Newcomer Wellness Festivals - Connecting Communities with Nature on Vancouver Island
Newcomer Wellness Fair in Nanaimo
On February 5th, 2025, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society hosted its annual Newcomer Wellness Fair to introduce new residents to local health service providers, organizations, and community resources.
Greenspace for All’s Project Coordinator, Ariadne Boutsakis, was joined by Joani Litchfield, a Registered Nurse and founder of SeaStrength Health, in sharing the evidence-based health benefits of spending time in nature.
Image: Nanaimo News Bulletin – the front cover feature of the event and the Greenspace for All booth. Left – Joani Litchfield; Right – Ariadne Boutsakis. Source.
For many newcomers, settling in a new community can be stressful, with challenges like adapting to a different culture, finding support networks, and searching for employment (learn more). According to the BC Parks Foundation’s PaRx initiative, spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower cortisol levels in adults, reducing stress and improving overall health. At the fair, Joani encouraged participants to try the 5-4-3-2-1 method as an accessible way to integrate nature into daily life and promote mindfulness by engaging all five senses. These small, intentional actions can also help newcomers improve their sense of place and adapt to their new environment.
The 5-4-3-2-1 Method diagram by MindJournal. This method can be used to relieve stress and connect with nature on your next walk outdoors.
Welcome Day Celebration and Newcomer Expo in Saanich
Greenspace for All Project Manager Kelly Loch attended the 11th annual Welcome Day Celebration and Newcomer Expo held at Saanich Commonwealth Place on February 17th, 2025. Hosted and organized by the District of Saanich, Here Magazine and Le Relais Francophone, this lively multicultural celebration brought together local organizations, service providers, artisans, and residents to celebrate the diversity of Greater Victoria, welcome newcomers, and promote community cohesion.
Kelly Loch (Greenspace for All Project Manager) at the Saanich Welcome Day Celebration and Newcomer Expo 2025. The event featured interactive exhibits, international cuisines, networking opportunities, and captivating performances from Uminari Taiko, Lekwungen Traditional Dancers, Victoria Bengali Cultural Society, Ballet Folklorico Fiesta Latina, and Wong Sheung Kung Fu Club. Photos were taken by event organizers.
Kelly Loch, Greenspace for All Project Manager, joined the festivities by promoting the project and sharing resources on the importance of greenspaces for community wellbeing and resilience, climate adaptation, and environmental health. Access to greenspaces, however, is not equitably distributed (Edge et al., 2023).
According to the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Canada:
Individuals and communities without access to green space will experience greater risks associated with climate change-related events, including poor air quality, extreme heat, and flooding.
Greenspace for All addresses these impacts by bringing awareness to the importance and benefits of equitable access to greenspaces and encouraging local governments to adopt an equity lens in climate and greenspace strategies.
Connect with Greenspace for All
If you want to learn more about the Greenspace for All Project or have ideas for possible community partnerships, please contact Ariadne Boutsakis, the Project Lead at ariadne@stewardshipcentrebc.ca. We look forward to hearing from you.
