Maple News reports a growing trend among immigrants in Canada: more newcomers are opting to settle outside the country’s major metropolitan areas. According to a recent study by the Conference Board of Canada (CoBC), data from 2016 to 2021 reveals a shift away from large urban centers like Toronto and Montreal, with increasing numbers choosing smaller communities and outlying regions.
The report shows Quebec had the highest share of newcomers settling in surrounding census divisions rather than in its principal cities of Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil. A similar pattern was observed in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where regions such as Simcoe County saw a remarkable 33.6% surge in immigrant population between 2016 and 2021. In contrast, nearby regions like York and Peel recorded more modest growth rates of 8.1% and 5.4%, respectively.
This decentralization of immigration is closely tied to the sharp rise in temporary residents—those in Canada on study permits, work permits, or visitor visas. Temporary residents made up over 804,900 of Canada’s new arrivals in 2023, significantly outpacing the 471,550 permanent residents admitted in the same period, according to Statistics Canada.
Temporary residents have had a profound impact on regional demographics. Many rural and suburban areas across Canada saw their temporary resident populations more than double between 2016 and 2021. In some parts of Quebec, the number of temporary residents spiked by as much as 1,520% over those five years.
These dramatic shifts suggest that new immigrants—particularly those arriving on temporary visas—are increasingly attracted to opportunities beyond Canada’s urban hubs. Factors like lower housing costs, job opportunities in regional industries, and local immigration programs may be influencing this trend.
This diversification of settlement could bring both opportunities and challenges for local governments and communities, requiring greater investments in infrastructure, housing, and services that support integration and economic participation.
As Canada continues to welcome high numbers of newcomers annually, changing settlement patterns may redefine how immigration shapes regional growth and development across the country.