Ottawa hosts welcome party for Syrian refugees at Lansdowne Park

In the sweltering Saturday afternoon heat, young Syrian refugees line up for free frozen treats at Aberdeen Pavilion as part of a welcome party hosted by the City of Ottawa.

Now that 1,500 Syrian refugees have been settled into their new homes in Ottawa, Coun. Michael Qaqish said it was time for a welcome party.

"We know that the first year and the first little while when refugees or immigrants come to a new country is the most difficult so we want to make sure that they know we're here to support them and we're here to provide all the tools that they need to succeed in their life in Canada," he said. 

Ghina Salloum, 13, has settled into a new home on St. Laurent Boulevard and enrolled in Grade 7 since she arrived in Ottawa at the end of December.

"Everything. I like everything," she said, adding that the Canadian Tulip Festival was a highlight. ""I like the schools, the people, the Canadian people. Everything. Thank you so much." 

There are bouncy castles and free books from the Ottawa Fire Service outside, and food and craft stations inside, as well as booths for various city services. The Ottawa Police Service also has a booth to educate the newcomers about their services, said Const. Lila Shibley.

'It's a very warm feeling'

Qaqish, who is also a liason for Syrian refugees, addressed the crowd in Arabic during speeches as many of the newcomers don't speak English or French.

A translator stood at a podium next to Ottawa-Centre MPP Yasir Naqvi as he addressed the crowd.

​"Your welcome in this city, community and country is not just limited to today," Naqvi said, explaining that he understands the challenges of being a newcomer as he immigrated to Canada from Pakistan as a teen. "Every day you are part of the cultural fabric in Ottawa, and every day, we are a stronger city because you are with us now."

Many refugees lined up for a selfie with Mayor Jim Watson after the speeches. 

Watson said he was pleased that so many came out for the event.

"It really is heartwarming to see this kind of reaction and a reception to the refugees," he said. "I've seen friends who have not seen each other since Syria coming and hugging one another today. So it's a very warm feeling — not just the weather outside but the spirit in this building."

Qaqish said no tax dollars were used for the event, which was made possible by private sponsors. City Hall is hosting a job fair for Syrian refugees in June.