Newcomer Centre Returns to Mill Woods with New Southside Location
The Newcomer Centre, an organization dedicated to helping immigrants access essential services and settle in Edmonton, has recently moved back to the vicinity of its former location. This strategic relocation places the centre in the heart of a community with a significant newcomer population, ensuring continued support for those in need.
Grand Opening Ceremony
Edmonton city councillors Jon Morgan and Jo-Anne Wright were present at the opening of the southside location on February 19, 2026. They were joined by Sam Juru, the executive director of the Newcomer Centre, marking a significant milestone for the organization. The event highlighted the centre's commitment to serving the community and adapting to evolving needs.
Historical Context and Relocation
For approximately two decades, the Newcomer Centre's Welcome Centre was a staple in the Millbourne Market Mall within the Mill Woods neighbourhood. However, last year, this location closed due to restructuring within the organization. Following discussions with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the primary funder of the non-profit, it was decided to maintain a presence in southeast Edmonton. This area is renowned for its strong concentration of newcomer communities, making it an ideal location for the centre's services.
Sam Juru emphasized the importance of this move, stating, "We heard from communities that there was a need to continue with services, particularly social services, in the south. There's a bit of a gap there."
New Location Details
The new centre is situated at Suite 304, 6203 28 Ave., directly opposite the Mill Woods Town Centre. This location offers convenient access to the Valley Line via the nearby LRT station, enhancing accessibility for residents from both within and outside the southern region of the city. Juru noted, "We are in close proximity to a lot of communities, and also accessible to communities who are coming from outside of the south."
Organization Background and Services
Originally established in the early 1980s as the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, the organization has since rebranded and now operates three locations across Edmonton. Annually, it serves over 20,000 individuals through various programs designed to assist newcomers with:
- Language skills development
- Employment search and placement
- Settlement and integration support
Community and Government Support
Keren Tang, the city councillor for Ward Karhiio where the Welcome Centre is located, expressed her support for the centre's continued presence in the south. She remarked, "I think it's really interesting that they're pivoting based on some of the current immigration landscape, and offering some of the more focused services." Tang also highlighted the alignment of the centre's changes with federal immigration trends.
While the federal government provides the majority of funding for the Newcomer Centre, the City of Edmonton contributes through grants, such as the anti-racism grant. Tang added, "Having partners like the Newcomer Centre and the Welcome Centre is really important."
Impact of Immigration Policy Changes
The relocation coincides with significant shifts in federal immigration policies, including reductions in the number of individuals permitted to immigrate to Canada. Notably, the centre's grand opening occurred just hours before Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a series of referendum questions related to immigration, scheduled for an October vote.
Juru acknowledged the close connection between the centre's operations and governmental policy changes at both provincial and federal levels. He stated, "He said he is also aware that the federal government has reduced the number of immigrants who are coming to Canada, and that could affect how the organization operates." This awareness underscores the centre's adaptability in a dynamic political and social environment.
The Newcomer Centre's return to Mill Woods represents a resilient effort to support Edmonton's immigrant population, ensuring that essential services remain accessible despite ongoing challenges and changes in immigration policies.
