The number of immigrant arrivals in the Province has increased from 3,000 in 1998 to 13,500 in 2009. An increasing number of these immigrants are moving to centres outside Winnipeg – 510 in 1998 up to 3,551 in 2009. Approximately eighty percent of those moving outside Winnipeg settle in ten communities but over 100 centres have been destinations for new arrivals. Immigrants arriving in small centres fill labour force shortages and provide many other benefits but they also generate a demand for housing. The housing options they need are not always available in small rural centres, although adequate, affordable housing is essential to successful integration and retention.