Newcomers to Kincardine can learn more about the community during a Welcoming Week Open House.
Manager of Strategic Initiatives Lorie Fioze explained the event will show newcomers what Kincardine has to offer.
"We are having a variety of different service providers, everything from social service agencies to also fun ways of getting involved in the community," she said. "So you've got some groups coming in from recreation programs you know, ways of really showing what the community has to offer, and also how you feel as you become more connected and involved in your community."
Fioze added that Welcoming week is a Canada Wide initiative.
"To try to welcome newcomers to their communities, and that includes immigrants, refugees, but also anyone new to the community, to provide them with information about services and support so people can settle, work and belong in communities," she continued. "Everybody's welcome, even if you're not a newcomer to the community, we're saying, come on out. You've got lots of information. We're going to have some good food as well. And we are having a group coming from Peel region who are coming in through the county. Bruce County is bringing them to different communities along our lakeshore to get to know the community to see if this is somewhere they want to put their feet down and call this place home."
She said Kincardine has a lot to offer to newcomers.
"I think Kincardine has lots of opportunity. And, you know, it is very much a small town feel, and people get to know each other really well," she revealed. "And I think that's part of getting to know each other really well and providing some support for people, so that they know where to go, where to find some of those connections, and how to feel comfortable in a new community."
Fioze pointed out that newcomers also have a lot to offer to the community.
"So this is helpful for our economy," she added. "It's also helpful for our labour force to have new people and it's helpful to have new people to the community that can help us fill some of the gaps that we have in the labor force."
An Open house takes place Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Welcome Centre at 707 Queen Street, in Kincardine. Registration is not required.