Moving to a new place fills your mind with questions. Are there any good schools? Can I walk to nearby shops and restaurants? Where are the best parks? Will I make friends with any of my neighbours?
When you are a newcomer to Canada, these questions are there and many others. And there is always the worry of whether they will be warmly welcomed or face ostracization.
Creating a welcoming, inclusive neighbourhood helps alleviate all those fears, and it is a net positive for everybody. Who doesn’t want to live in a friendly place where neighbours look out for one another? But these don’t happen by chance. Rather it takes dedication and a strong desire to make it happen.
And though it is a process, it isn’t a difficult one. You can choose to make your community a welcoming one.
Breaking down communication barriers
Newcomers to Canada often face a language barrier that varies from not speaking English whatsoever to using uncommon slang or sayings that may confuse listeners. A thick accent can also pose communication problems, and many newcomers fear not being understood. Some have even experienced discrimination and negative encounters due to communication barriers.
Nobody is expected to know every single language. It is physically impossible. But even knowing just a few words or a simple greeting in your new neighbour’s language, if different than English, can make a world of difference in making them feel welcome.
Don’t know their primary language? Just ask if they are comfortable teaching you a few words when you go over to introduce yourself. Showing interest in learning about their culture goes a long way in making them feel welcomed.
If their ability to speak English is low, you can still make a friendly connection. Just talk slower and use simple words. Make yourself available for conversation and stay open. Remind them that you are there to answer any questions they may have about specific aspects of the neighbourhood, such as recycling, composting, and garbage pickup schedules. If you have the ability, you can offer to tour them around the city’s different sites like shopping malls, business districts, parks, worship places, and recreation facilities.
Making that friendly connection
Talk to them. Too shy to make conversation? A friendly wave and smile create that positive connection. After a while, you may be comfortable enough to approach them. Then take time to learn something new about the newcomer’s tradition and culture.
Please don’t make assumptions or stereotype them. You may be surprised by what you learn as there is so much richness in every newcomer’s background.
Have kids? Please encourage them to play or walk to school with the newcomer’s children. Children make friends wherever they go and help bring their new friends to feel more at home, which may help the parents feel more comfortable.
Events and activities
Though not every neighbourhood is the type to throw a block party or community sporting event, it is always a great opportunity to get to know people better while having some fun. Ask residents from all backgrounds to participate, but specifically invite the newcomers if they wish to help plan the activity.
This will give them a better sense of agency and belonging, and they may have some new and exciting ideas specific to their culture of origin.
If food is involved, make sure to ask everyone if there are any cultural, religious or dietary restrictions. Even a warning that certain dishes contain specific ingredients will ensure that everybody can partake. Please demonstrate that you are an ally by supporting their cultural identity. If they invite you to attend cultural and religious celebrations and events, attend them. You will have a great time and perhaps learn something new.
Advocation
Some people may feel less inclined to get to know their neighbours. Make sure to speak out if you overhear any talk of stereotypes and prejudice. You need not be confrontational. Being matter-of-fact or asking a person to explain their joke or comment can sway their opinion faster than an aggressive shouting match. You can also approach your municipal council to create a diversity and equity group to make municipality bylaws more inclusive.
When possible, connect new immigrants with the different community resources available such as educational institutions, municipality services, banks and hospitals. This website is a treasure trove of information for newcomers navigating Canadian society, and they can often be found online.
