Welcome Home
You found the place. Now let’s get you settled. Pick your community below and I’ll show you the local services, plus everything you need to set up as a new arrival to Nova Scotia, or to Canada.
Your new address
Start typing your civic address and pick it from the list.
Electricity
Town hall & property tax
Open municipal siteGarbage & recycling
Garbage day is by route, so check your exact address: Find my collection dayInternet & fibre
Schools
School locator by addressNearest Access Nova Scotia
Health card, licence, plates. Access Nova ScotiaPrefer to talk? Call or text Doug at 902.410.3740, or book a quick call.
Find a family doctor
Add your household to the Need a Family Practice Registry, or call 811.
Licence & vehicle
You have 90 days to switch your licence and plates. Insurance first.
Home & auto insurance
Line up coverage early. You often need it in place to close. A local broker can shop several insurers for you.
Heating fuel & propane
Set up a delivery account and ask about budget billing. Coverage varies by road, so confirm delivery to your exact address with each:
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You need a SIN to work and to receive benefits. There is no cost. Apply as soon as you land.
Settlement help at no cost, right here
No-cost, one-on-one help with paperwork, appointments and getting settled. YREACH serves Lunenburg and Queens County, ISANS covers the whole province.
Open a Canadian bank account
Newcomers can open a no-cost account in their first year, and you can open one even without a credit history.
Citizenship by descent
Canadian roots in the family? A 2025 change to the Citizenship Act removed the first-generation limit, so many people with a Canadian parent, grandparent or earlier ancestor may now qualify as citizens. If you do, you can apply to the Government of Canada for proof of your citizenship.
Credentials & English classes
Get your foreign education and work credentials recognized in Canada, and access English assessment and classes at no cost locally.
Taxes & benefits
File even with no income. It unlocks the Canada Child Benefit and the GST/HST credit. The CRA has a guide just for newcomers.