Newcomers gateway aims to help empower new beginnings
In a move to help ease the transition for newcomers settling in the region, Norfolk County has launched New2Norfolk.ca. This comprehensive website is designed to support the growing diversity of its community.
Developed as a one-stop online information guide, New2Norfolk.ca offers access to over 100 resources tailored to meet the varied needs of those new to the area. The platform covers a wide range of topics—from securing housing and employment to obtaining a driver’s licence, setting up a bank account, and accessing local health services. Whether you’re an international student at Fanshawe College, a seasonal agricultural worker, a refugee, or someone relocating from another part of Canada, the website provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help you navigate everyday life in Norfolk County.
A Community Built on Welcoming Newcomers
Norfolk County has a longstanding history of embracing individuals from around the world. In recent years, the community has seen the arrival of hundreds of newcomers, including Ukrainian, Syrian, and Afghan families. As well, Norfolk has a vibrant presence of Low German Mennonites and thousands of seasonal workers who contribute to the local agricultural sector.
Deputy Mayor Doug Brunton remarked on the initiative, saying, “Norfolk County has warmly welcomed newcomers from around the world for generations, and the New2Norfolk website will help us to continue that proud tradition. We know that, just as in the past, newcomers can enrich life in our vibrant community in many, many ways.”
A Collaborative Effort for Seamless Integration
The launch of New2Norfolk.ca is the result of a collaborative project between Norfolk County Economic Development and Workforce Synergy — part of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie. Financial support from last year’s Rural Economic Development (RED) Program helped bring this initiative to life, underscoring the County’s commitment to fostering economic growth and social inclusion.
Danette Dalton, Executive Director of Workforce Planning, highlighted the website’s user-friendly design and adaptive nature: “New2Norfolk is designed to cover a lot of information and can be easily updated to meet evolving needs. It provides clear guidance on everyday tasks, such as obtaining a driver’s licence or setting up a bank account, which can be challenging for newcomers. Fortunately, Norfolk has a lot of very helpful community services and volunteers that can connect newcomers to the services they need.”
John Regan, Director of Economic Development, also stressed the critical role newcomers play in the local economy: “Newcomers play a crucial role in starting businesses, filling in-demand jobs and contributing to our community’s economic development. New2Norfolk is one of the priority actions from the Council-approved Economic Development Strategy. It is an important tool to help us attract and retain newcomers, whether those newcomers are moving here from overseas or from across the province.”
Explore New2Norfolk.ca Today
As Norfolk County continues to grow and evolve, the launch of New2Norfolk.ca marks a proactive step towards ensuring that all newcomers feel welcomed and supported. For anyone looking to learn more about living, working, and thriving in Norfolk County, visit New2Norfolk.ca and explore the resources available to you.