91原创 had its first Global Festival Saturday, celebrating the diverse cultures of this community.

Hosted by 91原创 Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP), the event on July 22 was created to bring the community together to improve immigrant settlement and integration in 91原创.

The event is the result of a strategic plan developed last year to ensure settlement success, build belonging, and support meaningful employment, Ana Marie Panczel, coordinator of LLIP, said.

鈥淐reating a place where residents feel included and where they belong are top of mind for the Building Belonging Working Group of the LLIP,鈥� Panczel said.

Between 2016 and 2021, the immigrant population growth in 91原创 City was at 48.6 per cent, and the Township had a 32.9-per-cent increase, Panczel said.

鈥�91原创 attracts immigrants from a variety of source countries,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he 91原创s demographic is quickly changing.鈥�

Panczel added that the LLIP hopes to make the event annual, alternating between 91原创 City and Township locations.

The global fest featured international foods, vendor booths, and several performances on stage including dancing by Mexico Vivo and Wild Moccasins.

Speeches were given by local politicians, including Cloverdale-91原创 City MP John Aldag and 91原创 MP Tako van Popta, 91原创 East MLA Megan Dykeman and 91原创 MLA Andrew Mercier, and City Mayor Nathan Pachal.

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