Social Integration & Community Connection

Join a free newcomer social group. Settlement agencies run cultural meetups, mentorship, and family programs year-round.

Your local community centre offers low-cost drop-in programs: fitness classes, parent-and-tot groups, and seniors' circles.

Volunteering is one of the fastest ways to make friends, practise English, and gain a Canadian reference for your resume.

Most municipalities offer discounted recreation passes for newcomers and low-income households. Ask at your local community centre.

AMSSA's member directory can point you toward cultural associations and community groups specific to your background.

Free integration programming that pairs practical settlement help with social and cultural connection events.

Community events and peer connections designed specifically for people in their first two years in BC.

Libraries host newcomer meetups, cultural programming, and family events year-round, all free.

Pairs refugee newcomers with local community members for friendship, practical support, and cultural exchange.

Cultural meetups, family programs, and peer groups organized around shared language or country of origin.

Library programs are one of the easiest, lowest-pressure ways to meet people in a new city.

Long-term volunteering builds a real network over time, not just a one-off event.