Welcoming Week
A Canada-wide celebration of belonging
Welcoming Week is a national initiative in Canada that celebrates inclusion, belonging, and connection in communities across the country.
Each September, communities host events and activities that bring newcomers and long-time residents together and highlight the importance of welcoming places for everyone.
It is part of a broader movement led by Welcoming America, focused on building more inclusive communities where everyone can belong and thrive.
In Waterloo Region, Welcoming Week is brought to life through local events and partnerships that celebrate community connection and highlight the many ways people come together across Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas.
About Welcoming Week 2025
Welcoming Week 2025 featured over 60 community events hosted by more than 30 local organizations across Waterloo Region, including Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding communities, bringing people together through cultural celebrations, film screenings, community activities, youth programs, and neighbourhood gatherings. Hundreds of residents participated, fostering connection, belonging, and inclusion.