The annual Newcomers Wellness Fair takes place on Thursday, Feb. 5, at Beban Park Social Centre, offering a wide-range of health and wellness resources for those who recently moved to Nanaimo. (Image Credit: Submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

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Newcomer Wellness Fair returns to Nanaimo

Feb 4, 2026 | 1:50 PM

NANAIMO — Harbour City newcomers can find all the health and wellness services they need and more, all in one location.

The fourth annual Newcomer Wellness Fair takes place on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Beban Park Social Centre, staged by Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS).

Team lead for community development and engagement Sarah Haynes, said over 45 exhibitors will be on hand promoting local well-being resources at the free event.

“CVIMS is an organization that supports primarily newcomers to Canada, however, the event is open to the public as well. We know Nanaimo is growing rapidly, and it’s not just due to newcomers to Canada but also people coming from other provinces.”

Representatives from the City of Nanaimo’s Parks and Recreation will be there, as well as multiple other organizations which provide specialized care.

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“We have Women Helping Women, we have Crossroads Pregnancy, SD68 is going to be there, so we have a kids’ activities section as well…we have different sports organizations and recreational organizations.”

The event is free to attend, and is larger than ever this year, taking over Auditoriums A and B, and Lounge C at Beban Park, opposite of Frank Crane Arena.

The exhibitions are available in the auditoriums, while Lounge C will have cultural performances and fitness demonstrations.

Attendees can learn about how to access available support services from multiple local organizations. (Image Credit: Submitted)

New this year are informational medical presentations, including one from Samara Qasem from Wallace Pharmacy, who will explain the role a pharmacist plays in our healthcare system.

Meanwhile, Dr. Adam Hoverman from Wellington Medical Clinic will provide his unique perspective on several topics.

“He will come in to talk a little bit about his experiences as a newcomer to Canada, and his experiences and challenges trying to best support newcomers from his perspective as a physician. Then he’ll also spend a little bit of time talking about social prescribing and the importance in making connections in the community to one’s overall health and well-being.”

The event will start with a blessing from Snuneymuxw First Nation Elder Lolly Good, with representatives from the City, provincial, and federal governments also planning on being in attendance, with the latter two providing funding for the event.

More information on the free event, including how to pre-register, can be found here at cvims.org/wellnessfair.com.

Walk-ins at the door are also welcome.

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