What is the Ethnic Mosaic Alliance?

The people of Simcoe County have a welcoming spirit. With more than 61,000 foreign-born residents and 112 different languages spoken, our communities pride themselves on their openness and diversity. 

The Ethnic Mosaic Alliance is a not-for-profit organization created by ethnocultural leaders in Simcoe County to celebrate our diversity.

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Our Mission

We enrich our community by embracing, promoting, and celebrating cultural diversity.

Our Vision

Simcoe County will be a leading community in being safe, welcoming, and celebrating the mosaic of diversity in all aspects of community life.

Our Values

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Who is behind Ethnic Mosaic Alliance?

EMA consists of Board Members from a range of ethno-cultural and faith-based groups. EMA’s Executives come from various regions around the County.

The Genesis of The Ethnic Mosaic Alliance

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How Does Ethnic Mosaic Centre Build Community Culture?

As of 2016, our last census, there were 61,605 immigrants in Simcoe County. That is 13.1% of the overall population.
The percent change in this figure from 2006 was a 20% increase. This does not even account for the international student population that has been steadily growing.
Approximately 112 different languages were reported as the language spoken at home in Simcoe County.
Imagine you have moved to a new community.
Now imagine not speaking the language. Imagine never having experienced winter.
Imagine not understanding a bus map
The social isolation of new immigrants moving into our communities is staggering. Even long-time residents from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds may find it hard to celebrate their own heritage within the traditionally homogenous population of Simcoe County.
Many people recently coming to Simcoe County are from cultures and languages that have not been historically well represented here. As a result, the services that we currently offer through community programs, do not reflect the social or cultural interests of many of our newest residents.
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Who Will It Serve?

Whether you are a Highland Dancer, a Bhangra Dancer, or a First Nations Dancer, you will be welcome to express and share your heritage and culture in this space! The Centre will not be only for Newcomers or Immigrants, it will include anyone interested in sharing and expressing their heritage in a way that is inclusive to others.

Potential Programs

We feature many food-related programs such as Community suppers, cultural celebrations like Diwali, Chinese new year, and Newroz or Nowruz. We celebrate many different cultural new years and celebrations and we're always adding more!

Where Will It Be?

This is under review at the moment. A number of regions in Simcoe County have expressed interest in hosting this dynamic space. We are targeting the South Simcoe area because this is where the population is. We need to consider a lot of factors; land gifts, site specific attributes, proximity to transportation and density nodes.

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Our Potential Programs

  • Food Related programs such as community suppers.
  • Upgrading credentials for success with the opportunity to provide the material in a variety of languages i.e. Food Safety Handling, WWMIS training. 
  • Cultural Celebrations i.e. Diwali, Chinese New Year, Newroz.
  • Recognition and celebration of historically important events i.e. Black History Month. 
  • Parent Support Services.
  • Culturally Specific Counselling Services.
  • Financial Seminars offered in a variety of languages.
  • Citizenship classes and potential ceremonies. 
  • Music and Arts programs i.e. Salsa, Bhangra, Irish.
  • Recreation programs i.e. mah-jong tournaments, cricket, tai chi.
  • Heritage language classes and conversation circles.
  • Part-time ESL classes in the evening for those who are employed.
  • Social Entrepreneurship-International catering, café.
  • Seniors Day Care with a variety of languages spoken.
  • Ethno-cultural Association meetings.
  • Faith-based ceremonies.
  • Resource library with print media in a variety of languages.
  • Translation opportunities.

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