Regina officials preparing for refugees

Officials at city hall in Regina have created a team to ensure things go smoothly for the anticipated arrival of refugees.

In a report, prepared for a committee of city council, officials said they have established what they call a "Core Planning Team" to coordinate and support refugee resettlement initiatives.

The team includes members of a variety of city departments as well as representatives of the Regina Open Door Society, the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan, the Regina Region Local Immigration Partnership and the Canadian Red Cross.

Officials said they have established five working groups to focus on the following areas:

• Housing: To assess the availability of short and long-term housing for newcomers.
• Donation Management: To coordinate the collection, storage and distribution of publicly donated materials.
• Volunteer Management: To coordinate deployment of volunteers in key service areas.
• Information/Translation: To provide translation and make available useful print information for
  newcomers (such as maps, healthcare access, government services, emergency contacts, etc.).
• Public Communication: To provide information to residents who wish to aid in resettlement initiatives.

The report noted there were many unknowns regarding the arrival of refugees, including details on the number of people who will arrive and when.

However, officials said they plan to be ready.

"These working groups have begun to create plans and procedures that will support these new residents of the City of Regina ... from the moment they arrive at the airport through to the first few weeks of settlement," the report said.

The report added that once the plans are in place, officials will provide an update.

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