Welcoming Ottawa Week: over 70 free events across the city. WOW!

Walking tours, food tastings, concerts and sports events. These are just some of more than 70 free events offered this year during Welcoming Ottawa Week (WOW) from June 17–30.

Now in its seventh year, WOW is an annual series of cultural and celebratory events held across the city, including in Sandy Hill. It is designed to highlight the many ways Ottawa is welcoming to newcomers, while creating opportunities for quality interactions between residents—long-term and new.

According to Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, “WOW is a wonderful platform for us to reflect on Ottawa’s current and historic welcome to refugees and newcomers. It showcases our genuine respect for the courage and strength newcomers demonstrate in overcoming obstacles to join our community.”

“Newcomers are attracted to diverse, vibrant cities where everyone can participate in city life, contribute economically and actively engage in civic development,” adds Hindia Mohamoud, Director of the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership which leads WOW.

Do not miss this incredible celebration. Together we can make Ottawa Canada’s most welcoming city!

For more information on WOW events, visit welcomingottawaweek.ca or find us on Twitter and Facebook. Find nearby events such as The 2019 Trebek Forum: «Humaniser la migration» | Humanizing Migration, June 20, 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Learning Crossroads Building, 75 Laurier Ave. East. Or, Immigrant Heritage Walking Tour: Lowertown East, June 18, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Patro d’Ottawa, 40 Cobourg St.

—Submitted by Leah Geller