English isn’t always the first language of newcomers to Penticton, and to demonstrate that the city is open for business to everyone, an all-encompassing greeting has become a part of the community’s headquarters.
In partnership with South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services, the City of Penticton unveiled a diverse collection of “welcomes” on March 30 at city hall. Prominently displayed inside the building’s entrance, guests are now greeted by 15 different languages from Chinese and Punjabi to Italian and Russian.
“New signs may seem like a small addition to the city hall space, but they are symbolic and reinforce how welcoming Penticton is for visitors and newcomers alike,” said Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. “We thank South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services for devoting time and energy to this project, and making city hall a more inviting and friendly place to visit.”
Taking advantage of a renovation project at City Hall last year, the need to update signage paved the opportunity for a more inclusive way to say hello. In a release, the city cited Canadian newcomers as 26 per cent of growth in the South Okanagan-Similkameen from 2001 to 2006.
“The area currently receives approximately 100 immigrants per year, and based on general population growth projections,” it states. “This number is anticipated to double.”
The new signage advances the mandate of the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services, which helps new Canadians with settling in the area. SOICS approached the city about making Penticton’s key civic building more welcoming to new Canadians and individuals who have English as a second language.
“We were excited to be included in the city hall renovation,” said Tahira Saeed, program manager for South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services. “It is a central resource location for our newcomer clients and offering a friendly atmosphere is key to their feeling welcome.”
Symbols and wayfinding signage have also gone up to help customers.