Niagara’s Quality of life

Education

College and university education and training is available through Niagara College, Brock University and several other publicly-funded post-secondary institutions within close proximity. Business technology support is available through specialized training facilities such as Niagara College’s Centre for Integrated Manufacturing and Applied Research. Niagara has 150 publicly-funded elementary and 30 secondary schools, and several internationally recognized private schools.

Source: http:/www.niagaracanada.com/LabourDemo/Research/index.cfm

Foreign Language Training

The District School Board of Niagara provides facilities for the teaching of 10 international languages.

Japanese Schools and Culture

There are a number of Japanese schools within an hour’s drive of Niagara. These include the Japanese School of Toronto Shokokai Inc which assists the children of Japanese business people to keep up with the Japanese curriculum. Toronto also has many Japanese cultural associations, including the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre which provides programs, events and facilities to promote an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture and heritage.

Housing

Housing costs for employees in Niagara are very affordable compared to other locations within southern Ontario and the GTA market.  The following list provides detail on the average costs for a number of different types of housing available in Niagara:

Detached Bungalow

A detached, three-bedroom single storey home with 1 1/2 bathrooms and a one-car garage. It has a full basement but no recreation room, fireplace or appliances. Using outside dimensions (excluding garage), the total area of the house is 111 sq. metres, (1,200 sq. ft.) and it is situated on a full-serviced, 511 sq. metre (5,500 sq. ft.) lot. Depending on the area, the construction style may be brick, wood, siding or stucco.

$155,000 to $170,000.

Executive Detached Two-Storey

A detached two-storey, four-bedroom home with 2 1/2 bathrooms, a main floor family room, one fireplace, and an attached two-car garage. There is a full basement but no recreation room or appliances. Using the exterior dimensions (excluding garage), the total area of the house is 186 sq. metres (2,000 sq. ft.), and it is situated on a full-serviced, 604 sq. metre (6,500 sq. ft.) lot. Depending on the area, the construction style may be brick, wood, aluminum siding, stucco or a combination like brick and siding.

$230,000 to $251,000

Standard Two-Storey

A three-bedroom, two-storey home with a detached garage. It has a full basement but no recreation room. Using outside dimensions, the total area of the house is 139 sq. metres (1,500 sq. ft.) and it is situated on a full-serviced, city-sized lot of approximately 325 sq. metres (3,500 sq. ft.). The house may be detached or semidetached and construction style may be brick, wood, siding or stucco.

$154,000 to $161,000

Standard Townhouse

Either condominium or freehold, the townhouse (roughhouse) has three bedrooms, a living room and dining room (possibly combined) and a kitchen. Also included are 1 1/2 bathrooms, standard broadloom, a one-car garage, a full unfinished basement and two appliances. Total inside area is 92 sq. metres (1,000 sq. ft.). Depending on the area, the construction may be brick, wood, siding or stucco.

$99,000 to $131,000

Senior Executive

A two-storey, four- or five-bedroom home with three bathrooms, main floor family room plus atrium or library. Two fireplaces, a full unfinished basement and an attached two-car garage. The house is 279+ sq. metres (3,000+ sq. ft.) and is situated on a fully-serviced 627 sq. metre (6,750 sq. ft.) lot. Construction may be brick, stucco, siding or any combination.

$325,000 to $355,000

Source: Royal LePage Survey of Canadian House Prices Third Quarter 2005

Health Care facilities

Health care facilities in Niagara are operated by The Niagara Health System (http://www.niagarahealth.on.ca), a publicly funded system that

includes six hospitals with a total of 804 beds and other medicine facilities. Other related health facilities in Niagara include the Hotel Dieu

Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre (124 beds) and the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital (Grimsby).

Source: http://www.hoteldieushaver.org

Recreation

Niagara’s natural beauty is world-renowned. From the spectacular Niagara Falls, Welland Canal, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. to beautiful parks, orchards, vineyards, trails and gardens. Niagara is a wonderful place to live and work. The region has become a golf destination with over 40 public and private golf courses designed by many well-known architects. In addition, there are 30+ outdoor recreation areas and many indoor recreational facilities including new community centres in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and Welland. Due to its geographical situation, Niagara enjoys a unique microclimate and is known for its tender fruit as well as being an emerging wine region with over 50 wineries.

International Community & Culture

Niagara has a multilingual workforce with 20% of the population able to speak another language. Over 15,500 people in Niagara are French speaking.  Niagara has a strong and consistent history of welcoming and integrating newcomers. This is evidenced by the many community and cultural organizations in the Niagara Region. Of particular note is the Folk Arts Council which began thirty-five years ago and includes representatives from all of the ethno-cultural communities of Niagara. Since inception, the Council has grown to become a vital Multicultural Centre in the community.

Japanese/Canadian Associations

Consulate General of Japan in Toronto
Japan Canada Community Network
Japan Foundation Toronto
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC)
Hakobune Japanese Academy
Japanese Academy of Cultural Exchange
Japan Karate Association
Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre
Toronto Japanese Association