At the BC Recreation and Parks Association’s annual symposium yesterday in Penticton, the District of West Vancouver was presented with the Program Excellence Award for the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Program (WIC).
The BCRPA Program Excellence Award recognizes innovative programs that have been successful in improving individual and community-level social and physical well-being.
The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Program (WIC) offers programs and services designed to help newcomers feel welcome and connected to their new community, whether they are new to the country, or from elsewhere in Canada.
The program was developed in 2019 to respond to the needs of new community members and focuses on promoting and developing a newcomer’s physical fitness, social skills, and overall physical and mental well-being by providing opportunities, resources, and education to help them adapt to their new environment and cope with challenges.
The WIC program would not be possible without the ongoing funding and support from Enhance West Van who has fully funded the program since its inception. Thanks to their continued support the District of West Vancouver can continue to offer this program, support newcomers and create a more welcoming and inclusive community.