How do I create a Welcoming Neighbourhood for Newcomers?

About Newcomers in HRM

HRM welcomes over 2,000 new immigrants each year from a wide range of countries around the world, including Africa and the Middle East, Asia & Pacific, Europe, UK and the US. Newcomers represent many languages, customs, beliefs and backgrounds. They may come to HRM as family and business immigrants, refugees, international students, temporary workers or visitors. Many will make HRM their permanent home and bring skills and experiences that contribute to our economic growth and community development.

Why is a welcoming neighbourhood important?

No matter who they are and where they come from, newcomers help build vibrant neighbourhoods, and a welcoming community plays a big part in helping them build a new life here. Welcoming neighbourhoods build on a tradition of hospitality Haligonians are known for. They help build new relationships, new traditions as well as a sense of belonging, safety and community pride.

We all have a role to play in creating welcoming and inclusive communities. If you’ve wondered what you can do to make newcomers feel part of your neighbourhood, this Tool-Kit is for you! If you have other ideas or stories to share please e-mail them to myhrm@halifax.ca.

What can I do to welcome my new neighbours?

  • Say hello! - Introduce yourself and your family;
  • Take the time to learn something about your new neighbours;
  • Learn how to pronounce their names in their language;
  • Try to imagine what it would be like to leave your home and move to a new place;
  • Take an interest in learning about other cultures and traditions;
  • Overcome language barriers by speaking slowly and using simple words (not raising your voice);
  • Share a dish, a recipe or something from your garden;
  • Invite your neighbours for a coffee or a meal;
  • Invite them to attend a quarterly SupperNova (for dates, visit www.isisns.ca/ volunteer-community/welcoming-events;)
  • Let them know about community activities or events taking place (for listings, visit www.halifax.ca/events);
  • Organize a sport event, BBQ, a street party or a film night and involve your newneighbours in the event (for some ideas visit www.myhrm.ca/Toolkit);
  • Invite them to HRM’s Annual Welcome BBQ (see www.halifax.ca/newcomers) held during Natal Day Weekend;
  • Share with them places to visit, things to see, fun things to do and plan an outing together;
  • If you have kids encourage them to play together or walk to school together;
  • Let them know if there is a neighbourhood association or group they can join;
  • Share the HRM Newcomers Guide available from HRM Customer Service Centres (call 490-4000 or access it on-line );
  • Answer questions about garbage pick-up, recycling, composting, seasonal home decorating etc. (see HRM's Citizen's Guide to Municipal Services);
  • Make them feel like they’re part of the community!

Learn More

Nova Scotia Office of Immigration works with the government of Canada to bring immigrants to Nova Scotia. They want newcomers from around the world to make Nova Scotia their home.
Phone: 424-5230
www.novascotiaimmigration.com

Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services (ISIS) is a community-based organization that has many services for newcomers including orientation and settlement
support, language training, and employment and business development services, available onsite and online. Newcomers often come here soon after they arrive.
Phone: 423-3607
www.isisns.ca

YMCA Immigrant Programs is a community based organization that helps newcomers with new language, culture, community, recreation and similar services.
Phone: (902) 457-9622
www.ymcahrm.ns.ca

Immigration Francophone - Francophone Immigration provides settlement and integration services to French-speaking immigrants to Nova Scotia.
Tel. (902)433-0439
www.vienouvelle-ecosse.ca

Halifax Public Libraries ESL for Adults offers language training for newcomers
Telephone: (902) 490-5990
www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca

Metro Region Immigrant Language Services (MILS) provides Canadian Language Benchmark assessments, English as a Second Language instruction and pre-employment skills.
Tel. (902) 464-2868 / (902) 464-2033
/www.milsns.info/contact.php

Halifax Regional School Board Adult ESL offers full-time and part-time language instruction in Halifax.
Tel.(902) 421-7779
www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/869.html