Housing Advice for Regina

There are 3 commonly used resources to finding accommodation in Regina:

·         UsedRegina (http://www.usedregina.com)

·         Kijiji (http://regina.kijiji.com)

·          Leader Post (the local newspaper, online: http://classifieds.leaderpost.com/)

For some reason Craigslist never caught on here. Using the combined resources above you should hopefully be able to find a place. I say hopefully because for the past few years, the vacancy rate in Regina has been less than 1%; try to start finding a place earlier than later. Be prepared to give references. Also keep in mind that tenancy regulations in Saskatchewan are quiet different from Ontario – rules are much more stringent (i.e. no pets is almost a given). You’ll also have to pay a damage deposit. Rent can be anywhere from $800 to $1400 a month for a one bedroom.

Most areas of town are good, with the exception of the infamous “North Central” or “North of Dewdney” area. McLean’s Magazine reported it as Canada’s most dangerous neighborhood in 2007. It’s complicated and arguably not a big deal, but it’s probably best you avoid it as a newcomer to the city.

Public transit isn’t great (more on that later), so you may want to keep your commute/distance to work in mind in selecting a place to live.

~Lukas, Fall/Winter Co-op

Saskatoon Health Region

Welcome to the Paris of the Prairies!

One thing must be said up front – the bus system is seriously flawed. This is coming from a long time resident and public transit user. If you know where you are working, plan to live nearby. Fantastic areas to live are City Park, Nutana, and University Heights. Rent is kind of up there for a smallish city – 500+ with roommates, and much much more for a bachelor (and many bachelor apts. are basement suites).Stay away from the “alphabet” neighbourhoods on the west side. (Avenue R, Avenue P, etc)

The culture of the city is very vibrant – lots going on in the local music, writing, and art scene. You’ll hear people talking about “the boom” excessively. If I had a dime for every time… I wouldn’t be in library school. If you’re here for the winter, learn to layer. Average temps can waver between -25 to -50 for weeks at a time. It’s a “dry” cold, so dress with multiple layers, socks, and in a wind-impenetrable way. It’s tolerable. Maybe it’s part of the reason people here are so down to earth – nature is constantly kicking our ass and there’s nothing we can do about it.

The city is getting friendlier for bikers, and it’s got a quickly growing younger population. There’s lots going on in community development with the public library – check it out! We also have the highest per capita volunteers than any other Canadian city, and the highest average hours of sunshine a year.

~Ashley, Winter Co-op

Hamilton: Navigation and Transportation

The Mountain: Hamiltonians distinguish most parts of the city as being either “on the mountain” or “off the mountain”. McMaster U, Westdale Village, Locke St., and downtown Hamilton are off the mountain. The big box stores and Limeridge Shopping mall are in a more suburban area and are on [top of] the mountain.

Transportation: If you are working downtown, know that parking is relatively cheap—as low as 4.00 a day if you park in the lot on John Street. You can purchase a monthly pass for $70 dollars. Hamilton is equipped with many bike lanes and I found I was able to ride my bike for most of my co-op. If you are deciding between busing and parking downtown, parking may in fact be cheaper.

~Liz, Fall Co-op