CENTRE WELLINGTON – The township’s Community Connect program will host a New Resident Reception for the area’s growing population later this month.
The reception is scheduled for 6 to 9pm on Sept. 19 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus.
“Adjusting to a growing community can be overwhelming,” stated Mayor Shawn Watters.
“To help make this transition smoother for everyone, we want to ensure that new residents have the essential information they need to feel right at home.
“The New Resident Reception is a welcoming event aimed at introducing newcomers to local services, and how to find the information they need, specific to Centre Wellington.”
Sixteen organizations/connectors will be at the event to provide information and help newcomers feel “confident” in their new community, said Kristen Bettiol, the municipality’s community development manager.
She noted Centre Wellington’s population is expected to double before 2051, resulting in thousands of new people joining different communities.
The reception will include information regarding emergency services, Ontario Provincial Police, volunteer firefighter opportunities, health care services, day care wait lists and other important information.
“If they (new residents) don’t know that green flashing lights mean pull over because they came from Toronto and they don’t have those … there’s a lot of things they need to know,” added Bettiol.
Other notable information guests can access includes ways to enjoy their new community with their family, such as local theatres, entertainment and must-see places.
The first 50 people to attend will receive a bag from the Fergus Business Improvement Area (BIA) showcasing local stores.
Admission to the event is free but officials encourage guests to register for preparation purposes. The form can be found at centrewellington.ca/communityconnect.
Volunteer fair
Another part of Community Connect is prioritizing community engagement, said Bettiol.
To that end, the program is hosting a Volunteer Fair on Oct. 3 from 6 to 8pm at the Fergus sportsplex.
“We know that there’s a lot of organizations that are struggling because we have a declining number of people who are volunteering in our community,” Bettiol told the Advertiser.
The fair will have at least 35 organizations attending to share volunteer opportunities and invite guests to learn more about how they operate.
“This allows people, whether they’ve been here forever or they just moved here, to find other like-minded people who are interested in the same passions,” said Bettiol.
The fair caters to various fulfillment needs, including building a resume, creating new connections or feeling less lonely by giving back to the community, explained Bettiol.
“Everybody has something that they can offer,” she said.
With over 30 booths expected at the fair Bettiol noted some people may feel overwhelmed.
So she has been encouraging different organizations once a month to have an open house. This would allow people to enter a space and “feel what it’s like working with that group.”
Community Connect
Watters said the Community Connect pilot program aims to help local residents stay connected as the community grows.
“This program aims to link you with local services, businesses and opportunities to get involved,” he stated. “Whether you’re looking to participate in community events, volunteer with an organization or the township, discover ways to stay active or simply engage more with your neighbours – Community Connect is here to guide you.”
One of the strategic initiatives council has been focusing on is the celebration of volunteers and encouraging volunteerism. Both the New Resident Reception and the Volunteer Fair fall into these categories.
To learn move about Community Connect or the two events, visit centrewellington.ca.
