Bruce and Grey Counties Celebrate Welcoming Week: September 8 to 17

Bruce County and Grey County are joining the Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership (GBLIP), and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in celebrating Welcoming Week 2023.

Welcoming Week, September 8 to 17, is a time to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and give us a sense of belonging in the local community, no matter where we come from.

“By working together, we can achieve greater prosperity and make Bruce County the kind of place where diverse people from around the world feel valued and want to put down roots,” says Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody. “New residents are a vital part of our community — bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas, starting businesses and contributing to the vibrant diversity that we all value.” 

Bruce and Grey County’s success depends on making sure that all residents feel at home here, and that starts with welcoming newcomers into our communities.

“Our communities are growing and becoming more diverse. It’s important to be a good neighbour all year round, but Welcoming Week is a great opportunity to reach out to someone new in your community and introduce yourself and show them some Grey County hospitality,” says Grey County Warden Brian Milne.

Several activities are planned throughout the two counties during Welcoming Week. From Friday, September 8 to Sunday, September 17, GBLIP is collaborating with community partners on a variety of in-person and virtual activities for both new and long-time residents. 

• On Friday. September 8, at 11:00 AM, attend a presentation about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Ontario Human Rights Code at the Chesley, Kincardine and Port Elgin libraries. Refreshments provided.
• On Tuesday, September 12, newcomers to Canada, to Grey, Bruce, or the Municipality of Kincardine are invited to a meet and greet from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Kincardine Welcome Centre (707 Queen Street). Drop in at any time and enjoy some light refreshments, connect with others and learn about services in your community.
• On Wednesday, September 13, join the Owen Sound Police Service for an Open House and Information Night for Newcomers. Drop by at 6:00 PM for a guided tour, and learn about common frauds and scams, personal and community safety, and more. Coffee, tea and snacks provided.
• During Welcoming Week (September 8 to 17), from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre extends a warm welcome to newcomers in Canada by offering free admission via the Canoo App. On Friday, September 15, enjoy a free guided tour; please contact Evan Vatri at evatri@brucecounty.on.ca to reserve your spot.
• On Saturday, September 16, Grey Roots Museum and Archives is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with entry by donation.
• See the full list events.

In addition to the planned events, all community members and business owners are also invited to participate in Welcoming Week by renewing a commitment to our core values as Canadians and by taking action in the spirit of welcoming.

Ten Ways to Welcome a Newcomer to Your Community:

1. Ask questions and listen to others.
2. Diversify your news sources.
3. Volunteer to become a newcomer host in your community.
4. Support a small business run by a newcomer.
5. Attend a diversity workshop or a training on inter-cultural awareness.
6. Bring a small gift of homemade food to the home of a newcomer and introduce yourself.
7. Attend a cultural activity or event.
8. Donate to an immigrant settlement agency.
9. Form a refugee sponsorship group.
10. Be willing and interested in incorporating new things into your community to create a welcoming, all inclusive community for everyone!

To stay up to date on all programs, events and initiatives offered by GBLIP, visit greybrucelip.ca. 

About Welcoming Week
Welcoming Week is an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants.

About Welcoming International
Welcoming International is an initiative that consists of several programs: the Welcoming International Alliance of peer national networks supporting local actors to advance immigrant inclusion at the community level across the world, local-to-local learning exchanges, and technical assistance to national institutions on welcoming standards and strategies. Learn more at welcominginternational.org.

About Grey-Bruce Local Immigration Partnership:
The GBLIP recognizes that immigration will continue to play a key role in the economic future of Grey and Bruce Counties. To support better immigration outcomes, the Partnership administers the GBLIP – a collaborative, community initiative designed to improve the integration of newcomers in Grey Bruce. Launched in June 2020, the GBLIP works at the local level to foster a community that is welcoming and inclusive and to support newcomers in becoming fully engaged in the social, economic, political, and cultural life of Grey and Bruce Counties.