Moving to and Around Nova Scotia

Whether you are new to Nova Scotia or moving down the road, we have compiled useful links. We have telephone and energy company listings, facts and figures about Nova Scotia including real estate, health care, education and cost of living, an overview of Nova Scotia's many municipalities, how to find a doctor in your new community, and tips on what to do when you are moving in or out of an apartment.

Quick Links:

Nova Scotia Office of Immigration - The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration promotes immigration to our province and selects immigrants through our provincial nominee program.
Change of Address - For your convenience, you can submit a request to change the address on one or all of the following:
* Registry of Motor Vehicles (including Driver's License)
* Nova Scotia Health Card
* Halifax Regional Municipality (Taxation Department)
Just visit your local Post Office at least two weeks before your move date and fill out a Change of Address Notification Form. For a fee, they'll forward your addressed mail to your new home, within Canada, for six months.
SmartMoves - the Ultimate Movers Resource Centre

Moving Within Nova Scotia

Research and preparation are an important part of any move. Here are a few links to make moving easier:

List of municipalities in Nova Scotia to access information ranging from economic development to recreation programs
Statistical information on municipalities to learn about local data from population to employment rates
Do You Rent? A guide for landlords and tenants in Nova Scotia for details on topics such as tenant rights
Moving In Moving Out - A Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act
To learn about or find Cooperative housing
Employment opportunities: Nova Scotia Government, Federal Government, Other employment opportunities and job search resources
List of schools, colleges and universities
Newspapers
Hospitals

Moving to Nova Scotia From Another Province

Welcome to Nova Scotia! Research and preparation are an important part of any move. Here are a few links to make moving easier:

About Nova Scotia provides information on our province's history, government, weather, famous Nova Scotians, facts and figures for those interested in moving to our province, including information on real estate, health care, education and cost of living
List of municipalities in Nova Scotia Nova Scotia has 55 municipalities: 3 regional municipalities, 21 rural municipalities and 31 towns. There are 22 incorporated villages, that are part of the rural municipalities and not municipalities themselves.
Nova Scotia Place Names
Municipal Indicators financial, community, governance and performance indicators to be used to better understand the challenges facing municipalities in Nova Scotia
Do You Rent? A guide for landlords and tenants in Nova Scotia for details on topics such as tenant rights
Moving In Moving Out - A Guide to the Residential Tenancies Act
To learn about or find Cooperative housing
Employment opportunities: Nova Scotia Government, Federal Government, Other employment opportunities and job search resources
List of schools, colleges and universities
Hospitals
Newspapers

Now you can get packing!

You've told your family and friends about your new address, but whom else do you need to advise and what might you need to obtain or know? Here are a few suggestions:

New or Replacement Health Card for Nova Scotia health coverage
Exchanging an Out of Province Nova Scotia Driver's Licence
Getting a Nova Scotia Vehicle Registration and Licence Plate
Hunting and Fishing Licences
Information on Access to Professions and Trades which are regulated in Nova Scotia
Change your address for your tax return
Canada Savings Bonds
Citizenship Card
Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
Canadian Firearms Licences and Permit
Canada Pension Plan
Old Age Security
Tax and Benefits
Veterans Affairs Benefits

Settling Into Your New Community

Advising Nova Scotia Power, locating a new doctor or finding a new day care are just a few of the things you'll do as you settle in. Here are some links that you may find useful with your relocation:

Nova Scotia Power
Water and Sewer system contacts in your municipality
Family Physicians Accepting New Patients
For information on child care centres, please contact Early Childhood Development Services, Department of Community Services at 424-5489
Banks or credit unions
You can also locate a telephone company, cable television company or satellite company, dentist, optometrist, hospital or veterinarian by looking in the yellow pages.
Financial planners: Financial Planners Standards Council, The Canadian Association of Financial Planners
Finding a lawyer:

There may be other organizations or services you may wish to contact to notify of your new address. These could include:

Charitable organization
Credit card company
Insurance company
Investment company
Private pension provider
Magazine houses

Now that you're in your new home, here are some links to help you discover what opportunities your community has to offer!

Local Municipal Office - Can help you find information on Community Centres in your area
Access Nova Scotia Centres are in 10 locations in communities around Nova Scotia to make it easier for you to get the government information you need.
Libraries
Volunteer programs to help out in your community and to meet people
For information on Nova Scotia Provincial Parks, and National Parks
Explore Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia's official tourism site

You may find this list of public transit resources useful tool as you move around.

Halifax Regional Municipality - Metro Transit
Cape Breton Regional Transit Authority
Kings Transit Authority (Kentville)
Accessible Transportation in Nova Scotia - This section provides information on accessible ground transportation services within cities and towns across Nova Scotia
Dial-a-Ride - Dial-A-Ride Nova Scotia is a support network of non-profit, community-based transportation systems, located throughout Nova Scotia.