Maple News reports that across Ontario, small and mid-sized communities are developing innovative strategies to attract, support, and retain newcomers—offering fresh hope in addressing local labour shortages and regional demographic challenges. While major cities like Toronto and Vancouver remain magnets for immigrants, these Ontario towns are proving that with the right approach, newcomers can find welcoming homes far beyond Canada’s largest urban centres.
The Immigrant Futures project, launched under the umbrella of Ryerson University, has spotlighted nearly 50 Canadian municipalities with standout programs for immigrant integration. This initiative showcases “Good Ideas”—effective models that local governments, employers, and nonprofits have put into action to help immigrants thrive outside major cities. Among them, 10 Ontario communities have particularly distinguished themselves.
In Guelph, tech entrepreneur Jim Estill, CEO of Danby Appliances, took matters into his own hands during the Syrian refugee crisis. Estill personally sponsored 50 Syrian families and established a network of volunteers to help them settle. Danby also launched a 90-day job training program called “Ease into Canada,” which provides language instruction and business skills to help newcomers succeed in the workplace.
Hamilton has tackled social integration by promoting diversity and inclusion through a grassroots campaign known as #HamiltonForAll. Although the campaign has officially ended, the hashtag remains active, symbolizing ongoing community efforts to push back against hate and build a united city. Partnerships among local organizations continue to promote education and workforce integration for immigrants.
North Bay, meanwhile, supports newcomers through the Skilled Newcomer Career Loan Program. Eligible immigrants can access up to $5,000 in low-interest loans to pay for job training and credential recognition, easing the path to employment. Additionally, the city is preparing for further immigrant settlement through the federal Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot—a program that connects immigrants with job offers and permanent residency opportunities in smaller communities.
In the nation’s capital, the Ottawa Newcomer Health Centre provides culturally sensitive healthcare, interpretation services, and primary care to newly arrived immigrants. The center plays a vital role in bridging the gap between settlement and access to Canada’s healthcare system, offering services specifically tailored to meet the needs of diverse cultural backgrounds.
These examples from Ontario demonstrate that rural and smaller communities are not only capable of welcoming immigrants—they are essential to building a balanced and inclusive national immigration strategy. By creatively addressing integration challenges, these cities are shaping the future of immigration policy and showing that good ideas can come from anywhere.
As the Canadian government continues to expand regional migration pathways like the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, efforts like these will become increasingly important in shaping the next generation of Canadian communities.