Canada has been shaped by people who came from all over the world to build this country. WOW offers a platform for us to celebrate this history and the future it will help…

Alex Munter, Chair of the OLIP Council and President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre
The WOW seminar on immigrant women’s nutrition and health was a step in the right direction towards closing the gap between academic researchers and service providers.

Josephine Etowa
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa
OLIP helps to unite and share scarce resources for greater impact by working together in the field of student education.

Walter Piovesan
Associate Director of Education, Ottawa Carleton District School Board
The Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre is so happy to have joined the OLIP Health and Wellbeing Sector Table. It is clear that OLIP cares about immigrants and refugees and…

Wendy Tang, Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre
In our city’s history, immigrants have always played an important role. They build our economic prosperity, diversify our culture, contribute to our social vitality.

Jim Watson
Mayor of Ottawa
We are very pleased to have done the “Opportunity Cost of Not Investing in Interpretation” report – it is so important to have clarity on these challenges and…

Hindia Mohamoud, Director, OLIP
My nomination is an indication that our hard work in building Canada is recognized. All we do is to serve the community in return for embracing us when we needed it.  

Mehdi Mahdavi
Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards Nominee
The OLIP Council is committed to leadership.  In only a few years, we have a common vision and priorities, and are up to the task of implementing the Ottawa Immigration Strategy.

Salimatou Diallo
OLIP Council Vice Chair, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
I was happy to see integration to Algonquin territory and indigenous culture related programming in 2014 WOW. Please continue to involve local Aboriginal organisations and…

Linda Manning
WOW 2014 participant, Senior Fellow, University of Ottawa
The work and expertise that OLIP brings to our community is so important as it helps us to build bridges and break down silos.  I look forward to our continued work together. 

Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa

Get Involved: Host an Event for WOW 2025!

April 22, 2025

The Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership (OLIP) warmly invites individuals and organizations to take part in Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW) 2025, happening from June 16 to 30. This city-wide initiative brings together residents—both newcomers and long-time Ottawans—to foster meaningful connections and celebrate our shared diversity.

WOW is a unique, annual series of events designed to showcase Ottawa’s genuine welcome and hospitality to newcomers. Through a wide range of activities—from storytelling nights to soccer matches—WOW encourages dialogue, learning, and celebration.

WOW events are required to include immigrants and refugees, discuss topics related to newcomer settlement and integration, or celebration of diversity. The events should also take place during the WOW 2025 timeframe (June 16th – 30th).

Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large public event, this is your chance to highlight the contributions of immigrants and refugees, support newcomer inclusion, and promote community integration.

Activities must fall within one of the following categories:

  • Guided Tours: walking tours, bike/ bus tours, museum tours etc.
  • Business & Entrepreneurship: business networking sessions, job fairs, employer panel, etc.
  • Sports & Recreation: Sporting tournaments, community games, fitness classes, etc.
  • Food Related Events: Cooking classes, food tasting, restaurant tours, etc.
  • Design & Creativity: Fashion shows, events showcasing creative and innovative ideas that meet community needs.
  • Arts & Culture: arts/photo exhibits, activities showcasing artistic and intellectual contribution of immigrants.
  • Music, Poetry & Story Telling: spoken words, comedy nights, concerts, and other artistic activity to illustrate diverse rich cultures in your community.
  • Learning & knowledge Sharing: Book launch, open house, lectures and academic seminars on topics related to diversity and welcoming communities.
  • Civic Engagements: citizenship ceremonies, town hall meeting, meet & greet activity with a local elected official.
  • Documentary/ Film Screening: documentary screening with follow-up discussions on topics adversely affecting marginalized communities such as mental health, racism, housing, etc.

Need inspiration? Explore our full list of suggested WOW event categories.

Your Action:

  • Host an event showcasing your involvement with immigrants and refugees or celebrating newcomer contributions. Do not delay, register your WOW 2025 event online before May 31, 2025.
  • Spread the word by sharing the WOW Call for Events Flyer with others in your network who might be interested in participating.

Questions or ideas? Contact Nyamulola Kambanji at nyamulola@olip-plio.ca.