North Bay, ON – Aug. 25, 2023 - The City of North Bay in partnership with the North Bay and Area Local Immigration Partnership, North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce (NBDCC), and the North Bay and Area Rural Northern Immigration Pilot, is pleased to announce the inaugural “Welcome to North Bay” event for newcomers.
Everyone is encouraged to come out to Memorial Gardens on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to connect with community organizations; and to extend a warm welcome to new residents of all backgrounds to our community.
"North Bay has always been a place where people from all backgrounds find a welcoming home. The Welcome to North Bay event will be opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and perspectives that enrich our community,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “We look forward to making this event a memorable experience for everyone involved."
The Welcome to North Bay event will give newcomers an opportunity to connect with serivces, recreational clubs, places of worship, and social and volunteer opportunities. These organizations all contribute to the enrichment of our community, and we hope this event helps support new opportunities for newcomers. The event will also include a welcoming ceremony and free kid’s activities.
“We are so pleased to come together to welcome newcomers to our city, offer some connections to local organizations and look forward to this becoming an annual event,” said Donna Backer, President & CEO of NBDCC.
This initiative is part of Welcoming Week 2023, which runs Sept. 8-17, 2023, and is an opportunity for communities around the globe to come together to build strong connections, affirm the importance of being welcoming and inclusive to achieve collective prosperity for everyone.
“The Welcome to North Bay event is a great opportunity for recently arrived newcomers as well as those who have been here a few years to learn more about the services and organizations within our community. We are excited and thankful to have our community of non-profits come together and welcome newcomers as they build their new home here in North Bay,” said Julie Van Berkel, Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator.
For event details and registration information, please reach out to Natasha Penn, Economic Development Officer, at natasha.penn@northbay.ca or 705.474.0400 ext. 2431.