History & Mandate

The North Bay & District Multicultural Centre evolved from the work of the North Bay Newcomer Network, spearheaded by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development. It became a reality January 1, 2008 and is a reflection of the changing face of the city. The official opening of the centre was February 22, 2008.

The North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, was an active NNN member prior to the launch of the centre and worked with the City of North Bay and other community partners to organize a successful immigration symposium April 8, 2006, attended by more than 80 people. The need to create immigrant support services in the city was strongly identified as a necessary component to the city's immigration strategy.

The symposium led to the hiring of a researcher, with funding provided by FedNor and the City of North Bay. Her research further identified the need for immigrant support services. Staff from Citizenship and Immigration Canada's Toronto office visited North Bay three times to meet with NNN members and encouraged us to apply for funding. We did, and here we are!

Our mandate is to provide immigrant support services to residents from Mattawa to West Nipissing and Temagami to Parry Sound. We offer a volunteer mentoring program where city and district residents are matched with newcomers to help them adjust to life in Canada.

Our office provides information and referral services for all aspects of immigrant support and provides a computer, photocopier, telephone and fax service for immigrants wanting to do their own research. We provide interpretation by volunteers and translation on a fee for service basis.