A new report ranking the best places to live in Canada has placed four Ontario cities in the top 10 for overall quality of life.
The study ranked Kelowna, British Columbia, as the best city in the country, while Burlington, Oshawa and Oakville from the Greater Toronto Area also secured spots among the top 10.
The research, conducted by a Toronto-based digital marketing agency, evaluated Canada’s 28 largest cities based on financial stability, safety, pollution levels and overall livability.
Kelowna topped the list with a perfect score of 100. The city was praised for its lifestyle offerings, including boating, golfing and skiing, along with hundreds of attractions that contribute to a strong quality of life.
Barrie, Ontario, ranked second overall thanks to strong safety levels and a high quality-of-life score. The city is also known for its active cultural scene and outdoor activities, including ice fishing.
Abbotsford, British Columbia, placed third, supported by strong salaries and a relatively lower cost of living, which allows residents to maintain a higher level of disposable income.
Sherbrooke, Quebec, ranked fourth overall and was also identified as having the highest disposable income among the cities studied.
The report said the study compared cities across three key categories: livability, financial security and safety. Researchers looked at factors such as average salaries, rent levels, cost of living and the amount of disposable income residents have after covering basic expenses.
The study also examined pollution levels, cultural attractions and nightlife opportunities, along with public safety indicators. Each city received a final score out of 100.
Among Ontario cities, Burlington, Oshawa and Oakville all made the top 10 list, reflecting strong economic conditions and quality-of-life indicators in the region.
Researchers noted that Oshawa and Windsor also stood out for their relatively high disposable income compared with other Canadian cities.
Cities ranked from fifth to tenth included Sudbury, Burlington, Oshawa, Oakville, Regina and Windsor.
The report suggested that smaller and mid-sized cities are increasingly offering some of the best lifestyles in Canada, combining lower living costs with strong recreational and cultural opportunities.
Researchers said the findings challenge the common belief that the highest quality of life can only be found in the most expensive urban centres. Instead, they found that many smaller cities across the country are offering residents a strong balance of affordability, safety and lifestyle amenities.