Welcoming Week event connects newcomers with community supports

KITCHENER, ON – Earlier this week, more than 150 people gathered at Kitchener City Hall to attend the launch of the City of Kitchener's first Municipal Newcomer Strategy and mark the beginning of Welcoming Week. The Council-approved strategy provides a coordinated approach to help newcomers access information, services and opportunities, strengthen their sense of belonging and fully participate in Kitchener community life. 

Developed through extensive community engagement, the Municipal Newcomer Strategy was informed by more than 1,000 newcomer voices, over 25 engagement activities and community-led events, collaboration with newcomer-serving organizations, and consultation with City staff and community partners. The strategy outlines 15 actions to be implemented over three years and is organized around five key themes: boosting awareness of City services, small business and employment supports, community belonging and connections, targeted supports for newcomers and equipping Team Kitchener to better serve newcomer communities.  

"Kitchener's success as a progressive and welcoming community is strengthened by the people who choose to make our community their home," said Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener. "This strategy reflects what we heard directly from newcomers, service providers and community partners about the opportunities and challenges newcomers' experience when building a life in our city. By approving this strategy, Council has established a clear roadmap to help ensure newcomers feel welcomed, connected and supported as they establish their lives in Kitchener." 

The Municipal Newcomer Strategy focuses on improving access to information and services, supporting economic participation, fostering community connections and strengthening organizational capacity across the corporation. One of the first actions completed through the strategy is the creation of the Welcome to Kitchener Newcomer Guide and enhanced online newcomer hub, which provide newcomers with a centralized place to access information about City services, community programs, recreation opportunities and local supports.  

"Today's event reflects the collective efforts of many organizations, community partners and residents who helped shape this work," said Rumina Morris, Director, Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. "Throughout engagement, we heard the importance of making information easier to find and helping newcomers feel connected and welcomed. The guide and online hub are important tools that support those goals." 

Attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with organizations providing support related to settlement, employment, education, housing, language services, recreation and community connection. 

Residents can learn more about the Municipal Newcomer Strategy and access the Newcomer Guide at kitchener.ca/Welcome.  

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QUICK FACTS 

• The Municipal Newcomer Strategy is the City of Kitchener's first strategy focused on supporting newcomers. 
• The strategy was approved by Council and includes 15 actions to be implemented over three years.
• More than 1,000 newcomer voices helped inform the strategy through surveys, community conversations, focus groups and community-led engagement activities. 
• The strategy is organized around five themes: boosting awareness of City services, small business and employment supports, community belonging and connections, targeted supports for newcomers and equipping Team Kitchener. 
• The Welcome to Kitchener Newcomer Guide and online newcomer hub are key actions that emerged from the strategy. 
• The Welcome to Kitchener event was held as part of Welcoming Week, an international initiative that celebrates the contributions of newcomers and promotes welcoming communities. 
• Over 150 people attended the event 

For more information 

Corporate Communications and Marketing 

City of Kitchener 
 Media@kitchener.ca