Norfolk County has launched a new website called New2Norfolk to welcome newcomers and to ease their transition to living and working in the community.

New2Norfolk.ca is a one-stop, online information guide for newcomers that lists more than 100 resources, including those based in Norfolk, the Grand Erie area, and ones that serve Ontario and Canada.

The website is designed to help all types of newcomers: those coming from other countries, refugees, seasonal agricultural workers, foreign workers, international students, and individuals relocating to Norfolk from neighbouring communities or other parts of Canada.

“Norfolk County has warmly welcomed newcomers from around the world for generations, and the New2Norfolk website will help us to continue that proud tradition,” said Norfolk Deputy Mayor Doug Brunton. “We know that, just as in the past, newcomers can enrich life in our vibrant community in many, many ways.”

Economic development strategy

New2Norfolk was launched by Norfolk County Economic Development in partnership with Workforce Synergy, part of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.

“Newcomers play a crucial role in starting businesses, filling in-demand jobs and contributing to our community’s economic development,” said John Regan, Director, Economic Development.

“New2Norfolk is one of the priority actions from the Council-approved Economic Development Strategy and is an important tool to help us attract and retain newcomers, whether those newcomers are moving here from overseas or from across the province “

In the past decade, hundreds of newcomers and refugees have settled in Norfolk, including Ukrainian, Syrian, and Afghan families sponsored by local households, groups, and churches. Norfolk is also home to thousands of Low German Mennonites. County farms employ about 6,000 seasonal agricultural workers, and international students attend Fanshawe College.

Guidance on everyday tasks

The site provides information on services that newcomer groups can access to help them settle in the County, find employment, start businesses, stay healthy, learn English, and navigate daily life in Norfolk. Visitors will find links to a wide range of topics, from local employment services to housing, transit, libraries, banking, shopping, ESL classes, recreation, obtaining a health card and driver’s licence, acquiring Canadian citizenship, and much more.

“New2Norfolk is designed to cover a lot of information and can be easily updated to meet evolving needs,” said Danette Dalton of the Workforce Planning Board.

“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.”

Visit New2Norfolk.ca to explore the resources available.