Chatham-Kent Welcome Week

​​​​​​Join the Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership in celebrating CK Welcome Week 2026, taking place Wednesday, September 9 to Sunday, September 20, 2026.

CK Welcome Week is an annual celebration that connects newcomers to services in Chatham‑Kent, recognizes their contributions, and promotes diversity and inclusion across our community. The week features a variety of activities and events designed to foster belonging, strengthen community connections, and highlight the ongoing efforts to welcome new residents throughout the year.

To learn more about the initiatives and community reach of CK Welcome Week, check out the CK Welcome Week 2025​, Welcome Week 2023, and Welcome Week 2022  infographics. ​

​​​CK Welcome Week 2026 Event​s​

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

• ​​​​​Chamber of Commerce  BIZconneCKt​​ ​​- 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
  Resolve Consulting - 60 William Street South, Chatham 
  

​Thursday, September 10, 2026

• CK Welcome Week Flag Raising – 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  Civic Centre, 315 King Street, Chatham
  

​​​​​​​Saturday, September 12, 2​​026

• Crime Stoppers ​Ch​ildren's Safety Expo​ - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm​
  St. Clair College Chatham Campus - 1001 Grand Avenue West, Chatham
  

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

• Incorporation & Charity Status Application 101 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Live Webinar; Register on Eventbrite​
  ​
  
• The Renewed Canadian Welcome Book Tour: Migrants, Advocates and Book Contributors in Conversation – 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
  Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham Branch - 120 Queen St., Chatham​

​Saturday, September 19, 20 26

• Franco-Fun​ –  9h30-11h30 / 9:30 am - 11:30 am
  20 Notre Dame St # 18, Parc du Centenaire, Pain Court / Centennial Park, 20 Notre Dame St #18, Pain Court 
  
  
• Free Women's-Only Swim - 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  Sydenham Pool, 920 Elgin St., Wallaceburg
  

Sunday, September 20, 2026​

• CK Welcomes: A Community Showcase – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  Kingston Park, 91 Paxton Drive, Chatham​
  

​Check back soon for more events and updates!​​​

Host an event for CK Welcome Week 2026​​

We invite community organizations, businesses, schools, faith groups​​, and residents to participate in CK Welcome Week 2026 by hosting an event or activity that showcases what makes Chatham‑Kent a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone. Events can be large or small, formal or informal. The goal is to build connection, celebrate diversity, and support newcomers in feeling at home in our community.

Some ideas for events or activities you could host include:

• Open house or networking event — Invite newcomers and residents to your location to explore services and programs, build relationships, and connect with others in the community.​
  
• Volunteering opportunity — Showcase open postions and community engagement through volunteering.
  
• Civic engagement activity — Help newcomers learn about local government and community participation.
  
• Employee experience sharing — Showcase workplace diversity and newcomer success stories.
• Workshops or information sessions — Provide helpful resources or learning opportunities for community members and employers.
• Cultural or artistic demonstrations — Celebrate traditions, art, music, and cultural expression.
  
• Classes or interactive learning — Offer cooking classes, language lessons, or hands‑on activities to celebrate diversity and different cultures.
  
• Sports, games, or family-friendly activities — Bring people together through recreation and activities.
  
• Film screenings or documentaries — Highlight stories of migration, culture, and community.
  

If you have an idea for an event or would like more information about hosting during CK Welcome Week 2026, connect with CK LIP at cklip@chatham-kent.ca.​