Edmonton agencies have spent past month preparing for Syrian refugees
In December, the first 320 will arrive in the city, with hundreds more expected in early 2016
More than 100 local agencies are involved as Edmonton prepares to receive a wave of Syrian refugees over the next few months.
They've been working together over the past weeks to prepare for 1,500 refugees, who have already begun trickling into the city.
At this point, the city expects 320 refugees to arrive in December, with the bulk coming in the first three months of 2016. But the numbers are constantly in flux.
The flights will begin on Dec. 9, and that's when people will begin to arrive in Toronto and Montreal, said Lyall Brenneis, who works with the city's department of community strategies and development.
"And how quickly they get processed and sent to their secondary destinations like Edmonton Calgary and so on, we're not sure yet."
The plan is meant to address important needs such as orientation, education, employment, transportation, language and housing.
Brenneis said the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is lobbying the federal government to increase the current housing allowance ($1,495 per month for a family of four), to make appropriately sized units for larger families more affordable.
To address short-term translation needs, the city has set up a database of Arabic speakers.
It is also partnering with the federal government to work with the chamber of commerce, the private sector, and settlement agencies to better harness the skills and talents of refugees.
"It's sort of a systemic barrier that many newcomers have to deal with, and that we need to deal with better as a community or as a society," said Brenneis. "Because these people are well-trained but because of our requirements around licensing and accreditation, it's the institutional kind of barriers that make it difficult."
Alongside the plan, the city has set up a website called Welcoming Syrian Refugees.
Edmontonians are invited to sign up to provide child care, tutoring, English language practice, city orientation or become a "friend" in the community.
They're also asked to identify rental accommodation and highlight local initiatives to welcome and integrate Edmonton's newest residents.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is accepting donations such as furniture and household items.
Of the refugees arriving in December, most are privately sponsored, meaning housing has been arranged.
The bulk of of government sponsored refugees arrive in 2016. Some will initially stay at a reception house run by Catholic Social Services, while many families will be put up in hotels in both Edmonton and Red Deer.
"At this moment in time, I don't think we're in desperate need for a larger initial landing spot," said Bruce Klanke, vice-president of community engagement with Catholic Social Services.
He said space at the reception centre and hotels "will likely be enough."
The Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, which provides services to help refugees integrate into their new lives, said so many volunteers have come forward the agency now has a volunteer to organize all that help.
One group is collecting soccer balls and stuffed animals, while others plan to make meals for families when they first arrive.
The agency is also on the lookout for local businesses that might be willing to hire newcomers and a space to store furniture and other donations.