Move to Saltspring Island

A Few Facts From One Set of Newcomers to Another

If your dreams of a move to Saltspring Island have become reality, there are some things you'll want to know about. We moved here in 2007, from Alberta Canada, and these are the points that we think new residents would like to know about a move to Saltspring Island.

Expenditures

View of ocean Costs associated with moving to Saltspring Island

» Utility hookups

BC Hydro www.bchydro.com
Shaw 1-877-800-7429
Telus 310-2225
North Salt Spring Waterworks 250-537-9902

» Driver's license transfer

A quick visit to the licensing area at SeaFirst Insurance (downtown) will get you set up with a BC driver's license. They also handle vehicle insurance and registration at the same office.

» Vehicle inspection(s)

If registering a vehicle previously registered outside of British Columbia, a full mechanical inspection is required

» Existing lease agreements

In our case, a leased propane tank for our gas fireplace. Surprise!

» Medical coverage

Be sure to cancel your health coverage if you are moving to British Columbia from another Canadian province. It is not something that happens automatically when you sign up for BC health care and your previous province will continue billing you! Avoid an unpleasant surprise bill by cancelling as soon as you have your new BC health coverage. Info on the provincial Medical Services Plan from Health Canada's website: http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/eligible.html

Some Specific Challenges

» Family doctor

Finding a family physician is one of the challenges for newcomers to Saltspring Island. Many people travel off island to Duncan or Victoria for doctor's appointments. But it is worth the effort to phone all of the doctors in the telephone listings. They'll let you know whether the physician is taking new patients. If not, call the next one. It took us about six phone calls before one receptionist took pity on me and added us to their roster!

» Kids needs

Finding kids' apparel is a difficult task on Saltspring. The one multi-purpose store that carried these essentials (Fields) closed their doors recently. This means an occasional trip off island is necessary to replenish those items as needed.

Community Involvement

Gathering in Centennial Park on Salt Spring Island If you are a sociable personality, integrating with the people in any new place can be a big priority. Here are a few ideas that will get you involved, meeting like minded people...

join one of the local gyms
volunteer with one of the many community organizations - http://www.volunteersaltspring.com/ has details on ways you can get involved and help out in the community
walking/hiking group outings (watch the Driftwood newspaper for details)
try out (and perhaps become a member at) the island's golf course
sign up for a yoga class or retreat
take in some live music at one of the local pub/restaurants

Details and special considerations for purchasing Saltspring real estate