PEI

Learning how the city works: Newcomers introduced to Charlottetown

The City of Charlottetown is holding several orientation sessions for newcomers to Canada.

Sessions intended to increase comfort level with city

Hundreds of newcomers to Canada attended Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee's reception for them in August. (City of Charlottetown via Facebook)

The City of Charlottetown is holding several orientation sessions for newcomers to Canada.

The sessions include a chance to meet one-on-one with government officials, bus trips to local parks, and learning about how to apply for city jobs.

The city wants newcomers to feel more comfortable, says Ron Atkinson. (Mitch Cormier/CBC)

Ron Atkinson, the city's economic development officer, said often newcomers aren't aware of how to access resources, but want to get involved. Last month, hundreds of newcomers attended the mayor's reception, which Atkinson said was a good sign.

"This improves their comfort level with coming into city hall," said Atkinson.

"Especially having those names of people that they've met, that they feel that they can talk to, and just a little warmer feel about the city that they're living in."

Atkinson expects the session to increase the involvement of newcomers in city affairs.

The orientation sessions will take place Sept. 22, Oct. 20 and Dec. 1 at city hall.

With files from Lindsay Carroll