Revelstoke Welcome Week connects newcomers with the community

By Jill Zacharias, Social Development Coordinator

This time of year, it’s not just snow that accumulates in our mountain town. People of all ages come from all over the world, drawn by the prospect of a winter in Revelstoke. A modest estimate is that this seasonal influx increases Revelstoke’s population by at least 1,000 residents each year. Enter ‘Welcome Week’.

Welcome Week began with a recommendation in the 2011 Community Development Action Plan update to support newcomers and encourage people to develop a sense of belonging in our community. The City of Revelstoke Social Development Committee took the lead and in 2012 Welcome Week was born. Generally, Revelstokians are passionate about being here. Welcome Week was created to provide an opportunity to share that passion and inspire newcomers to get involved, participate in the community, and connect with services they may need. In a nutshell, Welcome Week is Revelstoke putting our best foot forward. It’s a week of free or low cost events, coupled with a spirit of celebration. It’s also about giving long-standing citizens an opportunity to take part.

Social Development Coordinator Jill Zacharias

This year, over 20 community partners have stepped up to participate. The City of Revelstoke is providing free public transit all week as well as numerous events at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Across town, various businesses and organizations are hosting speaker events, movies, yoga and fitness classes, and more. Feature events include the Community Dinner (only $5!) and Volunteer Fair on Thursday Nov. 26 at the Community Centre, as well as the Ha Ha Harem Comedy Show and Dan Mangan Live at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre. Surprise participants include the Thrift Store — which is offering half price on all stock all week — and YourLink, offering a guided tour and free hookups. Both the Thrift Store and YourLink let me know how much support they get from the seasonal residents each year and were eager to participate. The entire week is being sponsored by the Revelstoke Accommodation Association and Columbia Basin Trust.

As Revelstoke becomes an ever more popular winter destination, the increase in seasonal population is here to stay. Communities all over B.C. are trying to think up ways to get young people to stay in their communities. Fortunately, Revelstoke doesn’t seem to have that problem. But although the timing of Welcome Week is meant to engage the seasonal crowd, they aren’t the only target participants. The week is for all newcomers. Two years ago, I received an enthusiastic letter post-Welcome Week from a woman who had recently moved here with her husband, after the birth of their first grandchild, born to four-year resident-homeowners who love it here. She had participated in a number of Welcome Week events.

Volunteers accept recognition awards at the 2014 volunteer fair. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer file photo

“Many other newcomers I encountered said that this was a great way to get to know the community and a great way to meet people,” she wrote. “I am very impressed with the strong community of Revelstoke.”

Whether people are here for two months, two years or 20, Revelstoke is home. It’s up to all of us to make it the best it can be. Schedule of events. Other resources for newcomers can be found at www.welcometorevelstoke.org.

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