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Welcoming Week 2025 Events

Welcoming Week 2025 has now ended. A special thanks to all of our partners for another successful year!

Our communities are becoming more diverse, with people of all backgrounds adding their experiences and perspectives. When we welcome newcomers, we welcome new ideas and new opportunities. Supporting newcomers means we are building a society with unique perspectives, voices, and lived experiences, which strengthens the fabric of our communities and helps us foster a diverse and inclusive province. Together, let’s welcome every new neighbour!

Welcoming Week 2025 runs from September 12th to 21st, during which time community partners can host events that either bring new and longtime residents together, celebrate newcomers and share details about newcomer programming/services. In Guelph and Wellington County, Welcoming Week is organized by GWLIP, and funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. You can learn more about Welcoming Week and find resources at welcomingweek.ca. Check out the list of events happening below. We hope to see you there!

Please note that all events listed are free to attend!

A special thanks to all of our partners who together make Welcoming Week possible!

Events

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Today
  • Welcoming Week Breakfast Reception

    Guelph City Hall 1 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Come learn about a wide variety of community services, hear from elected officials, and learn about the importance of welcoming and inclusive communities. And enjoy a free breakfast on us! […]

    Free
  • 10C Shared Space Open House

    10C Shared Space 42 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    You are invited to visit 10C Shared Space as a part of Welcoming Week 2025! 10C is a vibrant community hub in the heart of Downtown Guelph, right across from […]

    Free
  • Refuge Canada Exhibition

    Wellington County Museum and Archives 536 Wellington Rd 18, Fergus, Canada

    Created by the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Refuge Canada is a moving exhibition that explores Canada's role in the global refugee crisis. It will be on display […]

    Free
  • Destination Wellington Exhibition

    Wellington County Museum and Archives 536 Wellington Rd 18, Fergus, Canada

    An exhibition featuring the personal stories and artifacts of people who have moved to Wellington County from all over the world, at different points throughout history. This is an ongoing […]

    Free
  • Family Story Time

    Our Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Although always welcome, […]

    Free
  • Family Story Time

    Wellington County Library - Hillsburgh Branch 9 Station Street, Hillsburgh, Ontario, Canada

    Our Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Although always welcome, […]

    Free
  • Guelph Farmers’ Market

    Guelph Farmers' Market 2 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Established in 1827, the Guelph Farmers’ Market offers high quality, farm-fresh food, artisanal products, and homemade goods from 110 local vendors each year. The Market now attracts over 2500 people […]

    Free
  • English Conversation Circle with Special Guest Mike Schreiner (MPP)

    As part of Welcoming Week 2025 (September 12 to 21), we are pleased to welcome Mike Schreiner, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), to English Conversation Circle. Attendees will have a chance to practice their English and learn […]

    Free
  • Village Fall Fair

    Margaret Greene Park (Soccer Field) 80 Westwood Road, Guelph, Ontario

    Outdoor community information, family fun, welcoming and meet neighbours. Contact linda@westwillowvillage.ca for more information.

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies – West End Branch

    Guelph Public Library - West End Branch 21 Imperial Road South, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration required. Although always welcome, Newcomers […]

    Free
  • Family Story Time

    Wellington County Library - Drayton Branch 106 Wellington Street South, Drayton, Ontario, Canada

    Our Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Although always welcome, […]

    Free
  • Family Story Time

    Wellington County Library - Aboyne Branch 552 Wellington Road 18, Fergus, Ontario, Canada

    Our Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Although always welcome, […]

    Free
  • Shake, Rattle and Read – West End Branch

    Guelph Public Library - West End Branch 21 Imperial Road South, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us for 20 minutes of songs, stories and fingerplays. A simple craft will follow this storytime. Suitable for toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required. Although always welcome, Newcomers are […]

    Free
  • Pancakes & People: A Welcome Week Pancake Bash

    The Grove Hubs YMCA Site 130 Woodlawn Glen Drive, Guelph, Canada

    Showcasing our new site at the YMCA, we want to introduce youth and the community to the supports and services that we offer, as well as connect with other organizations! […]

    Free
  • Paws 4 Stories

    Wellington County Library - Rockwood Branch 121 Rockmosa Drive, Rockwood, Ontario, Canada

    Readers are encouraged to build new skills and gain confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. Please register at the link below. You will be contacted by your […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies – Main Library Program Room

    Main Branch - Program Room 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration required. Although always welcome, Newcomers […]

    Free
  • Reducing Digital Inequity in Guelph

    Main Branch - Program Room 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us virtually or in-person, while we will explore ways to make internet access, digital devices, and digital skill-building opportunities accessible in Guelph. For adults. Please register at the link […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies – Scottsdale Branch

    Guelph Public Library - Scottsdale Branch 650 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Learn a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration required. Although always welcome, Newcomers are invited […]

    Free
  • Open House & Information Session

    2nd Chance Downtown Office 177 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario

    Join us for an engaging Open House and Information Session at the 2nd Chance Employment Counselling Downtown Office, located at 177 Norfolk Street in Downtown Guelph. This is a great […]

    Free
  • Wheels of Welcome- Community Bike Ride

    Join us for a friendly and informative Community Bike Ride! Whether you're new to Guelph or a longtime resident, this guided ride is a great way to connect with others, […]

    Free
  • Welcome to Mapleton Barbeque

    PMD Community Hall 68 Main Street West, Drayton, Ontario, Canada

    New to Mapleton Township? Join us for a free Welcome BBQ on Sept 16, 6–8 PM at PMD Arena! Please register at the provided link below. Contact agrose@mapleton.ca for more […]

    Free
  • S.T.E.A.M. Stories – Westminster Square Branch

    Westminster Square Branch 31 Farley Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us at our Westminster Square Branch for S.T.E.A.M. stories. Listen to a story then participate in a S.T.E.A.M. activity or experiment. For toddlers and preschoolers. No registration required. Although […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies – Bullfrog Mall Branch

    Guelph Public Library - Bullfrog Mall Branch 380 Eramosa Road, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Have fun learning a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration required. Although always welcome, Newcomers […]

    Free
  • Family Story Time

    Wellington County Library - Elora Branch 144 Geddes Street, Elora, Ontario, Canada

    Our Story Times are designed to help your child get ready for reading. Share stories, songs, rhymes, and activities aimed at developing your child’s early literacy skills. Although always welcome, […]

    Free
  • Bouncing Babies – Westminster Square Branch

    Westminster Square Branch 31 Farley Drive, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Learn a variety of songs, rhymes and activities designed to foster early language development and a love of reading. For babies. No registration is required. Although always welcome, Newcomers are […]

    Free
  • Super Sensory Baby – Main Library Program Room

    Main Branch - Program Room 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us for sensory play at the Main Library. For babies. No registration is required. Although always welcome, Newcomers are invited to come together with other parents and caregivers in […]

    Free
  • Coffee Time Chat: Share Your Stories During Welcoming Week

    Main Branch - Program Room 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    We invite newcomers and community members alike to enjoy coffee and share their stories with Community Living Guelph Wellington's P4P Advocacy Members. No registration required. All ages. Contact etyschenko@guelphpl.ca for […]

    Free
  • Volunteer Celebration and Newcomer Welcome

    Mount Forest & District Sports Complex 850 Princess Street, Mount Forest, Ontario, Canada

    This event is an opportunity for those new to the Township to learn about volunteer opportunities and network, and gives volunteer groups a chance to network with residents. This event […]

    Free
  • Community Services and Volunteer Fair

    Starling Community Services 89 Wyndham Street North, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Join us on September 18 from 1pm-4pm to learn more about local community services and volunteer opportunities at this special event hosted by Starling Community Services, in collaboration with Immigrant […]

    Free
  • Digital Equity Information

    Guelph City Hall 1 Carden Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    In celebration of Guelph Wellington Welcoming Week 2025 (September 12–21), the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition (GWDEC) is reinforcing its commitment to closing the digital divide. We are actively developing […]

    Free
  • Guelph Farmers’ Market

    Guelph Farmers' Market 2 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Established in 1827, the Guelph Farmers’ Market offers high quality, farm-fresh food, artisanal products, and homemade goods from 110 local vendors each year. The Market now attracts over 2500 people […]

    Free
  • English Conversation Circle

    Main Branch - Board Room 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Practice speaking English in a friendly and welcoming place. Join us for this free weekly drop-in program. For adults. Registration is optional. Drop in attendees are welcome. Contact etyschenko@guelphpl.ca for […]

    Free
  • Welcoming All to Guelph Museums

    Guelph Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Free admission to the museum on the weekend of 20-21 September!

    Free
  • Making Roots: Art Workshop with Taras Lachowsky

    Guelph Civic Museum 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada

    Celebrate connection, creativity, and community with Guelph-based Ukrainian artist Taras Lachowsky during this special Welcoming Week art workshop. Designed to bring together longtime residents and newcomers alike, this drop-in session […]

    Free

Part of what makes Guelph and Wellington a welcoming community is the services available to support immigrants. For example, settlement services like Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington provide programs and services to help new Canadians integrate into the social, economic and organizational life of the community, while EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer safe and welcoming environments open to all families with young children where they can make connections, find support, resources, and advice about parenting and child development. These are just a few examples of the many resources available to immigrants in Guelph and Wellington County, as evidenced by the wide variety of event organizers participating in Welcoming Week 2025!

Welcome to Guelph Video

Welcome to Wellington County Video

Welcoming Week in our region is part of a national and global campaign to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including newcomers. 

The Welcoming America logo, with a picture of the USA.

Guelph-Wellington Local Immigration Partnership

Guelph-Wellington Local Immigration Partnership