People move from one region to another on the basis of push and pull factors. Push factors represent the attributes that are lacking in the region that you currently live in. These are factors that you wish to experience within the region you reside in, however they are not available (Parkins, 2010). An example of a push factor is the lack of proper health care service in a region. Pull factors on the other hand, encourage people to move into a particular region since they represent the attributes that one wants to benefit from in the area in which they live in (Parkins, 2010). An example of a pull factor would be an attribute such an increasing amounts of job opportunities.

With this particular project, several pull factors were determined that encourage new immigrants to settle in a particular region within the GVRD. In order to choose the most importance factors that new immigrants would consider when making such a decision, research was conducted and interviews were taken of recent immigrants. The video below consists of two of the interviews that were conducted of two individuals explaining the factors they consider of high importance when determining where to reside. This was done in order to attain a clear idea of what some of the interviewees mentioned?

The factors that were distinguished as important from the interviews conducted and research into the area, aided in determining the factors to consider for this particular project.
Rent: It is a factor of great importance in distinguishing an ideal location to live in. This is ideally because new residents do not have a job and thus would benefit from living in a place of low rent in order to save money for other needs.
Proximity to Bus-stops: Another factor of great significance is that of proximity to bus stops because it allows easy access to other locations of desired travel (Zehtab-Martin & Beesley, 2005). New immigrants, will not have a car or license right away and thus would have to rely on public transportation as their primary way form of travel.
Proximity to Sty-trains: Living within a certain distance from sky-train stations allows people to travel between cities quickly for better job opportunities or to travel to other desired locations (Zehtab-Martin & Beesley, 2005).
Proximity to Shopping malls: These shopping malls represent an area where one can conduct all their shopping and in addition, it can represent an area of job opportunities for a new immigrant. Also, since shopping malls are situated in close proximity to core commercial regions, this particular factor also represents the distance one wishes to live from the core areas of a region.
Proximity to Libraries: The New to BC program within the library system connects newcomers with programs and services they desire (NewToBC, 2013). In addition, more than 90% of the population that migrate to the GVRD from another nation come from countries in which English is not the first language (Metro-Vancouver, 2011). Libraries, are a great resource for determining programs to improve on one’s English. Libraries also provide a source of internet connection for newcomers who may not have data plans or internet connections at home.
Type of residential unit: The last factor being considered is that off residency type. New immigrants would ideally desire to live in basements of single family homes or even in townhouses. They would desire this type of residency rather living in a high-rise building that would be more expensive in terms of rent, as well as not being an ideal form of living for a family of new residents.

The results of this study can aid new residents who are planning on moving into the GVRD from another country determine the best location to live in. This can also help cities within the GVRD determine the factors that they lack in terms or attracting new residents. This way the cities can improve on the areas that they lack in.