Reem Al-Halimi and City Waterloo

Waterloo population: Reem Al-Halimi is one of the immigrants who make up a full 25 per cent of Waterloo population, according to the ranking. "It still a smaller city, not like Toronto, so it very calm and naturally beautiful," said Al-Halimi. "Not too many buildings, but just the right size. "You can get everything, but you still have the quiet feel of a less hectic life here." Al-Halimi is from Kuwait and moved to Waterloo in 1993 to pursue a master degree in computer science at the University of Waterloo, according to The Waterloo Record. She co-founded a tech company called iKlyk last year and lives in the city with her husband and two children. Despite missing the top 10 of Money Sense annual ranking, the City of Waterloo was ranked fourth in a list of the best places in the country for new immigrants. She said the local tech community is one of Waterloo best qualities. "You have this amazing tech hub with the Accelerator Centre and Communitech and the university." Justin McFadden, economic development executive director, said if talent had been considered in the ranking, Waterloo would have scored even higher. "They don't really talk about talent in particular, which is really the key asset here in Waterloo," he said. Waterloo was ranked the 16th best place to live overall. Saanich, B.C., was named the best place to live in the country for new Canadians, with an immigrant population of about 17 per cent. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.