Media Release
For immediate release
September 16, 2024

TIMMINS, ON –  The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) and community partners are hosting a Community Conversation during this year’s Welcoming Week. This event offers the public an opportunity to learn about immigration in Timmins, hear stories from those with lived experience, and ask questions. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 18 at 6pm in the McIntyre Community Centre Auditorium.

Welcoming Week is an annual celebration that recognizes the people, places, and values that foster inclusivity, helping everyone feel welcome in their local communities regardless of their background. This year’s Welcoming Week marks the 13^th anniversary of the global initiative and takes place September 13 to 22. “Creating a welcoming community is a collective effort, and each of us plays a crucial role,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau. “The City of Timmins is committed to fostering inclusivity and celebrating the invaluable contributions each of us brings to our community. As we embrace diverse cultures and ideas, we strengthen our city’s fabric and ensure that every resident feels valued. Together, let’s continue to build a Timmins where everyone can thrive and feel at home.”

The Community Conversation is organized by the TEDC in collaboration with Timmins and District Multicultural Centre, Timmins Local Immigration Partnership, Collège Boréal Settlement Services, Réseau du Nord, and United Way Centraide North East Ontario. Community members interested in attending are encouraged to register for the event here, although registration is not required.

“Timmins has always been a diverse community, and over the past few years, we’ve seen that diversity continue to grow,” said Noella Rinaldo, Director of Community Economic Development at the TEDC. “The influx of new cultures and perspectives has strengthened our local economy, filled vital workforce gaps, and fostered a vibrant cultural landscape. Embracing this diversity not only enhances our city’s vibrancy, but also fuels innovation and economic growth.”

Throughout Welcoming Week, the TEDC will encourage local organizations and businesses to take selfies with a “Welcomer” sign and post them on social media using the hashtags #WelcomingWeekTimmins and #WelcomingWeek2024, sharing how they contribute to creating a welcoming space for newcomers.

The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has developed an online toolkit to assist communities and organizations in participating in Welcoming Week. The toolkit is available in both English and French and can be accessed here.

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For more information, contact Kelsey Luxton at kelsey.luxton@timmins.ca or (705) 260-2600 x 7083.

About the TEDC

The TEDC is the city’s non-profit community economic development team. We facilitate and support economic and social activity that creates jobs, diversifies the economy and improves quality of life.

Land Acknowledgement

The TEDC acknowledges that we are located on the traditional Lands of Mattagami First Nation, Flying Post First Nation, and Matachewan First Nation, home to many Ojibway, Cree, Oji-Cree, Algonquin and Métis people. We also acknowledge that we are situated in Treaty 9 territory (also known as the James Bay Treaty), which is steeped in the rich Indigenous history of many First Nations, Metis and Inuit People.