Niagara is a safe and accommodating environment, open for business and a good place to live, work and grow.
Location
Niagara Canada is not just Niagara Falls – it is a region made up of many communities, including medium-sized cities, small towns and hamlets.
- The 12 local municipalities in Niagara include Fort Erie, Pelham, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne*, St.Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet, Welland* and West Lincoln
- The region encompasses a total area of 1,852 km2 with a total population of 449,098
- The region has three urban centres, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland
- Landmark natural features include Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and the Niagara Escarpment
- The region is part of a growing area of almost 2 million people within a 30 minute drive
- Niagara is approximately 120 km away by car or transit to Toronto, Canada’s largest city. Take in a beautiful drive or sit back and relax on the Niagara Seasonal GO Train Service with daily service to and from Toronto arriving in 2021
- There are 5 international border crossings into the United States as well as 7 airports within a one hour drive that provide easy access from Niagara Canada to anywhere in the world
French Language Services Act
You can access French language services from all 28 ministries of the provincial government via Service Ontario and from all federal ministries via Service Canada. In Ontario, access to French language services is an entrenched right under the French Language Services Act.
This includes things like getting a driver’s licence or birth certificate. All information regarding government programs is available in French as well.
However, in order to obtain French language services and information, you must present yourself to a government office situated in or near a designated area. A designated area consists of an area where Francophones make up at least 10% of the population. In a city, French language services are offered where Francophone citizens number at least 5,000.
* The cities of Port Colborne and Welland are designated areas under the Ontario French Language Services Act.
“As a provincially designated community we strive to provide an increasing number of services in both official languages. It is important for the City of Welland to preserve and encourage growth in French language and culture as it strengthens our city.”
City of Welland Mayor, Frank Campion
Housing
Niagara has many housing options with competitive prices that are close to facilities, community services and places to look for housing assistance. Whether you want to live in the city or just outside the city, in a house or an apartment, there are many options for you. For information on affordable housing, visit: Niagara Regional Housing.
Transportation
Public Transit
The main regional bus service is Niagara Region Transit, which connects some of Niagara’s largest communities. Regularly scheduled bus service is also available in Niagara’s largest cities:
- Niagara Falls Transit
- St. Catharines Transit Commission (including some service in Thorold)
- Welland Transit (including some service in Port Colborne)
- Fort Erie Transit
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Transit
Driving
- Niagara’s major urban centres have the least traffic congestion of Canada’s largest cities.
- With access to major and secondary highways, including the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), any point to point trip within the region is a maximum 45 minute drive.
- Traveller Information provided by Ontario 511 helps to plan travel on Ontario’s highways.
Cycling
- Niagara Region boasts over 200 scenic cycling routes and 300 km of cycling trails, including the Greater Niagara Cycle Route.
- You can cycle throughout the entire Niagara Region, including near Niagara Falls, throughout beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, from winery to winery along the Wine Route, and along the world famous Welland Canal.
Security
The Niagara Regional Police Service works to keep Niagara residents and visitors safe. Niagara Canada is in the top 10 for the lowest crime rate of Canada’s metropolitan areas.