Grey-Bruce Immigrant & Newcomers Survey Returns To Inform Local Planning And Services
Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership and University of Guelph researchers have launched a 2026 survey on newcomer experiences in the region.
A regional survey aimed at understanding the experiences of immigrants and newcomers in Grey-Bruce is now open, with organizers seeking responses to inform future planning, services, and policy development.
The Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership (GBLIP), in collaboration with the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute (CESI) at the University of Guelph, is leading the Grey-Bruce Immigrant Survey 2026.
The survey is open to immigrants, refugees, refugee claimants, international students, temporary foreign workers and their families who are living, working or studying in the region.
The survey opened March 9 and is scheduled to close May 17, 2026. It is voluntary and anonymous, and organizers estimate it takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete.
In addition to the online format, responses can also be submitted by phone, email or paper upon request.
According to GBLIP and CESI, the survey is designed to gather input directly from participants about their experiences in Grey-Bruce, including challenges, strengths, and suggestions for improving settlement and integration in the region.
The findings are expected to contribute to community planning, program development, and broader discussions about how to support newcomers.
The 2026 survey builds on earlier research conducted in 2023 by GBLIP in partnership with CESI’s Research Shop, as part of a national collaboration involving 12 Local Immigration Partnerships across Canada.
That earlier study marked the first survey of its kind focused specifically on immigrants in Grey-Bruce.
The 2023 findings highlighted a wide range of experiences among respondents, from positive to challenging. While many participants reported satisfaction with aspects of life in the region, others identified barriers, particularly among newer arrivals, including experiences of discrimination and difficulties accessing services.
One data point from that survey indicated that 86% of respondents reported having a college or university education.
Researchers with GBLIP and CESI note that this figure reflects the characteristics of survey respondents and may not fully represent all immigrant groups in Grey-Bruce, given the inherent limitations of voluntary survey data.
GBLIP and CESI say the 2023 survey provided more detailed local insights than previously available through sources such as Statistics Canada, and helped inform service providers, governments, businesses and community organizations.
The current survey is intended to build on that baseline, offering updated information on the experiences of newcomers in the region.
Participants in the 2026 survey are eligible to enter a draw for one of ten $50 gift cards.
More information about the survey, including how to participate, is available through the Community Engaged Scholarship Institute.
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