Ajax, Pickering & Oshawa city guide
For newcomers & families
Where the community is: Ajax and Pickering have sizeable South Asian communities with nearby grocers and restaurants.
Health coverage
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)
Apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre with proof of status, residency and identity.
Driver’s licence
Ontario driver’s licence (ServiceOntario / DriveTest)
Licences from some countries can be exchanged; others start the graduated G1 → G2 → G process. Bring a letter of driving experience from your home country.
Getting around
Durham Region Transit
Pay with a PRESTO card.
Schools
Durham DSB
Durham Catholic DSB
Public school is free for children of permanent residents and most work- and study-permit holders.
Free newcomer help
Settlement.Org
Settlement.Org (Ontario)
Free settlement services help with jobs, English or French classes, housing and paperwork.
First steps in Canada
Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Canada Child Benefit for families
Open a bank account and get a local phone number in week one.
Read the full newcomer checklist →
Festivals & events
Diwali, Eid and Vaisakhi celebrations run at local community centres and places of worship.
Rules and programs change; always confirm on the official site before you apply.
Local directory
🍛 Indian restaurants
🍢 Pakistani restaurants
🐟 Bangladeshi restaurants
🛒 South Asian grocery stores
🛕 Hindu temples
👗 Ethnic wear & jewellery
Some listing details come from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and may be out of date. Own one of these businesses? Add or update your listing for free.
