August 16, 2023

CAMPBELL RIVER

NEWCOMERS’ RESOURCEGUIDE

Your guide to community groups, services and more…

38,108

Population of the Campbell River in 2021 up 7.5% from 35,440 in 2016

BY THE NUMBERS

5,600

Students enrolled in Campbell River public schools, according to the SD72 website

1,115

People who commuted to work by bus, walking, or bicycling in 2021

16.4

Average days of rain in November, Campbell River’s wettest month

45.7 Average age of the Campbell River population in 2021

20.26

Living wage in 2022, according to Living Wage for Families BC (calculated for the Comox Valley –data not available for Campbell River)

The Immigrant Welcome Centre helped 874 clients in 20212022 who represented 94 different countries of origin! Languages spoken most often at home in Campbell River other than English:

• French(120)

• Vietnamese(110)

• Tagalog(95)

• Punjabi(95)

• Spanish(60)

• Korean(55)

• Cantonese(35)

• Mandarin(30)

• Arabic(20)

• Malayalam(20)

• Afrikaans(20)

• Hindi(20)

• Portuguese(20)

• Japanese(20)

Ten Questions with Shams Alibhai

Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome

MARC KITTERINGHAM Campbell River Mirror

Shams Alibhai is the new executive director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre, run by Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of the North Vancouver Island (MISA). She has worked in non profits all over the world, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Alibhai currently volunteers on the Crisis Line with the Battered Women’s Support ServicesinVancouver,where sheutilizesherlanguageand international experience with newcomer women. She is also a board member with the Pacific Immigrant Resources Society.

You are new to the role of executive director. Can you tell me how you came to work for the IWC?

Jim Brennan had indicated to the organization that he was going to be retiring and so they actually posted the position. I saw the posting for the position and I was really impressed with how they went through the recruitment process all of their documentation that

Centre

could you do this?”

And why did you choose Canada?

they had posted online. I had done some work in the Comox Valley many years ago, and so I knew what the communities were like and it seemed like there was a lot of really strong community organizations.

You’ve had experience living and working lots of places all over the world. What’s one of your most memorable experiences

from that time?

Something that’s common to all of the countries that I’ve worked in and that is also the case in Campbell River is just the amazing natural beauty that you have. In the former Soviet Union, I worked in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan and they have the Pamir Mountains and the Hindu Kush and so on, they are amazing natural landscapes. In Egypt, it was the Nile River. I was actually working in Aswan which is where the Nile is at its widest. And just being able to cross the Nile River from one part to another on a regular basis in one of those beautiful Feluccas and to be right on the water. That’s a pretty special experience. Here in Campbell River, I come to work and I drive along South Island Highway. Coming into here and I’m like, “where

I was born in Kenya and then my father moved to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.And that country has hadenormouspoliticalinstability for decades now. So from the Congo, we actually moved to the UK and then in theearlyseventiestherewas a crisis in Uganda and Tanzania,youknowwithIdiAmin and so on. I’m a member of the Shia Isma’ili community and a lot of members of the community were coming to Canada. There was a sense that Canada was a country where there would be religious freedom, that people would have the ability to practice their faith. And that it was a very open and welcoming place to be. It’s been 50 years since that time, but I have enjoyed my time and I’m so glad that my parents made that decision.

You said it was 50 years ago, but what surprised you about moving here?

The access to tertiary education, and the quality of the kind of education that’s being available. I went to Simon Fraser (University) in Vancouver. And then eventually I went to McGill and very recently, I graduated from Royal Roads. Overall, that journey of being able to access quality education, given, it’s become a lot more expensive than it used to be, but I think for many people, it’s so is accessible and I think the quality is really quite remarkable.

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SHAMS ALIBHAI IS THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE IMMIGRANT WELCOME CENTRE.

PHOTO BY MARC KITTERINGHAM/CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR

Small communities make it easier for transition and more welcoming environment

You volunteer for the Crisis Line with the Battered Women’s Support Services in Vancouver, what draws you to that kind of work?

In the work I was doing in Egypt, it was actually looking at employment issues, especially for young people and young women. There are many barriers in society for young women in that part of the world to be accessing work. And gender-based violence is just another dimension of that. I saw its prevalence in Egypt and then when I came here, I thought that I’d really like to learn more about this issue; what its root causes are and what can women do in terms of being able to support one another.

That’s when I learned about this particular organization.Beforeyoucanvolunteer with them, they put you through a 13-week training. I was so impressed with the training that they gave. The womenenrolledinthecourse came from so many different parts of the world. And it’s just that notion of this is one ofthosebarriersthatexistsin every country all around the world and it’s about just how one addresses this kind of a systemic issue. I wanted to educate myself and educate

my peers and other people to try and change some of that.

Why did you choose to work in the nonprofit field, in general?

Because I’ve had the privilege of working in a lot of different nonprofit organizations internationally and in Canada, and I’ve seen the difference that they can actuallymakeandthequality ofwork.Ithinkit’sverymeaningful work and it has good strong leadership. I’ve seen this whole notion of even the governance of non-profit sectors where organizations are really well governed. So for example at MISA (Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of the NorthVancouver Island), one of the things that attracted me was when I looked at the board and the profile of the board members, I saw the richness of their professional andcommunitydevelopment experience. I thought you know what, it’s not every day that you have the privilege of working with this group of people and to be able to leverage their knowledge and experience.

What is it about working with newcomers that interests you?

I think it’s the richness of

theirdiversityandtheirtraditionsandtheirlanguagesand their culture, their heritage their religious traditions… There’s just so much to learn and understand. It just helps me learn to be a lot more open and understanding.

So in this new role as ExecutiveDirector,what are your goals with IWC?

I think, for us, it’s to continue to do the great work thattheorganizationalready does. I’d like perhaps to build on the community engagement that we have in the multiplecommunitiesthatwe actually work in and I think a goal is to continue to work with different clients from different parts of the world, and just understanding how to do work with different clients.Ithinkanothergoalisto increase the level of aware-

ness and understanding in the communities that we work in.

So outside of work, what makes you happy?

Well, being outdoors. You have Mount Washington here, which is just absolutely amazing. There’s all of these lakes and hiking that you can godo,biking,running.Imean, there’s just so much available. Is like a paradise if you enjoy the outdoors.

What would you say to welcome newcomers to our area?

I think small communities can be a very special place to be. It’s easier to transition into smaller places, people have time to have conversations with you, they have time to engage with you and I think it just can be a more welcoming environment.

SIJO JOSE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT CAMPBELL RIVER WHEN HE CAMETO CANADA, BUT HE’S SINCE MADE MANY CONNECTIONS, INCLUDINGTHE LOCAL CRICKET TEAM.

Everything’s cricket in Campbell River for Jose

India is a huge country with an expanding economy, but for Sijo Jose, Canada is the land of opportunity.

He completed his MBA in India and gained experience in marketing, but he had ambitions that led him to leave his home country for another.

“It was my dream to come to Canada,” Jose said. “I came directly to Campbell River … I didn’t have a clue about Campbell River.”

While he had friends in eastern Canada and Vancouver, Jose had no social contacts in the Vancouver Island community when he arrived in January 2019. At

that time, he started studying at North Island College, working toward his postgraduate degree in global business management while looking to establish credentials in his new country.

“I was so glad that I came across that program,” Jose said.

As an intern, he started working as a communication administrator for Domcor Health, which was a good apprenticeship. For a time, he also worked as a delivery driver to bring in some additional income.

“I literally was doing two jobs,” Jose said.

While at Domcor, oppor-

tunities came up that allowed him to learn more background about the operation, as he took on a greater number of responsibilities. The first couple of monthsaftercomingtoCanada, he admits, were a little rough, as he worried about finding work and getting to know people.

Cricket came to the rescue. The sport helped Jose network with others in the community, which led to the job at Domcor, as well as providing him with a group of friends and social activity.

“Wemakealotofconnections,” Jose added.

Now he’s working as a

budget analyst at Seymour Pacific in Campbell River andisaregularwiththelocal cricket team, which plays in the Victoria league. (In April, the team won a pre-season tournament for the Victoria District Cricket Association, taking home the All-Island Trophy,whileJosewasnominated as best player in the final and best bowler in the tournament.)

Through the sport Jose has met other people from Canada as well as faraway places like Europe and Australia, establishing a base of friends many of whom, like him, are making that transition to life in a new country.

helps newcomers navigate their new home

Contributed by WELCOMING COMMUNITIES COALITION

Itwouldbeanunderstatement to say that Mavis’ first experience trying to find a rental apartment in Campbell River was a disheartening one.

Mavis came to Canada from Tianjin, China, on a scholarship for a Master of Business Administration program in Vancouver. Her first job in Canada was as a coffee shop barista, where she was immersed in the subtle nuances of Canadian work culture and navigated thelanguageofanextensive drink menu. She moved to Campbell River after meeting her current partner, and

intheprocessofhousehunting was scammed by someone who falsely claimed to be a landlord.

She decided to go to the Immigrant Welcome Centre (IWC),wheresettlementstaff

helpedherfindatrustworthy property owner and suitable living situation.

“I am so glad I got to know the IWC when I came to Campbell River for the first time. I have received so

much support from them, especially when I needed the right guidance to settle down in this community,” Mavis says.

River Mirror

IWC offers a variety of services for newcomers

After some time had passed, a position opened at the Immigrant Welcome Centrethatthestaffwhohad met Mavis thought would be a good fit for her. She is now a settlement practitioner at the Campbell River office, helping newcomers find the resourcestheyneedjustasa settlementstaffoncehelped her.

IWC offers a variety of services for newcomers. Settlement practitioners help clients understand government applications and forms, navigate the school system, improve digital literacy, and provide resources and referrals about housing, employment, health care, human rights, and more.

The organization offers English language classes called LINC (Language

InstructionforNewcomersto Canada), a free program for eligible newcomers to learn English based on nationally recognized Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

IWC also recognizes that making social connections is key to feeling at home in a new community. Social groups and programs in Campbell River such as Multicultural Seniors Group and Multicultural Family Recreation Program help newcomers make new friends and build their support network.

Permanentresidents,naturalized Canadian citizens, temporary foreign workers, international students with work permits, refugees, and newcomers under programs such as CUAET (Canadian Ukrainian Authorized Emergency Travel) are all welcome to make an

appointment and come with their questions about life in Canada and Campbell River.

SaysMavis,“IWChasbeen my beacon in the dark.”

Immigrant Welcome Centre at immigrantwelcome.ca or by calling 250-830-0171. This article was adapted from the IWC’s Success Story series.

Are you a newcomer to Canada and Campbell River who would like to share your experiences settling here to help improve the settlement experiences of future immigrants and refugees?

The Welcoming Communities Coalition collaborates with key people and organizations in the community with the goal of creating more welcoming and inclusive communities.

It is guided by volunteers on the Coalition’s Steering Committee and Immigrant Advisory Table. Learn more about our projects and how to get involved by calling Coalition Coordinator Julie Keumbehdjian at 250-338-6359 or emailing

julie.keumbehdjian@immigrantwelcome.ca.

920IslandHwy., CampbellRiverV9W2C3 250-286-3554 A littlesomething for everyone Slippers Boots Belts Buckles Boloties Hats Bandanas Puzzles ...andsomuchmore! Awesternstore&somuchmore! TUESDAY-SATURDAY9:30-4:30

LAPTOPS AND TABLETS WILL BE AVAILABLETO CAMPBELL RIVER’S VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN THE NEW NIEFS TECH LENDING LIBRARY PILOT

NIEFS assists newcomers in gaining a foothold within Campbell River and the North Island

Forsomeindividuals,moving from one city to another in Vancouver Island can be challenging, stressful, and, all-in-all, a very daunting task.

Imagine that situation where you are coming from anotherregionofCanada,or even another country.

It is one of the biggest reasons that pillars of support such as North Island Employment Foundation Society (NIEFS) were established. Founded in 1986, the non-profit does more than providing individuals with employment.

It is a give and take type of approach, says NIEFS executive director Shannon Baikie. Baikie has been involved with the organiza-

tion for the past 14 years, having served as executive director in the last two.

The organization’s regional hand spreads from Black Creek to Port Hardy.

“It is a supply and demand approach here,” said Baikie. “You have to be able to connect job seekers with workers, and also employers to job seekers.”

NIEFS works hand in hand with the Immigrant Welcome Centre (IWC) in Campbell River, in what Baikie describes as a “soft hand off” when it comes to newcomers, whether it be immi-

grants to Canada or people moving from other parts of the world. In the past fiscal year, which stretched from April 2022 to March 2023, NIEFS had 55 newcomer clients, from places globally such as the Ukraine.

“We’ve been really successful in helping,” said Baikie. “They accessed services that helped them connect to work that they are really skilled for. That’s been really exciting.”

In fact, NIEFS has been recently earmarked for a groundbreaking national project. In a collaboration

with Acces Employment in Toronto, NIEFS has been chosen as the only employment service in B.C. to take part in “Connecting Canada” which attempts to steer newcomersawayfromurban centres and into less populatedareaswhenimmigrants start their lives in this country.

“Every situation is different,” says Baikie. “If you look at it from an individual perspective, we can support people the best way that we can.”

For more info on NIEFS, visit www.niefs.net, or give them a call at 250-2863441. “Drop in. We have a friendly reception,” says Baikie. “People can always pop in to ask questions.”

Executive Director says career development practitioners “understated” in the case of newcomers

PROJECT.

PHOTO FROM PIXABAY

You’ve just moved into town and you have some spare time on hands –then volunteer

After you’ve completed the myriad tasks required to settle into a new community, there comes a moment when you can take a deep breath, sit back in a comfortable chair and take stock of your life.

You’ve worked hard to complete all the practical tasksofestablishinganewlife in a new community: securing a job, acquiring a place to live, setting up your banking, medical services, schooling, among many other chores.

But once you’ve got your head above water, you can start to think about what can I do with my time?

Many people choose to give back to their new community in a way that serves both a social need as well as makingacontributiontotheir new home.

In Campbell River, there aremanyorganizationswaiting to welcome new people. Everything from arts and cultural groups to service clubs and other organizations.

Life in Campbell River is propelled by volunteerism and it has proven to be a goodwaytoreceivepersonal fulfillment and make new friends.

As Volunteer Campbell River says, “volunteers are essential to the well-being of our communities. It’s a great way to contribute to your community, help others, connect with an interest or expand a skillset.” Volunteer Campbell River is probably the best place to start. It’s a non-profit organization working to “advance the quality of volunteerism.” The

organization serves as a hub for volunteerism and offers a variety of volunteer programs and support services to seniors and non-profit organizations. Contact them at volunteer.ca.

Volunteer Campbell River has a section of their website that’s called the VolunteerConnector that lists causes and activities to get involved inandthenconnectsyouwith actual organizations.

Meanwhile, one of the most prominent and impactful organizations in the area is the Rotary Club. There are two Rotary Clubs in Campbell River, the Rotary Club of Campbell River and the Campbell River Daybreak Rotary Club. These two clubs have had a major impact on the Campbell River area as well as connecting Campbell

Riverites with international relief work. Rotary projects dot the landscape in Campbell River from the ever-popular Seawalk to the possibly morepopularElkFallsBridge.

There are many projects and causes that both Rotary Clubs are involved in and it is best to contact them to find out how to join in.

Anyone interested in belonging to the Rotary Club ofCampbellRiver,shouldfeel free to contact: crrotary@ gmail.com or check out their website and FaceBook page, The Rotary Club of Campbell River. Find the Campbell River Daybreak Rotary Club at their website and on Facebook as well.

And for something completely different, if you have a penchant for performing, then Campbell River’s arts

and cultural organizations can fulfill your needs. The community’s theatre group, RivercityPlayers,cangetyou up on stage displaying your acting chops – even if you are a complete newcomer. If you’ve always wanted to try acting, then the group has manyopportunitiesforyouto join in what is a creative and fun endeavour.

They hold auditions on a regular basis but also look for help backstage and in the technical areas such as lighting and sound. Visit rivercityplayers.ca for all the information you need.

One of the best ways to make new friends and develop new skills is through volunteering and the Campbell River area has no shortage of opportunities that need your help.

THE CAMPBELL RIVER ROTARY CLUB’S ANNUAL MARCH FOR CHILDREN CAMPAIGN IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE GOOD WORK THE GROUP DOES IN THE COMMUNITY.

PHOTO BY JOCELYN DOLL/CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR

Directrice Générale, Association francophone du centre de l’île

The Association francophone du centre de l’île (AFCI) shares and promotes French language and Francophone culture in both Campbell River and the Comox Valley by offering activities and services to Francophones and Francophiles of all ages.

Jeanne Landry has been the executive director of the AFCI since 2012. She shared with The Immigrant Welcome Centre’s Welcoming Communities Coalition what the association means to her and how Francophone newcomers can get involved. Learn more at afcicb.ca

L’Association francophone du centre de l’ïle (AFCI) offre des occasions de vivre en français et de célébrer la langue et les cultures francophones dans les régions de Campbell River et de la vallée de Comox en proposant des activités et des services pour les francophones et francophiles de tout âge.

Jeanne Landry est la directrice générale de l’AFCI depuis 2012 et elle a partagé avec The Immigrant Welcome Centre’s Welcoming Communities Coalition l’importance de l’association et comment les personnes nouvellement arrivées dans la région peuvent s’impliquer avec l’organisme. Pour en savoir plus, consultez afcicb.ca.

AFCI offering workshops on different subjects, movie nights and book clubs

Contributed by WELCOMING COMMUNITIES COALITION

WhyistheAFCIimportant to you?

Both the French language and culture are part of my core identity; I moved to BC from Québec in 1977, and it has always been important to keep nourishing that part of my identity and not forget or repress my roots.

What are some of the activities the AFCI offers to connect Francophone-speaking residents?

Food is always a big draw for French-speaking residents, so AFCI organizes regular community meals or celebrations in both Campbell River and Comox. We also have book clubs, movie

nights, and offer workshops in French on different subjects. The best way to know what’s happening with AFCI is to subscribe to its weekly newsletter.

Canyoushareastorythat highlightstheimpactofyour organization in helping newcomers?

Networking in the community has been the strength of AFCI’s help to newcomers. AFCI has helped newcomers find jobs by putting them in touch with community members who work in the same field as forest engineers or restaurant workers.

AFCI’s help goes beyond translating documents into English. AFCI has also helped newcomers find temporary housing by publishing a little ad in its weekly newsletter,

and many newcomers make social connections at activities such as our regular community meal.

How can newcomers get involved?

First,theyshouldsubscribe

to the free weekly newsletter and since most of our activities are free or by donations, it is very affordable to participate in them.

All AFCI’s services in employment are free.

According

• 520 Campbell River residents speak French as their mother tongue

• 120 Campbell River residents said French is the language most often spoken at home

Libraries are essential cornerstones

FULL OF RESOURCES FOR NEW COMMUNITY MEMBERS

PebbleGo: A digital informationandresearchtoolfor K-3 students.

A community library in Campbell River opens a world of free resources and opportunities.

New community members signing up for a library card nearly on a daily basis, due to the regional library system, a library card can be used at any of VIRL’s branches across the Island. Additionally, there no longer are late fees and no charge to obtain a card.

Electronic resources

Children & Teen Learning Solaro: Solaro is a test prep and study app based on the B.C. curriculum. It covers mathematics, science, and English/language arts for grades three to 12. Students can review lessons, create customized flashcards and notes, and more.

Two modules are available: Animals (includes dinosaurs) and Science. Each module features articles,activities,games,maps, videos and engaging readaloud audio.

TumbleBook Library: An onlinecollectionofanimated picture books, audiobooks, graphic novels, children’s classics, early reader chapter books, and National Geographic videos. A great resource to teach kids the joy of reading in a format they’ll love.

TeenBookCloud: Has 600 titles for middle and high school readers! This collection contains a wide range of audiobooks, classics, graphic novels, novels, poetry, and short stories. National Geographic videos are available too.

continued on Z14

GET A LIBRARY CARD ONLINE

Did you know that a library card is free for anyone living in our catchment area? Register online for a library card without having to visit a branch.

ERIN HALUSCHAK Black Press Media

Programs are valuable to the community

Language Learning

Road to IELTS: General Edition: the official, online IELTS (International English Language Testing System) preparation and practice database prepared by the British Council, for people learning English who need to pass the exam for educational, immigration, and occupational purposes.

Mango Languages: A language learning database designed to equip you with conversational abilities. Mangoimmersesyouinreal, everyday conversations in 45 different language courses.

Film&TelevisionKanopy: A video streaming platform for libraries with one of the largest and most unique collections in the world. It features more than 26,000 movies, documentaries, and indie and foreign films fromhundredsofproducers, including The Criterion Collection, The Great Courses,

Kino Lorber, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers.

Browse by subjects to explore and expand your interests

Ebooks and audiobooks

OverDrive:VIRL’smostpopular eBook and eAudiobook platform. It also includes current and back issues of popular magazines. All you need to get started is your library card and an internet connection.

Download the Libby App for a simple and easy experience downloading eBooks and eAudiobooks for free.

Electronic Newspapers

Canadian Newsstream: Full-text access to more

than 500 BC and Canadian newspapers. Content for some titles starts from the 1970s. Canadian Newsstream is updated daily.

PressReader: The world’s largest online newspaper and magazine kiosk, where you can browse and read hundreds of full-content premium newspapers and magazines from around the globe. Access is for 30 days after library sign-in. You will need to follow the steps to sign in as a library member after that 30-day period, to re-start another 30 days of access.

EmploymentHelpCareer Cruising: Career Cruising programs help people build

more purposeful futures by assisting with career exploration and planning. This database offers career assessment tools, detailed occupation profiles, and comprehensive post-secondary education information.

LinkedIn Learning: An online learning platform featuring video courses and tutorials. LinkedIn Learning offers courses with a focus on skills for business, creative industries, education, information technology, software, and web development.

Legal Information Clicklaw: Provides legal information, education and help for British Columbians.

Music Freegal: Freegal Music offers access to more than15millionsongs,including Sony Music’s catalog.

Naxos Music Library: The world’s largest online classical music library.

Check out virl.bc.ca for eventsandmore.

Learning English and Canadian culture go hand-in-hand at LINC

Contributed by WELCOMING COMMUNITIES COALITION

When learning a new language in a new country, it doesn’t take long to encounter cultural differences. Cultural understanding can be vital to language learning, particularly when conducting daily activities and tasks.

The Immigrant Welcome Centre’s (IWC) Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program helps adult newcomers learn English for successful settlement in Canada. Rather than grammar or vocabulary tests, students are given assessments throughout the year to determine if they are able to apply their English to go through day-to-day life.

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THIS LINC CLASS IN CAMPBELL RIVER TEACHES ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR LIFE IN CANADA.

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“LINC is a special program because it doesn’t just teach language, it teaches language for use in Canada … Everything we teach in class is something students need,” LINC Coordinator and Lead Instructor Esther Karasova says.

Going grocery shopping and understanding pricing in English, using a bank ATM for the first time, taking the bus to get around town, or booking an appointment over the phone – these are all activities that Karasova has seen students accomplish thanks to the LINC program.

The program is free for immigrants and refugees, largely funded by Immigra-

tion, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Because the content is student-led and anchored in the real world, the subjects for the year could include banking, health, housing, finances, Canadian holidays, local field trips, and more.

Karasovaoftenhearsback from students about the impact the program has on their lives.

Many of the students have found new jobs thanks to the confidence they gained from the program. One student told her that she used to be afraid to go anywhere in the community without the support of a family member in case she was asked questions she did not understand.

continued on Z17

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Shopping at the grocery store used to be a daunting task – and now she loves it.

All students first visit the settlement staff at IWC to book an assessment that determines what English class is right for them. The LINC assessments use nationalstandardssetoutby Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

A main challenge the program has faced in recent years is funding and space –therearesimplymorepeople who want to enroll in classes than there are available seats. Karasova says the LINCprogramhasmorethan tripled since 2021. In Sep-

tember 2022, IWC added the optionofeveningclassesand began offering higher level courses that were previously only available online.

At the time of writing (spring 2023), there was a waitlist. Says Karasova,

“We are looking for more expansion opportunities as there’s a continued growing demand for language support.”

If you or a newcomer you know wants to book an assessment for the LINC program or needs help finding the right English learning opportunity, they can speak to a settlement practitioner at the Immigrant Welcome Centre (250-830-0171).

There are also other opportunities in Campbell River to practice English informally and make social connections with newcomers.

Some of these include:

• Workplace Culture and Language Hub (fall 2023) – Immigrant Welcome Centre (250-830-0171)

• Social groups through the Immigrant Welcome Centre (such as the Multicultural Family Recreation program) –September to June (250-830-0171)

• Campbell River Literacy Association (250-923-1275; literacyforall.ca)

What is so different about Campbell River?

I’ll be the first to admit that Campbell River would have been the last place I’d start my journey as a journalist.

In 2018,I was on top of the world. I was 36 years young, and after much delay and preparation, was anticipating a lengthy career on the horizon. I had tabled several interviews before my graduation from Humber College in Toronto. My fellow undergraduates,someasmuchas a dozen years younger than I, applauded my dedication tomakingmyforayintopost secondary a success.

Only, a strange thing happened:nothingcamefromit.

I continued working in a cold storage warehouse (two actually),andthoseyounger kids, landed jobs in places ranging from Guelph, Ont. to Yellowknife, N.W.T.

Try as I might, the interviews dried up about a year later. When COVID hit and shut the world down, my warehouse job got me designated as an “essential worker” and while I was making money to sustain a living and continuously out and about, I wondered if my choicetostudymediaincollege was a mistake.

After some life turbulence which included the end of a long term relationship and other pitfalls, I decided that just like dedicating myself to studying journalism, I’d dedicate myself to finding a place within it. Each day after my day job, I’d go and apply again and again.After only a few weeks, the offer came to me if I would like to jointheteaminacommunity on the central part of Van-

couver Island.

I had heard of Campbell River from my days working in freight-based warehouses like Purolator and FedEx,but I wasn’t prepared for what I’d see.

I recall the long drive,from an early Thursday morning in mid-September, just as theleavesinOntariochange colour on the trees.

I recall the stops, with a memorable show of solidarity in Regina during a Roughriders contest (where everyoneworegreen),tothe end of our journey, with no streetlights, pulling up in my Subaru on Campbell River’s city limits with the sign reading that Port Hardy was 250 kilometres away. I turned to my co-driver on the cross country trek, my father, and

exclaimed “there’s places NORTH of here?”

Nearly a year later, I have found that the calmness of the streets at night and interactions with wildlife on a daily basis is what gives this community the proper contrast of a congested, noisy chaotic scene that I was accustomed to out in Eastern Canada.

The short trips to places like a grocery store, or even a movie theatre which is around the corner, not half an hour away, is what gives this city the charm that is so enticing. For conspiracy theorists who declare that developers and governments are looking to limit citizens with the “15 minute city,” it already exists and they live in it.

For a lifelong metropolitan dweller, I’m glad that Campbell River chose me to start my career.

You can walk along the Seawalk any time of the day and see so much diversity, from First Nations to new immigrants.

You can also see the rich blue colours of the Pacific Ocean; you can see all the beauty from the view of my desk out the window, seeing the mountains that offer a chance at temporary escape, if only for a short while on a hike.

Maybe some time, I will yearn for the chaos that I was accustomed to. But for now, I beam with joy when declaring Campbell River, the seven minute city, my home.

EDWARD HITCHINS Campbell River Mirror

THE ROTARY SEAWALK IN CAMPBELL RIVER.

PHOTO BY ALISTAIR TAYLOR/CAMPBELL RIVER MIRROR

CAMPBELL RIVER NEWCOMERS’ RESOURCE GUIDE

CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER

301 St. Ann’s Road, Campbell River BC, V9W4C7 www.campbellriver.ca

■ City Hall: 250-286-5700 | email: info@campbellriver.ca

■ Animal Control: 1-888-754-1397

■ Parks: 250-286-7275

■ Property Tax Inquires: 250-286-5715

■ Bus Pass, Garbage Tag, Dog License Inquiries: 250-286-5719

■ Water, Sewer, Drainage, Roads, Streetlights, Sidewalks: 250-286-4033

■ Water, Sewer, Drainage, Roads, Streetlights, Sidewalks After-Hours: 250-287-7444

■ Power Outage: 1-888-POWERON (1-888-769-3766)

■ Gas Leaks and Odours: FortisBC 1-800-663-9911

■ Fire Non-Emergency Line: 250-286-6266

■ RCMP Non-Emergency Line: 250-286-6221

■ Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 | Tip Text Messages: (274637)

■ Legislative and Corporate Services: 250-286-5700

■ Human Resources: 250-286-5752

STRATHCONA REGIONAL DISTRICT (SRD)

990 Cedar Street, Campbell River BC, V9W7Z8 www.srd.ca

■ Corporate Office: 250-830-6700

■ After Hours Emergency re: Area D Drinking WaterCR Firehall: 250-287-7444

■ After Hours Emergency re: Quathiaski Cove Sewer: 250-204-1702

■ Community Services: 250-830-6718

■ Planning: 250-830-6718

■ Finance: 250-830-6720

■ Building : 250-830-6718

■ Parks & Facilities: 250-830-6722

■ Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex: 250-830-6777

■ Emergency Preparedness: 250-830-6702

■ Engineering (Water, Sewer, Solid Waste): 250-830-6709

■ Sewer Connections, Concerns & Questions: 250-830-6700

STRATHCONA REGIONAL DISTRICT (SRD)

990 Cedar Street, Campbell River BC, V9W7Z8 www.srd.ca

■ Waste Services, Schedules, Eligibility: 250-830-6719

■ Bylaw Compliance: 250-830-6725

■ Human Resources: 830-6723

■ Corporate/Legislative Services: 250-830-6704

■ Mainroads 24-Hr Hotline (report road conditions): 1-877-215-7122

■ Drive BC Road Conditions Info Line: 1-800-550-4997

■ BC Transit: 250-287-7433

SCHOOL DISTRICT 72

425 Pinecrest Road, Campbell River BC, V9W3P2 www.sd72.bc.ca

■ School District Office: 250-830-2300 info@sd72.bc.ca

POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS

■ North Island College 1685 South Dogwood Street, Campbell River BC, V9W8C1

1-800-715-0914 (Toll Free) | 250-923-9700 www.nic.bc.ca

■ Discovery Community College — 1130 Shoppers Row, Campbell River BC, V9W2C8 1-877-315-5241 (Toll Free) | 250-287-9850

continued on Z20

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

■ Service BC Centre

#115 1180 Ironwood Street, Campell River BC, V9W5P7

250-286-7555

www.gov.bc.ca

■ WelcomeBC: www.welcomeBC.ca

NEWCOMERS ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES

■ Immigrant Welcome Centre: 250-830-0171

■ Welcome Wagon: www.neighbourhoodwelcome.org

■ John Howard Society: 250-256-0611

FAMILY & YOUTH SERVICES

■ Campbell River Family Services: 250-287-2421

■ Child & Family Services Office: 250-286-7542

■ Family Law Advocacy: 250-286-3436

■ Supported Child Development Program (Rivercity Inclusion): 250-286-0955

■ Girl Guides: 604-714-6636

■ Wachiay Friendship Centre: 250-334-4312

■ Foundry BC: 250-286-0611

■ North Island Family Justice Centre: 250-286-7527 | 1-800-757-9406 (Toll Free)

■ Cameryn’s Cause for Kids Society: 250-203-0115

■ Pacific Coast Community Resources: 604-942-6939

■ ESL Youth Program (CR Literacy Association): 250-923-1275

LIBRARIES

■ Vancouver Island Library: 250-287-3655

■ North Island College Library Services: 250-923-9785

RECREATION CENTRES

■ Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex: 250-830-6777

■ Campbell River Community Centre: 250-286-1161

■ Campbell River Sportsplex: 250-923-7911

TRANSPORTATION

■ Campbell River Transit Service: 250-287-7433

■ Wheels for Wellness: 250-338-0196

■ Campbell River Airport: 250-923-5012

■ Coastal Rides: 855-921-2226

■ Bee Line Taxi: 250-287-8383

■ Waivin Flags Taxi : 250-287-8294

CRISIS & SUPPORT LINES

■ 24-Hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888

■ Vancouver Island Crisis Text number: 250-800-3806

■ Suicide Crisis Line – BC Wide, 24/7: 1-800-784-2433

■ Sexual Assault Services - 24/Hr SARP Line: 250-201-2150 (call or text)

■ Ann Elmore House 24-Hr Women’s Help Line: 250-286-3666, 1-800-667-218 (Toll Free), Text 250-895-1773

■ Family Caregivers Society of British Columbia Support Line: 1-877-520-3267

■ BC Drug & Poison Information Centre Hotline: 1-800-567-8911

■ Health Link BC: 8-1-1

■ Crisis Chat Services: www.vicrisis.ca

■ Kuu-us Crisis Line: Adult 250-723-4050, Youth 250-723-2040 Vancouver Island and through the province of BC: 1-800-663-1441

■ Mental Health & Substance Use: 250-850-2620

■ Campbell River Child & Youth Mental Health: 250-830-6500

■ BC Mental Health and Addiction Info Line: 1-800-661-2121

■ Campbell River AA: 250-287-4313

■ Campbell River NA: 1-844-484-6772

■ Campbell River Sobering and Assessment Centre: 250-287-9969

■ Gambling Support Line: 1-888-795-6111

■ Campbell River Women’s Resource Centre: 250-287-3044

■ Rose Harbour Transition Housing: 250-287-7384

■ Drop-In Crisis Counselling (Rose Harbour): 250-287-3044

■ Foundry BC: 250-286-0611

■ Indigenous Liaison Nurse Program: 250-286-7100 ext. 67305 or 250-830-8865 (cell)

CAMPBELL RIVER OFFERS AN EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF WALKING AND HIKING TRAILS INCLUDING THE ELK FALLS SUSPENSION BRIDGE. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE.

HEALTHCARE, HOSPITALS & RELATED SERVICES

■ Health Connect Registry: https://hcr.healthlinkbc.ca/s/

■ Island Health Community Health Services: 250-331-8570, 1-866-928-4988

■ Island Health Diabetes Education Centre: 250-286-7150

■ Island Health Chronic Disease Management/Outpatient Nutrition: 250-286-7151

■ Campbell River Hospice Society (Peer Support Group): 250-286-1121

■ Mental Health Recovery Partners North Island: 250-914-3059

■ BC Alcohol and Drug Referral Services: 1-800-663-1441

■ North Island Hospital: 250-286-7100

■ Health link BC: 8-1-1

■ Island Health: www.islandhealth.ca

■ First Nations Health Authority: 604-693-6500 | Toll Free 1-866-913-0033

■ Mental Health & Addictions Services: North Island – 250-850-2620

■ Canadian Mental Health Assoc.: 604-872-4902

■ Campbell River Hospice Society: 250-286-1121

■ Campbell River Family Services: 250-287-2421

■ Immigrant Welcome Centre: 250-830-0171

■ Wellness Centre (Campbell River Hospital): 250-286-7100 Ext. 67301

■ Sasaman’s Society: 250-914-2212

■ Second Chance Recovery: 250-830-1103

■ M’akola Housing Society: 250-923-4145, 1-877-384-1423 (Toll Free)

■ North Island Survivors’ Healing Society: 250-287-3325

BUSINESS RESOURCES

■ Community Volunteer Income Tax Program: 250-286-3436

■ Campbell River BIA: 250-287-8642

■ Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce: 250-650-7575

■ Campbell River Community Foundation: 250-201-3757

■ Immigrant Welcome Centre: 250-830-0171

SENIORS SERVICES

■ Campbell River Seniors Centre Society: 250-914-4401

■ Home Instead Home Care: 250-338-0554

■ Campbell River Senior’s Centre: 250-914-4401

■ Wheels for Wellness: 250-338-0196

■ Better at Home: 250-287-8111

■ Counselling and Mental Health Support: 250-850-2150

■ Island Nursing: 250-941-4443

■ Campbell River Hospice: 250-286-1121

■ Indigenous Liaison Nurse Program: 250-286-7100 ext. 67305 or 250-830-8865 (cell)

■ Kinship Care Centre: 1-855-474-9777

■ BC Transit: 250-287-7433

■ HandyDART: 250-286-3278

■ Wheels for Hope: 1-888-939-3333

■ Grannies on the go Seniors Services: 250-650-3301

■ M’akola Housing Society: 250-923-4145, 1-877-384-1423 (Toll Free)

■ Campbell River Lifeline Society: 250-286-4888

■ Office of the Seniors Advocate: 1-877-952-3181 (Toll Free)

Workbc.ca is a good source for newcomers seeking employment.

A search on the website brings up 350 jobs, including full-time, parttime, temporary and permanent positions.

Everything from truck drivers to accountants can be found on the site.

Jobs in Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland can all be found on the site. It’s like ‘one-stop shopping’ for employment.

But the website is far more than just a job posting site.

There are invaluable tips on how to write a proper resume, how to prepare for a job interview, trades training, even a portal specifically for mature workers.

One page that is especially relevant is the “People New to B.C.” page, which offers everything from information about the immigration process to advice on applying for

government services.

The Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants page offers many valuable tools, including:

• financial help to pay for professional re-credentialling (training) or licenses

• job-related language training

• assessment(checking)ofcredentials and experience

• career planning and coaching

• communication with regulatory authorities

• referrals to employers and mentors

The SkilledTradesBC page offers programs to help newcomers on their path to well-paid careers in the trades.

There is also an upgrading page, which helps planning (high schoollevel) upgrade courses to prepare for post-secondary training or education.