Adjusting to life in Ontario
Get to know Ontario using the regional map.
Orientation to Ontario webinars
Watch the Orientation to Ontario virtual webinar series.
Learn about topics like:
- transportation and driving
- mental health
- adjusting to Canada
- education opportunities
- accessing programs and services
Orientation to Ontario workbook
Find information for newcomers in the Orientation to Ontario workbook (also available in Latin American Spanish).
Get settled in Ontario
Find a settlement agency to help you find the services you need while living and working, including finding an interpreter or translator, getting information on social services and finding housing.
Things to do in Ontario
Use Destination Ontario to find information on community events, information about your region and things to do near you.
Policing
Ontario’s police officers are professionals who work with the highest level of integrity to support, serve and protect all residents and guests, including IAWs. Effective policing is vital so that all people in Ontario can live in safety in their communities.
Police work closely with communities to uphold public safety and can help you if you have been a victim of a crime. Ontario police services:
- prevent crime
- enforce our laws
- help victims
- keep public order
- respond to emergencies
Policing at a provincial level is done by the Ontario Provincial Police. The Ontario Provincial Police also provides policing services for municipalities who do not have their own police service.
There are 44 municipal police services in Ontario as well as 9 self-administered First Nations police services. These police services operate in smaller jurisdictions than the Ontario Provincial Police and are set up by Ontario’s municipalities.
Complaints about the rules and standards of a police service or complaints relating to how effectively and efficiently a particular service performs its duties can be directed to the Office of the Independent Police Review Director. Contact the Law Enforcement Complaints Agency or call the toll-free phone number at
Pedestrian safety
Collisions between vehicles and pedestrians can be fatal. Avoid them by knowing where and how to cross the street, which side of the road to use and how to stay safe when walking.
Bicycle safety
To avoid collisions with vehicles, it is important to know where you can and cannot cycle, which side of the road to use and what to do when being passed by a vehicle. Learn about bike safety on Ontario’s roads.
Swimming and water safety
Water safety knowledge is essential to prevent drowning whether in open water or pools. Read the Canadian Red Cross’s safety tips for swimming, boating and water activities and the Ontario Lifesaving Society’s water safety information.