Durham Region hosts first-ever Newcomer Day

Residents from across Durham Region gathered on September 26 for the first-ever Durham Newcomer Day. This free, family friendly event was hosted by the Region of Durham in partnership with the Durham Employment and Newcomer Centre (DENC) and presented by Team Kartik.

Held at Regional Headquarters in Whitby, the event brought together newcomers and long-time residents to celebrate the diversity that helps make Durham Region a welcoming place to live, work and grow.

More than 80 community organizations, local businesses, vendors and exhibitors took part, giving the more than 400 attendees the chance to learn about programs, services and opportunities available throughout the region. Visitors connected with neighbours, explored resources, support services, and enjoyed a wide range of activities including cultural performances, a vendor marketplace and children’s programming.

The Region also worked with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to host a citizenship ceremony, marking the first one in Durham Region since the COVID-19 pandemic. Held in Council Chambers, and surrounded by family and friends, 45 individuals from 14 countries recited the citizenship oath. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the journeys many newcomers take on their path to calling Canada home.

At its heart, Durham Newcomer Day created opportunities for people to meet, share experiences and build new connections.

“Durham Region continues to grow and evolve, and newcomers are an important part of that story,” said Allison Hector-Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Region. “Newcomer Day was an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions that newcomers make, while also helping people link with the services, supports and opportunities that can help them thrive. This event was important because welcoming people is about more than sharing information. It is also about creating a sense of belonging. When people feel valued and connected, they are better able to build relationships, contribute their skills and talents, and fully participate in their community.”

By bringing residents together to celebrate diversity, community and new beginnings, the inaugural Durham Newcomer Day event reinforced a simple message: everyone belongs in Durham Region.

“At DENC, we believe that when newcomers succeed, our entire community benefits,” said Lina Zakaria, Executive Director, DENC. “Newcomer Day highlighted the strength, resilience and talent that newcomers bring to Durham Region, while connecting them with the services and networks that support their settlement and integration. DENC is proud to participate in initiatives that help newcomers build connections, access opportunities and feel a sense of belonging.”

Durham Newcomer Day wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. A special thanks goes to title sponsor Team Kartik, as well as gold sponsors the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Royal Bank of Canada. We are also grateful to Lakeridge Health, the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario Power Generation, the Town of Ajax and Trent University, for their in-kind sponsorship.