particularly in the automotive industry, and has been undergoing economic diversification in recent years. Windsor is known for its multicultural community, with significant Italian, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Eastern European populations, among others. The city's diverse food scene, affordable cost of living, and unique border-city character make it an attractive destination for newcomers.

Getting to Windsor

Windsor is accessible by air through the Windsor International Airport, which offers flights to Toronto and other Canadian destinations. Many travellers also use Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Windsor and offers far more flight options, including international routes. By road, Windsor is about 3.5 to 4 hours from Toronto along Highway 401. VIA Rail provides passenger rail service between Windsor and Toronto, with stops in London, Kitchener, and other cities along the route.

Housing and Cost of Living

Windsor offers some of the most affordable housing in southern Ontario. While home prices have risen in recent years, they remain significantly lower than in the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or Kitchener-Waterloo. The average price for a single-family home typically ranges from $350,000 to $500,000, and rental rates for a two-bedroom apartment generally range from $1,200 to $1,700 per month.

The overall cost of living is lower than in most major Ontario cities. Groceries, dining out, and services are generally affordable. The city's proximity to the US border also provides access to cross-border shopping, though duties and taxes may apply. For newcomers interested in purchasing a home, our guide to buying your first home in Canada provides essential information.

Popular residential neighbourhoods include:

• South Windsor - A suburban area popular with families, featuring newer homes, good schools, and shopping centres.
• Riverside - A desirable neighbourhood along the Detroit River with mature trees, waterfront parks, and character homes.
• LaSalle - A neighbouring municipality that functions as a suburb of Windsor, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and new housing developments.
• Tecumseh - Another adjacent municipality with a small-town feel, good schools, and recreational facilities.
• East Windsor/Forest Glade - Diverse neighbourhoods with a mix of housing types and price points, popular with newcomer families.
• Walkerville - A historic neighbourhood with a vibrant main street, restaurants, and arts scene.

Employment and the Job Market

Windsor's economy has historically been anchored by the automotive industry, and this sector remains important. Major employers include Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler), which operates a major assembly plant in Windsor, along with numerous auto parts manufacturers and suppliers throughout the region. However, the city's economy has been diversifying:

• Automotive and manufacturing - The NextStar Energy electric vehicle battery plant (a joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution) is a major new employer, representing the shift toward electric vehicle manufacturing.
• Healthcare - Windsor Regional Hospital and Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare are significant employers, and there is demand for healthcare professionals.
• Education - The University of Windsor and St. Clair College are major employers and economic contributors.
• Agriculture and food processing - The surrounding Essex County is one of Ontario's most productive agricultural regions, with greenhouses, wineries, and food processing operations.
• Technology and innovation - A growing tech sector, supported by the university's research capabilities and the WEtech Alliance.
• Cross-border commerce - Windsor's position as Canada's busiest land border crossing creates jobs in customs brokerage, logistics, and international trade.

Newcomers can search for jobs using the Government of Canada Job Bank and local resources such as the Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors job board and community employment services. For guidance on the Canadian job market, see our guide to finding a job in Canada.

Education

Post-Secondary Education

The University of Windsor is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, science, engineering, business, law, education, nursing, and more. The university's law school is well-regarded, and its engineering programs have strong ties to the automotive industry. St. Clair College offers diploma, certificate, and applied degree programs in skilled trades, technology, health sciences, business, and community studies, with campuses in Windsor, Chatham, and Toronto.

K-12 Education

Windsor has four school boards:

• Greater Essex County District School Board - English public schools
• Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board - English Catholic schools
• Conseil scolaire catholique Providence - French Catholic schools
• Conseil scolaire Viamonde - French public schools

Both English-language boards offer ESL programs for newcomer students. For information on enrolling your children, see our guide to enrolling your child in school in Canada.

Healthcare

Windsor has a well-developed healthcare system serving the region. Windsor Regional Hospital operates two campuses (Met Campus and Ouellette Campus) and provides a full range of acute care services. Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare provides specialized services including rehabilitation, mental health, and complex care. The city also has numerous family health teams, walk-in clinics, dental offices, and pharmacies.

New residents of Ontario must apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). There is a three-month waiting period for new residents, during which private health insurance is recommended. Our guide to healthcare for newcomers covers the details.

Settlement Services

Windsor has a strong network of settlement organizations to help newcomers:

• New Canadians' Centre of Excellence (NCCE) - Provides settlement services, language assessment, employment support, and community connections for newcomers.
• Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) - Offers settlement services, interpretation/translation, and cultural orientation programs.
• YMCA of Southwestern Ontario - Provides newcomer language training (LINC) and employment programs.
• Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women (WWWWIW) - Focuses on supporting newcomer women with settlement, employment, and social services.

These organizations offer free services funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and are available to permanent residents and convention refugees.

Transportation

Windsor has a public transit system operated by Transit Windsor, with bus routes covering the city. While transit is adequate for many daily needs, having a car is advantageous for accessing suburban areas, neighbouring municipalities, and cross-border travel. Windsor is a relatively easy city to drive in, with less congestion than larger Ontario cities.

For newcomers who need an Ontario driver's licence, the process involves graduated licensing. Some foreign licences can be exchanged directly. See our guide to getting a driver's licence for details.

Climate and Weather

Windsor has one of the mildest climates in Canada, owing to its southern location and the moderating influence of the Great Lakes. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures frequently reaching 30 degrees Celsius or higher. Winters are cold but milder than most of Ontario, with average temperatures around minus 5 degrees Celsius in January. Snowfall is moderate, typically less than other Ontario cities. The city enjoys a long growing season, which supports the region's agriculture and greenhouse industries.

Newcomers from tropical or subtropical climates will still need to prepare for winter, but Windsor's milder conditions make the adjustment easier than in cities like Ottawa, Thunder Bay, or Winnipeg.

The Cross-Border Advantage

One of Windsor's unique features is its proximity to the United States. The Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel connect Windsor to Detroit, and the new Gordie Howe International Bridge provides an additional crossing. This proximity creates unique opportunities:

• Cross-border employment - Some Windsor residents work in Detroit or other parts of Michigan, though this requires appropriate work authorization in the US.
• Shopping and entertainment - Detroit offers shopping, sporting events (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), concerts, and cultural attractions that are easily accessible from Windsor.
• Airport access - Detroit Metro Airport provides far more flight options than Windsor's airport, including direct international flights.

Note that crossing the border requires valid travel documents. Canadian permanent residents need their PR card and passport. If you are a newcomer, ensure your immigration documents are in order before attempting to cross. Not all immigration statuses permit re-entry to Canada from the US, so verify your specific situation before traveling.

Community and Culture

Windsor is one of Canada's most diverse cities, with a large Middle Eastern community (particularly Lebanese and Iraqi), significant Italian and Eastern European populations, and growing South Asian and African communities. This diversity is reflected in the city's food scene, which features exceptional Middle Eastern restaurants, Italian bakeries, and cuisine from around the world. The Ottawa Street area and Erie Street (Via Italia) are popular dining and shopping destinations.

The city hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the Windsor International Film Festival, Bluesfest, Carrousel of the Nations (a multicultural festival), and Canada Day celebrations along the waterfront. The Art Gallery of Windsor and the Capitol Theatre are cultural landmarks.

Important First Steps for Newcomers

When you arrive in Windsor, take care of these essential tasks:

1. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) - Required for employment. See our guide to applying for a SIN.
2. Apply for OHIP - Begin the process right away to minimize the waiting period gap.
3. Open a bank account - Major banks have branches throughout Windsor. See our guide to opening a bank account.
4. Contact settlement services - Reach out to the NCCE or MCC for orientation and support.
5. Find housing - Use online listings, real estate agents, and settlement organizations to find a suitable home.
6. Register children for school - Contact the appropriate school board for enrollment.
7. File your taxes - Even if you arrive mid-year with little income, filing your tax return ensures you receive benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credit.

Final Thoughts

Windsor offers newcomers an appealing combination of affordability, diversity, employment opportunities, and a unique cross-border lifestyle. The city's strong settlement services, diverse community, and mild climate make it a welcoming destination for immigrants from around the world. While the city has faced economic challenges in the past due to its reliance on the automotive sector, the ongoing diversification and major investments like the EV battery plant are creating new opportunities. For newcomers looking for a city where they can afford to live well, find meaningful work, and be part of a vibrant multicultural community, Windsor is an excellent choice.

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