Markham & Richmond Hill city guide
For newcomers & families
Where the community is: Markham and Richmond Hill have growing Tamil, Sri Lankan and wider South Asian communities, with many plazas along Markham Road and Steeles Avenue.
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
YRT/Viva
Pay with a PRESTO card.
Schools
York Region DSB
York 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
Thai Pongal, Diwali and Navratri are celebrated widely across York Region.
Rules and programs change; always confirm on the official site before you apply.
Local directory
Some listing details come from © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and may be out of date.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.
