Ottawa, June 20, 2022 – The eighth annual Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW) was launched today. More than 50 events are planned. WOW aims to connect newcomers from all over the world with long-time residents. After a two-year break due to the pandemic, this year’s WOW calendar features over 50 free events in Ottawa and Lanark-Renfrew Counties.
In 2014, WOW was recognized by the federal government as a best practice for building a welcoming city. Thanks to its success, other Canadian cities have started their own WOW events. This year, WOW is expanding to nearby communities, starting with Renfrew-Lanark. This growth shows Ottawa’s commitment to welcoming and integrating immigrants.
“We are happy that Welcoming Ottawa Week is reaching Lanark and Renfrew Counties,” says Deborah Tunis, Acting Chair of OLIP. “Working with our partners in these counties will strengthen how both regions welcome newcomers,” she added.
Five Ottawa residents received the Welcoming Ottawa Ambassador Awards at the WOW launch event. These awards recognize those who show respect, friendship, and support for newcomers. Carl Nicholson, who recently retired from the Catholic Centre for Immigrants, received a special award for his dedication to immigrant and refugee settlement in Ottawa.
From June 20 to 30, 2022, the public can join guided walking tours of Chinatown, Little Italy, Byward Market, and Vanier. Participants can explore history, food, art, and businesses that have thrived thanks to immigrants and their families.
Background:
WOW is a two-week series of events, including dialogues, cultural activities, sports, and films, aimed at welcoming newcomers to Ottawa. The first WOW took place in June 2013, when Mayor Jim Watson declared the last week of June as Welcoming Ottawa Week. This week celebrates the contributions of newcomers.
“The residents of Ottawa are diverse, with many of us being immigrants or descendants of immigrants,” said Mayor Watson. “Welcoming Ottawa Week shows our respect and hospitality to newcomers while encouraging dialogue between newcomers and established residents.”
“After almost 10 years of WOW, I am proud of the work OLIP has done to make it successful. I am also proud that the City of Ottawa partners with OLIP to keep Ottawa welcoming,” said Mayor Watson.
WOW is organized by the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership (OLIP). OLIP is a partnership of 60 organizations working to help Ottawa attract and integrate immigrants. OLIP was co- founded by the City of Ottawa and Local Agencies Serving Immigrants (LASI) in 2009. The partnership is mainly funded by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
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For interviews and more details, please contact:
Jean-Pierre Niyitanga, Communications and Events Officer, OLIP
jean-pierre@olip-plio.ca
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