Newcomer Information
Learn about Surrey's programs and activities available to new immigrants to Canada.
Moving to a new city or country is an exciting opportunity and is full of challenges. The City of Surrey partners with community organizations to offer many services, programs and activities to help you settle into your new home.
We ensure our programs are accessible and inclusive and that they inspire participation, create social connections, and foster lifelong learning.
Settlement services in recreation centres
Settlement Services in Recreation Centre offers resources and information about finding a place to live, jobs, schools, childcare, healthcare, getting around, programs at recreation centres and more.
Services provided by:
- DIVERSEcity
- MOSAIC BC
- Options Community Services
- Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS)
- S.U.C.C.E.S.S. BC
Schedule
| Recreation centre | Agency | Language | Day & time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloverdale | PICS | Arabic | Wednesdays 10am–2pm |
| Fleetwood | S.U.C.C.E.S.S. PICS S.U.C.C.E.S.S. | Cantonese & Mandarin Hindi & Punjabi Tagalog | Mondays 1–5pm Tuesdays 2–6pm Wednesdays 1– 5pm |
| Guildford | DIVERSEcity Options Community Services Options Community Services | Arabic Arabic Spanish | Mondays 12–4pm* Wednesdays 1–5pm Thursdays 9am–1pm |
| Newton | MOSAIC PICS | French, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi & Swahili Hindi & Punjabi | Wednesdays 12:45–4:45pm Thursdays 12:45–4:45pm |
| South Surrey | S.U.C.C.E.S.S. DIVERSEcity | Mandarin & Punjabi Mandarin | Wednesdays 9:30am–1:30pm Fridays 12:30–4:30pm |
* DIVERSEcity sessions on Mondays will be held at Guildford Library.
Language services in Surrey
Interpretation services are available at City of Surrey facilities in more than 170 languages.
- In-person: At City facilities, point to a language on a language display card on the counter, and an interpreter will be called.
- Phone: Call 604-591-4011. Identify your preferred language and someone will assist you.
- Online: Translation on our website is hosted by Google Translate. Find this tool at the top of the website, where it says Select a Language.
We also recommend DIVERSEcity’s Interpretation and Translation Services, serving the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. DIVERSEcity has a network of more than 300 professionals who provide services in 88+ languages, including many rare ones.
In addition, the Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC provides a listing of translators and services in many languages, and MOSAIC Interpretation & Translation Services offers a fee-for-service service in more than 70 languages.
English conversation program
Practice your English for free in a comfortable environment. Some knowledge of English is required as the program focuses on conversation.
- Learn about Canadian culture
- Meet others from around the world
- Share your experiences
Programs are offered in-person and online through Microsoft Teams in the fall, winter and spring.
Fall 2024 schedule
| Program | Date & time | Location | Course ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Levels | Mondays September 9 – November 18 10:30am – 12pm | Fleetwood Library Meeting Room | #00393432 |
| All Levels | Tuesdays September 10 – October 29 | City Centre Library Room #405 | #00393417 |
| All Levels | Wednesdays September 11 – October 30 6:00 – 7:30pm | Guildford Library Meeting Room | #00393422 |
| Women Only | Fridays September 13 – November 1 | Online - Microsoft Teams | #00392411 |
| All Levels | Saturdays September 14 – November 2 | Semiahmoo Library Meeting Room | #00393428 |
How to register
- Call 604-501-5100, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and we will be happy to help you.
- In-person: visit any Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture facility during hours of operation.
- Online Registration System:
Leisure Access Program
If you are in financial need, you might qualify for Surrey's Leisure Access Program. With the Leisure Access Program, you can join most Surrey recreation activities for 75% off, or in some cases, free.
Learn more about the Leisure Access Program.
Community services
- EmpowerMe is a free energy conservation program for homeowners that largely assists Canadian immigrants. Empower Me is a joint initiative of Quality Program Services, FortisBC, Township of Langley, the City of Vancouver, the City of Surrey, VanCity, and Kambo Green Solutions.
- Jobs: With a growing economy, Surrey is a great place to find a job or start a business. Also consider applying to work for the City of Surrey, voted one of BC's top employers.
- Surrey Public Libraries: Library services are free and include English language learning, settlement services, and more.
- Surrey Schools: Surrey has more than 125 free public schools for children under 18. The City is also home to Simon Fraser University and Kwantlen Polytechnic University campuses, as well as many colleges and places for continuing education.
- WorkBC: WorkBC helps people find jobs, explore career options, and improve their skills. Whether you’re a parent, youth, teacher, career and employment counsellor, human resources professional, researcher or decision-maker, WorkBC’s tools, resources and services can benefit you.
- Surrey Local Immigration Partnership offers a services map where you can find local services, such as refugee services, employment and education support, and health and nutrition services.
Learn about more community services in the City of Surrey. The City believes in providing equal opportunities for all. Our programs and services ensure accessibility and inclusion are considered to inspire participation, create social connections, and foster lifelong learning.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact equitydiversityandinclusion@surrey.ca.