As a new immigrant to Canada, you may not be familiar with the country’s weather patterns. That’s why it’s helpful to be prepared in advance of your first Canadian winter.
Winters can be particularly challenging, especially if you come from a part of the world that does not experience extreme weather changes.
Here at Remitly, we’ve put together some handy hints and tips about Canadian winters and how to budget for them.
Importance of Financial Planning for Canadian Winters
The Canadian winter season officially begins in December. However, sometimes snow can arrive as early as October.
January and February are the coldest months of the season. They are also the darkest and calmest because most people prefer to stay indoors or travel to warmer regions.
Remember that most provinces in Canada observe daylight saving time, which begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
Proper budgeting for the winter ensures you are not taken by surprise. Taking a proactive approach in preparation makes it easy to anticipate various things and plan so you do not have to dig deeper into your pockets to survive the season.
Common Expenses Associated with Canadian Winters
Here are a few expenses that may cause a spike in your monthly budget during winter.
Heating costs: Because of the extreme drop in temperature, you’ll have to use more energy to keep your home warm. The exact amount of money you end up using depends on factors like the type of energy source you use and the region of the country you stay in.
Winter gear: The cold temperatures can sometimes cause serious health complications, which is why protective winter gear is important. This includes things like gloves, jackets, boots, and hats—all of which you’ll need to budget for.
Utilities: You’ll likely use your lights more frequently on dark winter days. This ultimately increases your utility bill. Other issues that may increase utility costs include higher usage of heating and hot water systems.
Vehicle maintenance: Ensuring that your vehicle is ready for the winter season is key to avoiding any inconveniences. Remember to take it to a mechanic for regular maintenance and buy winter tires and de-icing products. Take a look at our guide on driving in Canada for more handy hints on winter driving.
Grocery shopping: You’ll need to stock up on hearty foods to keep your energy up throughout the season. Hot drinks and comfort foods are usually the go-to solutions. Check out our guide to multicultural food markets in Canada, where you’ll not only find familiar foods from your home country, but also have the opportunity to meet other immigrants in your local area.
Factors Influencing Canadian Winter Budgeting
Some of the factors that will influence your budgeting for a Canadian winter include the following.
Length of winter: The length of winter can vary from one part of the country to another. While some regions experience winter for four months, others may last up to six months.
The northern regions often experience colder winters that last longer, while coastal regions experience shorter winters. The length of winter plays a role in the amount you have to spend through the season.
Regional differences: Some regions of the country have extreme conditions, which means you will have to use more energy for heating. Your vehicle may also require more maintenance work. Additionally, you’ll need to purchase more de-icing products, which can all lead to an increase in expenses.
Energy source: The amount of money you set aside for the winter season also depends on the type of fuel or energy source you use. Natural gas heating systems are usually more efficient and cost-effective than their oil counterparts. The cost of electricity compared to natural gas can vary, so you’ll need to think about which one is more easily accessible and cost-effective depending on your region.
How to Prepare for Canadian Winters
Apart from early budgeting, there are several things you can do in readiness for the cold months. Here are a few suggestions to cut down the costs of getting through winter.
Home insulation: Inspect your home to find out if you are losing heat anywhere, for example, windows and doors that do not close fully or have drafts. Be sure to seal them off, as that will prevent your home from losing precious heat.
Check your heating system: The last thing you want is to have your heating system fail during the height of winter. Not only will you have to deal with the cold, but you may also have to pay higher costs to have the system fixed. This is why it is crucial to carry out early checks and ensure everything is working accordingly.
Winterize water pipes: If you do not already have winterized water pipes, you should consider having your plumbing upgraded. Insulating exposed water pipes will keep them from freezing or bursting in worse-case scenarios.
Get warm bedding and clothing: Warm blankets and sheets are a good idea, especially during those cold winter nights. You’ll also need to think about appropriate seasonal clothing. Moisture-wicking base layers, insulating layers and windproof outer layers will help keep you warm at all times.
Footwear and accessories: Remember that your normal footwear may not be sufficient for a Canadian winter. It’s a good idea to get waterproof boots. You’ll also need hats, thermal socks, gloves, and scarves.
Canadian Winter Budget Tips
1. Heating the home
Have a look at the cost of heating through the seasons you have been living in Canada. Take note that energy costs are likely to rise, so make provision in the budget for the increase.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat for your home, include it in your financial planning. Such a device can help manage your energy bills because it turns off the heating when you are not at home.
Appliances also tend to use more energy during the winter, so it’s a good idea to buy those that are marked as energy-efficient. These are appliances designed to offer optimal performance without using a lot of power.
You’ll require more lighting, so go for energy-efficient bulbs to replace those that are not.
For more hints and tips, check out our guide on how to save money on utilities and rent in Canada.
2. Winter clothing
If you don’t already have winter gear, allocate some money for it. Canadian winters may be much colder than you are used to in your home country.
Don’t wait until the winter season to go shopping. Instead, look out for good winter gear during the off-season. Visiting various thrift shops in your area can be a good way to find warm, cozy clothing at bargain prices.
Another way to get affordable gear is to watch out for seasonal sales promotions. Many stores in Canada have discount sales at the end of winter or early spring.
Additionally, consider shopping online as you can find a lot of good deals from different sellers.
Finally, do your shopping during the Canadian Thanksgiving and Black Friday holidays, as they tend to have some of the most outstanding discounts on quality winter products.
Take a look at our article on how to dress for Canada’s changing seasons.
3. Food and groceries
Buying food and groceries in bulk can be a good way to save money, especially if you have a large family. Buying your groceries well ahead of time means you will save on trips to the stores during freezing temperatures.
Remember, there’s likely to be snow and ice on the roads, which makes driving to and from stores an unpleasant experience—and you could find yourself facing unexpected car maintenance bills.
Buying fresh fruit and vegetables means they will remain in good condition under refrigeration.
When buying food, take into account your energy bills and consider preparing dishes that require minimal cooking, or which you can batch-cook and put in the freezer.
You don’t have to completely give up on eating out during the winter. Instead, do some online research to find out about local eateries still serving food during the season. This can give you a chance to get outside and enjoy affordable meals from time to time.
4. Budgeting for transport
The roads are not going to be in the best condition, so consider adjusting the way you commute to work, school or any other destination. You can choose to carpool with others or go for public transport options as a way to keep your expenses within manageable limits.
A mix of public and private transport can also help you manage costs. Another thing to keep in mind is that you can always find cheaper parking spots if you seek them out. This will help knock off a few Canadian dollars from your expenses.
Transport apps such as Uber, Transit, and Lyft can also come in handy when you need to cut down on expenses. Citymapper is another app that can give you an overview of the city you are in and the best roads to use at any given time.
5. Rethinking your entertainment/hobbies
As the winter months roll in, your entertainment options may also change, especially if you are an outdoor person. You’ll spend more time indoors, so remember to include expenses for things like streaming services and video games.
Here are some affordable outdoor activities you can engage in during winter in Canada.
Snowshoeing: If you are a new immigrant to the country, this can be a good activity for you to pick up. It involves wearing snow shoes that distribute your weight on a wider surface area, making it possible to walk on snow without sinking. It gives you a chance to exercise while also getting to know about the different parts of the city.
Exploring: If you don’t want to be cooped up at home through the winter, you can always explore different destinations. Icefields Parkway, Myra Canyon Park and the Butchart Gardens are among a few of the most affordable destinations to head to. We’ve put together a handy guide on how to explore nature and wildlife in Canada.
Ice fishing: This is a relatively affordable activity as it only requires fishing gear and bait. You may also need a fishing licence in certain areas. Most Canadians create a makeshift tent on top of the ice, drill a hole through the floor, and pass their bait through the hole to catch fish.
Resources and Support to Manage Winter Costs
As an immigrant to Canada, managing winter expenses can sometimes be overwhelming. Luckily, there are several resources and support options available.
Government assistance programs
Among the most helpful government programs is the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. It is available in different provinces of the country and is dependent on your income.
Different provinces may also offer unique assistance programs. You’ll be able to find details of these on your region’s website
Immigrant-focused support and resources
Several settlement agencies offer new immigrants information on how to get support with their winter expenses. The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants are two examples of agencies you can turn to for help.
Local immigrant communities
Local immigrant communities often form support groups which can be helpful to newcomers in Canada. Some of the best places to find such groups include social media platforms and places of worship. Check out our guide to multicultural neighbourhoods in Canada for more information on community resources.
Always keep track of your winter expenses
Keeping track of your Canadian winter expenses and making adjustments accordingly can help you avoid unwanted financial struggles. You can use budgeting tools and apps like Goodbudget and Money Tracker to help make your work easier.
FAQs
What are some of the main expenses during Canadian winters?
Some of the main expenses during Canadian winters include heating, lighting, winter clothing, transportation, snow removal, and food.
How can I reduce heating costs during winter?
Install an automatic thermostat to help optimize energy use. You could also consider space heaters instead of heating the entire house. Wear appropriate winter clothing or layer up to keep your body warm.
How do I prepare for unexpected winter expenses?
Create an emergency fund and keep track of your spending, so nothing will take you by surprise. If you’re struggling to manage your money, check out our list of free financial literacy programs for immigrants.