If you are thinking about moving to Canada, British Columbia is an appealing province to consider. There are many great cities to research, including Delta, B.C. Where you live in Canada will have a big impact on your lifestyle for years to come. So, before you decide where to live, you want to carefully assess possible landing locations. You’ll want to look at the cost of living, job market, local economy, and the overall lifestyle of the locals.
Delta is a great city to consider if you plan to move to British Columbia. It’s a part of Greater Vancouver and only 22 kilometres from the United States border. Mostly a rural area that is surrounded by water on three sides, it’s an ideal location for people who love the outdoors.
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Learn more about life in Delta, British Columbia.
About Delta, British Columbia
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Delta is the largest municipality in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Located at the delta of the Fraser River and having rich soils and water, Delta is one of the most important agricultural areas in Metro Vancouver.
Just 27 km from Vancouver, Delta is home to many people who prefer to live and raise their families in safe, quiet neighbourhoods, surrounded by nature, and, if necessary, commute every day to other cities to work. Delta is ideal for nature lovers with its parks, bike and walking trails, islands, and wildlife.
Delta has roots dating back to 1791 when it was first discovered by European settlers. It was an isolated community until ferry service and Highway access were established in 1962. It wasn’t until 2017 that the city’s name was changed from the Corporation of Delta to the City of Delta.
Delta comprises 3 neighbourhoods that are very different from each other: North Delta, Ladner, and Tsawwassen. North Delta is the most populous of the three communities. Most of its residents are middle-class people who commute daily to Vancouver or to other places to work.
Ladner is a community proud of preserving the atmosphere of a 19th-century fishing village. Many of its residents are involved in farming and fishing.
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Tsawwassen is a rich community with beautiful houses. It is also home to the Tsawwassen Indian Reserve.
How Many People Live in Delta, British Columbia?
According to 2021 census data, Delta has a population of 108,455 residents. This is a 6.1% growth in population since 2016. The city is the 10th largest population in British Columbia.
How to Find a Job & Build a Career in Delta
Delta’s Local Economy
Because of its fertile soil Delta is one of the most important agricultural areas in Metro Vancouver. The regulations of the Agricultural Land Reserve prevent Delta’s land from being converted to suburban housing. One of Delta’s communities, Ladner, is traditionally a farming and fishing village.
Nevertheless, North Delta, the community located in the northeast of Delta, is a suburban area with more than 51,623 residents. It is largely a middle-class bedroom community, which means that most of the workforce have homes in Delta but commute daily to work in the nearby cities.
Tsawwassen is the shooting location for many films. Some of the productions that used Tsawwassen sights were The X-files, Jumanji, Smallville, Insomnia, and X-men: The Last Stand.
The top industries in Delta are:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Retail
- Film.
Major Employers in Delta
Most top employers are in manufacturing, farming, or agriculture. Top employers include:
- Amazon
- GCT Global Container Terminals Inc.
- TDK Logistics Inc.
- British Columbia Ferry Corp.
- BC Fresh Vegetables Inc.
- Canadian Autoparts Toyota Inc.
- Ocean Trailer
- TJ Maxx.
Career Pathways in Delta
One of the advantages of living in Delta is you can work in the local economy or choose to commute to other regions within the Greater Vancouver area. You have plenty of job opportunities available all around you. To search for potential job opportunities you can use bcjobs.ca and WorkBC. You can also work with local recruitment agencies such as Recruiting in Motion, Impact Recruiting, Robert Half, and Randstad Canada.
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For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
The Delta Housing Market
Delta includes three neighbourhoods that are quite different from each other: North Delta, Ladner, and Tsawwassen.
North Delta is the largest residential area and home to more than half of the municipality’s population. Affordable housing attracts many immigrants and Canadians, who choose to live in this neighbourhood and commute to work in other locations in Metro Vancouver.
Ladner together with Tsawwassen is called South Delta. Ladner is a historic fishing village. Many of the buildings reflect an earlier era. Ladner’s real estate market consists of ranch-style houses, duplexes, waterfront townhouses, riverfront condos, and floating homes.
Is Housing Expensive in Delta, British Columbia?
The cost of living is higher than the national average. It is one of the more expensive cities in the country to rent or buy real estate. However, it does offer more affordable housing prices compared to Metro Vancouver.
Finding a Place to Rent in Delta
Rental rates are comparable to Vancouver. You will find it challenging to find a place to rent for less than $2,000 per month. The average rent for an apartment in Vancouver is $2048 for a Bachelor’s, $2211 for a 1 Bedroom, $3421 for a 2 Bedroom, and $4973 for a 3 Bedroom. These rates are significantly higher compared to other smaller cities in the country.
You can also check out our Rentals for Newcomers site. This practical and easy-to-navigate site will help you to find housing and make an easier transition to life in Canada. Here you can find helpful articles about housing in Canada and average rental prices in cities across Canada. It’s helpful to check out the prices on the site since rental prices change all the time.
As you are choosing the best city in Canada for you, you’re probably also looking to rent or buy a home in Canada. If you want to know the best way to do this, check our Renting your first house in Canada Webinar.
- What you will learn in the webinar:
- How to search for rental apartments
- How to find the best location to rent
- What to do before you move
- Basic Landlord/Tenant rights and responsibilities
- Renting without a credit history.
When renting a home or apartment, it’s also important to consider buying renter’s insurance While renters’ insurance is optional, many landlords may insist that you have it.
Buying a Home in Delta
Delta housing prices are lumped in with the overall costs to buy a house in the Greater Vancouver area. Housing affordability is a big concern in the city.
According to Royal LePage, the average cost to buy a home in Greater Vancouver (including Delta) is $1,253,300. This is a year-over-year increase of 17.1%. The median price for a single-family detached home is $1,707,900. The median price to buy a condo is $717,200.
Find out more about buying your first home in Canada: First Time Home Buyer: Newcomer Tips
Driving & Public Transit in Delta
Driving in Delta, British Columbia
There are a series of major highways that pass through the city. It is a major transportation hub for the Lower Mainland. Most cars leaving Vancouver to go to the United States pass through. It is also a popular route for people travelling to Vancouver Island using the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
Major highway routes include:
- Highway 99 links Delta to Richmond via the George Massey Tunnel.
- Alex Fraser Bridge and Highway 91 link North Delta to New Westminster and Richmond.
- Highway 10 links Delta to Surrey, Langley, and all points eastward.
- Highway 17 has Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island sections joined by the Tsawwassen B.C. Ferry Terminal.
All drivers must have a valid British Columbia driver’s licence. Learn more about getting your driver’s licence in B.C.
Get more information about driving in Canada:
Driving in Canada: 10 Essential Facts to Know
Driving Test in Canada: A Full Guide
Tips for Winter Driving to Ensure Your Safety
Delta Public Transit
A network of buses and community shuttles run through Delta and connect it to other communities. Translink, The Greater Vancouver Transit Authority, manages the bus routes and schedules in Delta.
Translink covers three fare zones and Delta is in the Green Zone. Fare prices depend on the number of zone boundaries a passenger crosses during a trip. Transit Fare holders can do unlimited transfers within 90 minutes throughout the number of zones printed on their tickets. Passengers who pay on the bus must have the exact coin fare. Frequent travellers save money by using Prepaid Fare Media. On weekdays after 6:30 pm and on weekends and holidays commuters travel everywhere on a one-zone fare.
Children under the age of four ride for free. Concession fares apply to children aged 5-13, high-school students, and seniors aged 65+.
Community Support for Newcomers
Newcomers to British Columbia may also be eligible for the Introduction to British Columbia program through the Immigrant Services Association of British Columbia. Other organizations based out of Vancouver include SUCCESS BC Settlement & Integration, Immigration Services Society of BC, Settlement Orientation Service, and MOSAIC.
Find out more about Services in Canada to Help Newcomers Settle.
Language Support in Delta
The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Program provides courses for permanent residents. Delta Community College offers instructional courses. You can also get help through the Surrey Language Assessment Centre.
Personal Finance & Banking
Setting up a personal bank account is an important step for newcomers. All local banks and credit unions offer programs for new immigrants. These programs can help you open a bank account, get a credit card, line of credit, and even qualify for a mortgage.
Get more banking tips for newcomers:
Top 10 Financial Steps to Take Before You Leave for Canada
Move to Canada | Transferring Cash & Valuables
Open a Bank Account Before Arriving in Canada
Delta’s Education System
Elementary and High School Education
Delta School District has 24 elementary schools and seven secondary schools, and it is represented by nearly 16,000 students. It also maintains the Delview Adult Centre and the Delta Resource Centre.
Parents seeking an alternative to traditional classroom-based instruction can choose Home Quest, a Ministry-funded Distributed Learning program.
Delta School District offers French Immersion programs which provide students with the opportunity to become bilingual. The District also works with Canadian Parents for the French–Delta Chapter to promote French in the community. Canadian Parents for French organizes language camps and offers scholarships. Adults and children can also enroll in French courses at L’Alliance Française in Delta.
Post Secondary Institutions
Delta Community College is the only post-secondary school in the city. However, there are several major universities and colleges close by in Vancouver.
Read more about education in Canada:
Schooling in Canada | A Look at the Education System
Higher Education Offers Benefits to Newcomers
Where to Get Medical Care in Delta, British Columbia
British Columbia has a government-funded health insurance plan called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). You need to be a permanent resident in Canada to qualify. MSP pays for health costs such as visits to the doctor, most medical tests, and treatments. For information on medical insurance in British Columbia click here.
Delta Hospital, located in Ladner provides 24-hour emergency, out-patient, and in-patient care to citizens of North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen. It offers surgical daycare, radiography, ultrasound, mammography, cardiac services, outpatient laboratory services, and other services.
North Delta Public Health Unit and South Delta Public Health Unit provide an annual influenza program, early childhood development services, hearing clinic services, vision and hearing screening, tuberculosis testing, parenting education and support, and dental care.
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1. This number is the same no matter where you live in Canada. For prescription drugs and some services that British Columbia Health does not cover, you can pay for additional health insurance plans. Some people have third-party health insurance through their employer benefits packages.
How to Find A Family Doctor in Delta
Every new resident of Delta should find a family physician. On its website, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia provides a list of physicians accepting new patients. If necessary, family physicians refer their patients to specialists and hospitals. Patients who have not found family doctors can go to walk-in clinics.
Get more information about health care in Canada: Steps to Access Free Health Care in Canada
What is Day to Day Life Like in Delta?
Things to Do in Delta
Delta has many beautiful parks and scenic trails for walking, hiking, biking, in-line skating, and horseback riding. Bird watching is a popular activity in Delta and attracts tourists from around the world. As Delta is found on the Pacific Flyway, more than five million migratory birds stop in the area every year. The most famous place for watching birds is Boundary Bay.
The shallow waters and sandy bottoms of Boundary Bay also attract windsurfers, skim, kite, and paddle boarders.
Farmlands in Delta offer many U-pick fields. The Earthwise Farm and the Earthwise Gardens are learning centres for gardening and growing produce. One of the biggest recreational centres in Delta is the Ladner Leisure Centre. It offers swimming pools, swirl, an aquatic climbing wall an inflatable obstacle course, a sauna, a weight room, a fitness studio, and an ice arena.
Public Spaces & Attractions
There are many local attractions to explore. Many are outdoors such as Emma Lea Farms, Westham Island Herb Farm, Ladner Village Market, North Delta Farmers’ Market, and Angel Estate Winery. If you enjoy art, visit Tsawwassen Arts Centre.
Restaurants & Nightlife
There are a variety of great restaurants and pubs throughout Delta. Some of the most popular include Primerose Greek Restaurant, Tasty Indian Bistro, and Taverna Gorgona. There are lots of international flavours to try.
Nature & Natural Landscapes
There is no shortage of natural landscapes to explore in Delta. Check out Centennial Beach, Boundary Bay Regional Park, and Brunswick Point Park.
Sporting Events & Concerts
Delta is not home to any major or minor league sports team. However, Vancouver is only a short drive away. If you want to enjoy live music or concerts, there are several intimate venues to visit. They include Blue Frog Studios, Centennial Theatre, and Commodore Ballroom.
Culture & Diversity In Delta
Diversity
Delta has a diverse population. Over one-third of the population are a visible minority. This accounts for about 36,000 of the 108,000 residents. The largest minority group is South Asian with 20.3% of the population. Other minority groups include Chinese (7.6%), Filipino (2.6%) and Japanese (1.1%). 3.4% of the population is Aboriginal.
Worship
Delta also has a diverse religious community. About 44% identify as Christian, 10.6% Sikh, 3.1% Hindu, and 2.1% Islam. Muslims in Delta can refer to the Surrey/Delta Branch of the BC Muslim Association.
Sikhs in Delta can visit Guru Nana Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey. It is one of the leading Sikh Temples in Canada.
The Weather in Delta
Delta enjoys one of the mildest climates in Canada. Winter is not as cold as in other cities in the country and there is little snow. The daily average temperature in January is 2.8° C. Extremes are rare.
Summer in Delta is sunny and warm but seldom hot. In July and August, the average temperature is 16.9° C. Unlike many Canadian cities where summer replaces winter in a matter of few weeks, even days, Delta has genuine fresh spring. Autumn is cool and pleasant.
Common Questions Immigrants Ask About Living in Delta
Is Delta a Good Place for Immigrants?
Delta is a thriving multicultural community with people from all over the world. It is a great location for newcomers because it has well-established cultural communities and support for immigrants.
What are the Benefits of Living in Delta?
Delta is a beautiful city to live in. It is surrounded by nature and water, and it is only a short drive from Vancouver. The city has a mild climate and there are a lot of career opportunities for newcomers to pursue.
The are Some Potential Disadvantages of Living in Delta for New Immigrants?
The major drawback of living in Delta is the high cost of living. There are also limited entertainment options compared to large cities. Jobs in the local community are not plentiful, but there are significant opportunities close by in other communities in Greater Vancouver.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle successfully!
