As Delta prepares to celebrate Welcoming Week, we are proud to officially release our Newcomer’s Guide, developed to assist newcomers in Delta with accessing local resources and encourage community participation and civic engagement.
This initiative stems from the City's ongoing commitment to support the increasing diversity within our community, as identified in Delta’s 2023-2028 Social Action Plan. As of 2023, immigrants make up more than one-third (33%) of Delta’s 108,000 residents, with 45% of individuals coming from diverse ethnic backgrounds. From 2016 to 2021, 4,325 newcomers arrived in Delta. This growth highlights the need for both the expansion and development of support services and resources.
The Newcomer’s Guide is the culmination of extensive community engagement and collaboration with newcomers and community partners. Led by the Social Planning team, all City of Delta departments contributed to the development of the Guide, ensuring it addresses the varying needs of newcomers in Delta. Partial funding for this initiative was provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The Newcomer’s Guide provides information on a variety of relevant topics, including:
- finding housing and employment;
- settlement supports;
- children, youth, and family services;
- volunteer opportunities; and
- an overview of the functions and services of local government, and how to get involved.
"I’m proud of the City of Delta's dedication to supporting newcomers and fostering an inclusive community where everyone feels welcomed and valued,” said Mayor George V. Harvie. “On behalf of Council, I want to thank our community partners and the Deltans that participated in the development of the Newcomer’s Guide. As Mayor, I am honoured to represent a city that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and a sense of community. The success and well-being of newcomers is a priority for everyone in our city and we will continue to collaborate with community partners to provide relevant and accessible resources to the people who need them.”
The Newcomer’s Guide debuted at the City of Delta’s inaugural Newcomer Forum, held earlier this year. The forum was attended by 80 newcomers, community partners, and City representatives, and provided a platform for residents to discuss key issues facing newcomers in Delta. This year’s Welcoming Week, running from September 13 to 22, will feature a social media campaign on the City’s accounts, highlighting the guide and celebrating our diverse community.
The Newcomer’s Guide, along with additional resources, are available online on the City’s Supporting New Immigrant's Webpage.
Follow the City of Delta’s social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the Welcoming Week campaign.
For more information on this news release, please contact media@delta.ca.