Nine community champions were recognized this week as the County of Simcoe hosted its 14th annual Newcomer Recognition Awards, an event celebrating the contributions of newcomers, businesses, organizations and community leaders across the region.
The ceremony took place on the evening of Nov. 5 and honoured recipients across eight award categories, according to a County of Simcoe news release. Winners were chosen through an open nomination process reviewed by a committee of community stakeholders.
'A place where everyone feels valued'
Warden Basil Clark congratulated the recipients and praised their role in strengthening communities throughout Simcoe County.
Congratulations to this year's recipients for their dedication, leadership, and contributions. Their efforts not only enrich our communities but also help ensure Simcoe County remains a place where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed,
Clark also thanked the organizing committee, community partners, sponsors and county staff for making the celebration possible, adding in the news release that these accomplishments help make Simcoe County "an even more welcoming region for newcomers."
Local sponsorship and support
Honda of Canada Mfg. served as this year's Gold Sponsor for the awards. The county extended special thanks to the company for helping make the event, described as a celebration of diversity, inclusion and community achievement, a memorable one.
The awards are tied to the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership, a community partnership focused on developing settlement strategies for newcomers. According to the county, the partnership works to bring together and support service delivery to newcomers in Simcoe County while promoting positive relationships, opportunity and effective use of local resources.
A county-wide celebration
The recognition comes as the region continues to grow and welcome new residents to its communities, from Barrie and Orillia to Innisfil, Bradford and Collingwood.
The County of Simcoe is composed of 16 member municipalities and provides public services to county residents, in addition to delivering paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia.
Residents interested in learning more about the Newcomer Recognition Awards, including future nomination opportunities, can visit simcoe.ca/newcomer-recognition-awards.
