Settling in BC: Questions and Answers

You can visit the Destination British Columbia website, which has information about art galleries, museums and heritage sites across British Columbia. The British Columbia Arts Council also publishes a searchable calendar of arts and cultural events in communities across British Columbia. Some places and events will cost money, but they may be free or give a discount on certain days. Some communities have their own special events, such as festivals and fairs. These are often free and give you a chance to learn about your community. You can get information at public libraries, tourist information offices, arts councils, and municipal park boards.

For more information:

• Government of British Columbia: Arts and Culture
• Destination British Columbia: Things to Do – Arts & Heritage
• NewToBC FaceBook

Public libraries have books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, eBooks and more for people of all ages. Some resources can be found in different languages. Many public libraries have services for people with disabilities, such as talking books. They have activities for children, workshops for adults, and computers that you can use to find information or send emails. Library staff can also help you find information on almost any topic. Public libraries are free to use, but you need a library card to borrow books or other items. There are 71 public libraries across British Columbia. Most communities with large populations have a good number of library branches to provide easy access to library services for local residents.

For more information:

• NewToBC: Library Information
• Government of British Columbia: Public Libraries

Most cities and towns in British Columbia have community centres. Community centres usually have swimming pools, ice rinks, tennis courts and playgrounds. They also offer classes in arts and crafts, dancing, physical fitness, computers and English as a Second Language (ESL). Each season, they publish a flyer (special newspaper) with a list of programs and their costs. To find a community centre in your community, contact your local parks and recreation board or recreation commission, or visit your municipality’s website.

For more information:

• CivicInfoBC: List of Municipalities

Municipal parks are found in cities and towns. They often have a sports field for baseball and soccer, a playground for children, and places for a picnic. For information on municipal parks, you should contact your local municipal parks board.

For more information:

• CivicInfoBC: List of Municipalities

British Columbia has more than 1,000 provincial parks and protected areas, and 7 national parks. Many of these parks are large and have beautiful forests, rivers, mountains and lakes. You can visit provincial and national parks for hiking, camping, skiing, boating and fishing.

For more information:

• Government of British Columbia: BC Parks
• Destination British Columbia: Parks and Wildlife
• Government of Canada: National Parks of Canada

Many British Columbians enjoy sports and outdoor activities, such as running, in-line skating, swimming, golf, tennis, yoga, skiing, snowboarding, boating, cycling, hiking and camping. Team sports, such as hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer and curling, are also popular. Students play sports at school, and community centres have many low-cost sports programs. There are also several private sports clubs that offer programs for a fee.

For more information:

• Government of British Columbia: Sports and Recreation
• Destination British Columbia: Outdoor Activities
• Destination British Columbia: Winter Activities
• Government of British Columbia: Recreation Sites & Trails

Many people buy goods on the Internet in British Columbia. However, since you will need to provide your personal and credit card information, you should check that the website is legitimate and your information will be protected. Read website policies of online retailers. When shopping on social networking sites, see if the vendors are verified and read reviews from buyers. Use websites that start with HTTPS and create unique and strong passphrases for each online account.

For more information:

• Government of Canada: How to Shop Online Safely
• Consumer Protection BC: Shopping & Contracts

In British Columbia, the prices marked in stores are usually fixed. People do not bargain for a lower price in stores that sell new products. If you do not like the price of the item, you can ask the store clerk if the product will go on sale in the near future. Second-hand and consignment stores sell used clothing, furniture and other household items, usually very cheaply. Sometimes you can bargain to bring down the price. It is also common to bargain when buying a vehicle or home.

Second-hand goods (also known as used goods or pre-owned goods) shopping is very common in Canada. The most common places for you to find second-hand goods are: pre-owned car dealers, Thrift Stores, Value Village, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace (online), swap meets, flea markets, yard / garage sales (usually over the summer), etc. At some places, you may bargain for a better deal, e.g. at pre-owned car dealers, yard/garage sales and on Craigslist. Some second-hand goods stores (i.e. Value Village) accept donations of well-kept used items for resale at their places.

A tip is extra money you pay to reward the person serving you for their good work and courteous service. The standard amount for a tip is usually 15% – 20% of the bill. This is often done in restaurants, bars, hotels, taxis, salons and certain other situations.

For more information:

• Consumer Protection BC: Leaving a Tip
• Intuit Quickbooks: Tipping in Canada – A Restaurant Guide

In Canada, you must pay a federal sales tax of 5%, called the Goods and Services Tax (GST), on many goods and services that you buy. This tax is not included in the price and will often be added when you pay.

For more information:

• Canada Revenue Agency: General Information for GST / HST Registrants 

In British Columbia, you must also pay a provincial sales tax of 7%, called the Provincial Sales Tax (PST), on many goods and services that you buy. In some cases, the amount may be higher than 7%. This tax is not included in the price and will often be added when you pay. You don’t need to pay PST in some cases, e.g. food, books and newspapers, etc. Most PST exemptions are available to everyone, and you don’t need to apply. Some exemptions are available in certain circumstances and may require documentation. For example, adult-sized clothing and footwear for kids under 15 years of age, and school supplies for students. You will have to advise the casher to get the exemptions in those cases.

For more information:

• Government of BC: Provincial Sales Tax
• Government of BC: PST Exemptions

Most retailers in BC have return and refund policies to protect consumers and maintain good customer relations. Depending on the retailer’s policy, you may exchange an item, or return it and get a refund. However, there is no law in BC that says all sellers have to provide returns or refunds. Also, sellers often have different return or refund policies, and these policies may change during promotions and for items that are on sale. You should ask about the return and refund policies before you buy. Return or refund policies are often stated on the back of the receipt. You should keep the receipt and present it to the retailer when you exchange or return the item.

For more information:

• Government of Canada: Office of Consumer Affairs
• Consumer Protection BC: The scoop on refunds, returns, and exchanges

A toll-free number is a special phone number that is free for the person making the call. The company you call pays for the cost of the phone call. Toll-free numbers are usually called “1 800 numbers”. Toll-free numbers in Canada start with the following area codes: 1-800, 1-866, 1-877 or 1-888.

In North America, N11 codes are used to provide three-digit dialling access to special services. For example, 9-1-1 provides direct access to emergency services in British Columbia, including ambulance, fire and police. The number can be dialled for free from any phone.

For more information:

• Canadian Numbering Administrator: N11 Codes

The YellowPages is a directory of business phone numbers, organized alphabetically by category (e.g. restaurants, movers) instead of alphabetically by business name.

For more information:

• YellowPages

You can send mail from a regular post office or a small post office in a store. If your letter has a stamp, you can also put it in any red Canada Post mailbox on the street or in the “outgoing” slot of a community mailbox. All addresses for Canada must have a postal code. If you do not know the postal code for an address, you can look it up in a book at any post office or on the Canada Post website. The cost of mailing a letter will depend on the size, weight and where it is going. You can check the rates at any post office or on the Canada Post website. If you need to have your mail delivered quickly, you can use Canada Post or a private courier company.

For more information:

• Canada Post
• YellowPages: Courier Services in British Columbia

bc211 is a non-profit organization that provides information and referrals to community, government, and social services in British Columbia. It is free, confidential, and available in over 240 languages and dialects, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dial or text 2-1-1 anytime or search the online directory. .

For more information:

• bc211

If you need to leave your home because of an emergency or because you are worried about your safety, you may need to find an emergency shelter. Emergency shelters help people who don’t have a home and can provide a temporary bed, food and access to other supports. You should contact your local settlement agency or BC Housing and they can help you find a place to stay. You can call or text 2-1-1 to find available shelter beds and services in the Mainland / Southwest regions of BC and Victoria.

For more information:

• BC Housing: Emergency Shelter Program
• bc211: Shelter Lists

Many communities in British Columbia have food banks for people who need emergency food. Food banks are not run by the government – people in the community donate the food. Each food bank has its own rules. You should visit the food bank in your community, or their website, to learn more.

For more information:

• Food Banks BC: Find a Food Bank
• Muslim Food Bank and Community Services

There are many forms of abuse, both physical and emotional. When one person assaults (attacks), hurts, mistreats or threatens another person, it is called abuse. If someone abuses you, it is not your fault. In Canada, all violence and threats of violence are against the law. You can get help to get away from the person who abuses you. The police can arrest someone who assaults or threatens to attack another person. The person could get a fine or go to jail. If you are a Permanent Resident (PR), you will not be deported if you leave an abusive family situation. Your sponsorship cannot be taken away after you become a PR. If you are not yet a PR, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will carefully evaluate your special case before making a decision.

For more information:

• VictimLinkBC
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Help for spouses or partners who are victims of abuse
• BC Society of Transition Houses: Get Help Now
• BC Housing: Transition Housing: Women’s Transition Housing and Supports Program

Moving to a new country is challenging – adjusting can be very difficult. You may feel extremely sad or upset, or may even think about suicide. Throughout British Columbia, there are many crisis lines to help people in emotional crisis, such as depression, suicidal thoughts or family and marriage problems. If you are in a crisis, you should call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or call or text 9-8-8.

For more information:

• Crisis Centre
• 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
• Government of British Columbia: Crisis and Information Lines

When you call 9-1-1, you need to be prepared to answer some questions. It is important to listen carefully, speak clearly and remain calm. E-Comm 9-1-1 has a 24-hour interpretation service that can be accessed in less than one minute, with interpretation available in over 200 languages.

For more information:

• E-Comm 9-1-1: Tips and Info
• E-Comm 9-1-1: Interpretation Services

It is important to know the hazards in your area, such as earthquakes, flooding or forest fires, and take the time to make a family emergency kit. During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Emergency services may not be able to help you right away, as they help those in most critical need first. Phones, gas, water, sewer and electrical services may also be cut off. The Government of British Columbia has prepared information about various emergency situations, including what to do and how to prepare.

For more information:

• Government of British Columbia: Emergency Management in BC
• E-Comm: Links to Emergency Services in British Columbia

Power outages can happen at any time. If your power goes out, you can call 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your cellphone to report the power outage. BC Hydro also has an online map that shows where all the known outages are, as well as the reason for the outages. They also provide tips about how to stay safe in case of a power outage.

For more information:

• BC Hydro: Outages and Safety

If you smell rotten eggs or hear the sound of escaping gas, it could be natural gas. Stop what you’re doing. Do not use your cell phone or landline. Do not smoke, light matches or operate electrical switches, or any other source of ignition. Go outside and leave the door open behind you, as well as any windows that may already be open. Call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 9-1-1.

For more information:

• FortisBC: Gas Leaks and Odour