Newcomer Guide to Living in Regina: Government Jobs, Transit, Education and Prairie Life

Why Regina Is a Practical Choice for Newcomers

Regina, Saskatchewan, is the provincial capital and second-largest city in the province, with a population of approximately 230,000. As the seat of the Saskatchewan provincial government, Regina offers a concentration of public sector employment that provides stability and benefits. The city's economy is further supported by the oil and gas industry, agriculture, and a growing technology sector. For newcomers, Regina presents an opportunity to settle in a city where the cost of living is low, employment is accessible, and community support for newcomers is strong.

Saskatchewan has actively welcomed newcomers through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), and Regina's multicultural community has grown substantially as a result. Newcomers from the Philippines, India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Syria, and many other countries have established vibrant communities in Regina. The city may not have the glamour of Toronto or Vancouver, but it offers something equally valuable: the realistic ability to build a stable, comfortable life within a relatively short time.

Getting Around Regina: Transit and Transportation

Regina Transit operates the city's bus network, providing service across major residential, commercial, and institutional areas. The system has been modernized in recent years with improved route structures and real-time tracking through the Transit app. A monthly adult pass costs approximately $83, making Regina Transit one of the most affordable urban transit systems in Canada. Routes connect key destinations including the University of Regina, downtown, the Normanview and Harbour Landing shopping areas, and major residential neighbourhoods.

Like most prairie cities, Regina is heavily car-dependent for many trips. The city's flat terrain and grid layout make driving easy, and parking is widely available and affordable. Newcomers who plan to drive must obtain a Saskatchewan driver's licence through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). Some foreign licences can be directly exchanged, while others require testing.

Neighbourhoods and Housing

Regina's neighbourhoods offer affordable living options that are among the lowest in urban Canada. The Cathedral area is a popular, walkable neighbourhood with character homes, local shops, and restaurants near the city centre. The Old Lakeview and Crescents neighbourhoods are established residential areas with tree-lined streets. Harbour Landing is a newer development in the southwest with modern homes, shopping, and easy highway access. The Normanview and Rochdale areas in the northwest offer affordable family-friendly housing. Albert Park and Southeast Regina are growing areas with a mix of housing types.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Regina is approximately $950 to $1,300 per month, while two-bedroom units range from $1,100 to $1,600. These are among the lowest rental costs of any Canadian city, making Regina an excellent choice for newcomers who want to minimize housing expenses while getting established. Homeownership is also realistic for many newcomers within a few years of arrival, with average house prices well below the national average.

Tenant Rights and Finding Housing

Newcomers should familiarize themselves with the Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. Search for rentals on Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, Rentals.ca, and through local property management companies. The Regina Housing Authority provides subsidized housing for low-income residents, though waitlists may apply.

Education: University of Regina and More

The University of Regina (U of R) is the city's primary post-secondary institution, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in arts, science, business, education, engineering, social work, and more. The university has a strong reputation for cooperative education programs that integrate work experience with academic study, which is particularly valuable for newcomers seeking Canadian work experience. The U of R also houses the First Nations University of Canada, a unique institution serving Indigenous students.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has a Regina campus offering diploma, certificate, and applied degree programs in trades, technology, health, and business. These programs provide practical skills with strong industry connections. For children, Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools both offer English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs to support newcomer students in their academic transition.

Free English language training for adult newcomers is available through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The Regina Open Door Society is the primary provider of LINC classes in the city.

Healthcare in Regina

Newcomers must register for a Saskatchewan Health Services Card to access publicly funded healthcare. Apply through eHealth Saskatchewan or at a local registration office. Saskatchewan generally does not impose a three-month waiting period for healthcare coverage for most newcomer categories, but it is advisable to carry private insurance until your card is received and coverage is confirmed.

Regina is served by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, which operates the Regina General Hospital and the Pasqua Hospital. Walk-in clinics are located throughout the city for non-emergency care. Finding a family doctor can take time, so newcomers should register with the Health Authority's physician connection service upon arrival.

The Regina Open Door Society (RODS)

The Regina Open Door Society (RODS) is the primary settlement agency in Regina and one of the most well-regarded newcomer service organizations in Saskatchewan. RODS provides a comprehensive suite of services for newcomers including language assessment and training, employment preparation and job matching, housing support, youth and family programs, community connection events, interpretation and translation services, and assistance with government applications and paperwork.

RODS has helped thousands of newcomers establish themselves in Regina. Whether you need help writing a Canadian-style resume, understanding the school enrollment process for your children, or simply connecting with other newcomers, RODS should be one of your first contacts after arriving in the city. Additional settlement support is available through the Regina Immigrant Women Centre and other community organizations.

For instant newcomer guidance, use the AI Newcomer Navigator from WelcomeAide. Browse our blog for city guides covering destinations across Canada.

Employment: Government, Oil, and Beyond

As the provincial capital, Regina's largest employer is the Government of Saskatchewan. Provincial government positions span a wide range of fields including administration, policy, IT, healthcare administration, social services, and more. Government jobs offer competitive salaries, strong benefits, pensions, and job stability. The federal government also has offices in Regina, providing additional public sector employment opportunities. For newcomers with relevant qualifications and Canadian language proficiency, government employment is a realistic and desirable goal.

The oil and gas industry is another significant economic driver. While the largest oil fields are located outside the city (primarily in southeastern Saskatchewan), many oil companies have offices and support operations in Regina. Pipeline companies, drilling services, and energy sector support companies provide employment in engineering, trades, logistics, and administration. The Government of Canada Job Bank and SaskJobs list positions across these sectors.

Other Employment Sectors

Beyond government and oil, Regina's economy includes agriculture and agribusiness (the city is surrounded by some of Canada's most productive farmland), retail (Southland Mall, Victoria Square area), construction, healthcare, and a growing technology sector. Entry-level positions in retail, food services, warehousing, and construction labour are commonly available for newcomers. Settlement agencies like RODS offer employment workshops, connections to employers, and mentorship programs to help newcomers enter the workforce.

Community Life and Culture

Regina's community life centres around its parks, cultural institutions, and sports. Wascana Centre, one of the largest urban parks in North America, surrounds Wascana Lake and includes the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the MacKenzie Art Gallery, and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. The park is a gathering place for residents year-round, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and waterfront views.

The Regina Folk Festival, Mosaic (a multicultural festival featuring cultural pavilions from around the world), and the Cathedral Village Arts Festival are beloved annual events. The Saskatchewan Roughriders, the city's CFL football team, inspire passionate community spirit and provide a unique cultural experience for newcomers. The Regina Farmers Market is a weekly gathering place for local food and community connection.

Regina's growing multicultural community has established restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural organizations representing a wide range of backgrounds. Community centres and recreation facilities operated by the City of Regina offer programs and activities for all ages at affordable rates.

Cost of Living in Regina

Regina's cost of living is among the lowest of any Canadian capital city. A family of four can expect monthly expenses of approximately $3,800 to $5,200 excluding rent, covering groceries, transportation, utilities, and other essentials. Groceries are reasonably priced at stores like Superstore, Walmart, Co-op, and various ethnic grocery shops. Utilities including heating, electricity, and water cost approximately $200 to $350 per month, with heating costs rising in winter. Internet and mobile phone services range from $50 to $90 each per month. Saskatchewan's combined PST and GST rate is 11%.

The affordability of Regina means that newcomers can achieve financial stability more quickly here than in most other Canadian cities. Lower housing costs, affordable transit, and competitive grocery prices allow families to save money, reduce debt, and even begin building equity through homeownership sooner. For financial planning resources, explore our newcomer financial planning guides.

Final Thoughts on Settling in Regina

Regina is a city that rewards practical-minded newcomers. It may not have the excitement of Toronto or the mountains of Vancouver, but it offers something many newcomers value above all else: the ability to build a stable, affordable, and comfortable life. Government employment provides security, the oil sector offers well-paying opportunities, the University of Regina opens doors to education and Canadian credentials, and RODS ensures that settlement support is never far away. The community is welcoming, the cost of living is low, and the prairie landscape, with its vast skies and dramatic seasons, has a beauty all its own.

WelcomeAide is here to support you in Regina and across Canada. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator for instant, personalized guidance on settling in Regina. Explore our blog for more city guides and newcomer resources, learn about our mission, or discover how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.