At Lanark County council’s recent committee meeting, councillors received an update on the work of Lanark and Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services (LRISS) which was funded by a federal grant and financial support from both Counties.
Work began in April of last year and funding continues to March of 2028. LRISS delivers targeted, no-cost programs that help eligible newcomers successfully settle, integrate, and thrive in the region’s welcoming communities.
Program coordinator Adam Amza provided some examples of their successes in integrating families, including one where staff developed more than just a working relationship such as with a Ghanaian couple that emigrated to Carleton Place.
When councillor Ed McPherson asked why some newcomers chose Lanark and Renfrew Counties as their new homes, Amza replied those with large families preferred less urban settings
From April 2025 through January 2026, Lanark and Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services (LRISS) delivered comprehensive settlement support across multiple core service areas, helping newcomers build stable, connected lives in the region. 76 clients received structured settlement planning to support school, employment, language and community integration. Information and Orientation services assisted 64 clients through 253 service interactions, helping them navigate Canadian systems and daily life in Lanark County.
Community Connections programming engaged 50 clients in 252 activities to reduce isolation and strengthen social ties, while 40 newcomers participated in 164 informal language-learning activities to build functional English skills and confidence.
Employment-related supports reached 22 clients with counselling and job readiness assistance. Mentorship efforts matched more than 12 clients with volunteers, and the SWIS program supported over 25 newcomer children through 86 school-based service activities, including enrolment, coordination with school staff, family communication, and settlement-focused supports.
County CAO Kurt Greaves commented that the 12 foreign-trained nurses hired a Lanark Lodge 2 years ago have made a huge difference and helped stabilize the workforce there.
Story by Brian Turner