Chatham-Kent Aims to Create a Welcoming Community for Immigrants
As the population of Chatham-Kent continues to grow, the demographics of the area are undergoing a significant change. In an effort to understand and meet the needs of the immigrant residents, the Municipality and the CK Local Immigration Partnership (CK LIP) have launched the 2024 Immigration Survey. This follow-up survey aims to gather valuable insights into the experiences of immigrants and monitor local trends.
Victoria Bodnar, the Manager of CK’s Community Attraction and Promotion division, emphasized the importance of hearing directly from immigrant residents in order to ensure the ongoing success of Chatham-Kent as a welcoming community. She believes that their feedback is crucial for the community’s growth and development.
According to the most recent Census data from Canada in 2021, there are currently 9,240 immigrants residing in Chatham-Kent, accounting for just over nine percent of the municipality’s population. This demonstrates the diversity that the area now embodies.
In 2020, the first immigration survey was launched, with a total of 116 respondents. The survey covered all age groups, with the youngest participant being 16 years old. The majority of respondents, 58.6 percent, fell into the age range of 25-44. It was found that most immigrants had been living in Chatham-Kent for 1-5 years and possessed a high level of education. Over 73 percent of respondents were employed, with the largest groups working in professional, scientific, or technical services (18.8 percent), healthcare and social assistance (12.9 percent), and manufacturing (7.1 percent).
The survey consists of 30 questions that aim to evaluate the community’s welcoming attributes, including access to housing, employment, and transportation. It also explores the experiences of community engagement and a sense of belonging. The previous survey was available in five languages, and this year’s version has expanded to include Punjabi and Ukrainian.
The survey will remain open until February 12 and can be accessed on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website. By actively seeking the perspectives of immigrants and addressing their concerns, Chatham-Kent aims to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all..