Owen Sound, ON – The YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce – Immigrant Services, in partnership with MP Alex Ruff, is pleased to invite community members to a special Citizenship Celebration recognizing and honouring 35 individuals in Grey Bruce who have recently become Canadian citizens.
This meaningful event celebrates newcomers who have achieved Canadian citizenship but have not yet had the opportunity to formally mark this important milestone. Now in its third year and held on a two-year interval, the Citizenship Celebration continues to highlight the journeys, contributions, and bright futures of new Canadians in Grey Bruce.
Taking place on May 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sydenham Campus Auditorium (1130 8th St. E., Owen Sound), guests will enjoy an evening of connection and celebration, including light refreshments. The event is designed to foster belonging, pride, and community while recognizing the rich diversity that strengthens the region.
“This celebration is a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and determination it takes to become a Canadian citizen,” said Suneet Kukreja, Program Manager, Immigrant Services, YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce. “Each individual being honoured has a unique story, and together they represent the strength and diversity that continue to enrich our communities. We are proud to support newcomers not only in achieving citizenship, but in building meaningful lives here in Grey and Bruce counties.”
“It’s an honour to welcome these new citizens to our Canadian family. I look forward to personally congratulating them in-person on choosing to make Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound their home on May 13th with the YMCA.” – Alex Ruff, MSC, CD, MP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
YMCA Immigrant Services, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, provides free, welcoming supports to newcomers of all ages as they settle and build their lives in Grey and Bruce counties. Among these supports are a series of citizenship preparation classes that help individuals and families prepare for the Canadian citizenship test. Offered twice weekly, these classes explore Canada’s identity, geography, history, government, justice system, and the shared rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Community members are warmly invited to attend and help celebrate this important milestone with new Canadians. RSVP to settlement@osgb.ymca.ca | 519-371-9222 by May 12, 2026.
Media Contact:
Suneet Kukreja,
Program Manager, Immigrant Services
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce
290 9th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1N7
C: (519) 379 1512 E: suneet.kukreja@osgb.ymca.ca