An organization that helps new Canadians settle, learn English and find a job will officially close the doors to one of its Coquitlam offices at the end of today (June 30).
The Immigrant Services of Society of BC (ISS) will shutter its Newcomer Service Hub at 504 Cottonwood Ave. and move its programs and services for immigrants and refugees to its other sites at the Lincoln Centre mall, in the City Centre neighbourhood.
The move comes as ISS unveils its 2023–25 Strategic Plan, and as it looks to build on its 50 years and mandate of "helping immigrants build a future in Canada."
Now in 13 communities in B.C., ISS has about 475 staff province-wide with a $45 million operating budget to deliver 60 programs in 45 languages.
The move also comes two weeks after ISS Chief Operating Officer Chris Friesen lobbied the city's council-in-committee to help build a newcomer service hub.
On June 12, Friesen appeared as a delegation to talk about how the group is changing its model for service delivery after 20 years in Coquitlam, in collaboration with SHARE Family and Community Services (ISS staff are based in SHARE offices).
Specifically, Friesen said ISS wants to change its Welcome Centre model to a settlement services hub. “We think it’s desperately needed given the current number of immigrants and refugees settling in this community, both now and projected in the future.”
Ideally, he said, ISS would like a 12,000 to 15,000 sq. ft. space in Coquitlam’s City Centre — with access to housing.
And while it doesn't want to be a housing operator, ISS is open to work with developers and others to have priority referral for newcomers — with services on the ground floor and housing for clients above.
ISS can either lease or purchase the space, and it has money for potential investment co-development opportunities. “We come with open hands with a vision and want to work with others to create this.”
Friesen was expected to meet with city staff on June 22.
Councillors said they are supportive of a new settlement services centre, but "we're a local government," Coun. Brent Asmundson said. "We have the least amount of money in this area."
He encouraged ISS to apply for funding from the federal and provincial governments while Coun. Trish Mandewo said the group needs to work with SHARE on its non-market housing projects.
"We're limited in what we can do," Coun. Craig Hodge added.
