Long-awaited immigrant support centre opens one of Canada's most ethnically diverse cities

“The very first thing that I personally struggled with was that I didn’t know anyone here. No relatives, no friends, basically no one to have connection with,” said Zahra Samimi, an Afghan refugee who immigrated to Canada in 2013.

Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC) ended its grand opening ceremony of its new Welcome Centre facility with stories from new Canadians who had recently immigrated to Canada with its help.

Samimi explained that when she first moved to Canada, ISSofBC helped her establish Canada as her home. Samini was able to become familiar with Canada, Vancouver and North American culture in general by engaging in English language classes, social groups and local fieldtrips offered by it.

ISSofBC plans to use its new facility to continue its mission of helping immigrants and refugees settle. They intend to make the transition into Canadian culture easier by helping them find jobs, housing and education.

“Vancouver has a longstanding commitment to welcoming refugees in times of need and the City is honoured to have contributed to the project. The Welcome Centre is an innovative response to meeting the needs of our newest residents and helping them foster a strong sense of belonging and build a future in our city,” says Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.

The City of Vancouver provided both financial and political support for the centre. The city sold ISSofBC a 60-year ground lease and service agreement valued at US$26 million for US$8.