Midhurst/February 26, 2025 – Kicking off ITSTARTS month across the County of Simcoe, Warden Basil Clarke, Deputy Warden Jennifer Coughlin, and County Council gathered at the Administration Centre in Midhurst yesterday to raise the #ITSTARTS flag, launching an inspiring month of multicultural celebration and community connection. This annual tradition, now marking its ninth year, continues to champion inclusion, acceptance, and equity across our diverse region.
“During ITSTARTS month each year we celebrate our growing multicultural community, which now includes more than 82,000 immigrants who enrich Simcoe County in countless ways,” shared Warden Basil Clarke. “Through our Local Immigration Partnership’s ongoing commitment, we’re building up welcoming and supportive communities where everyone can thrive together.”
The #ITSTARTS campaign has blossomed into a grassroots success story, bringing positive change through innovative community engagement. Building on nearly a decade of achievement, the initiative launched its annual Diversity Ambassador Training sessions in January and February 2024, empowering experienced ambassadors to create even greater impact.
With the first #ITSTARTS flag raised in the County for 2025, these powerful symbols of unity will once again fly proudly at municipal offices and community buildings throughout March in Simcoe County, representing our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion.
ITSTARTS with all of us!
The campaign runs every year during the month of March. Residents, businesses, and local organizations can get involved in the campaign by:
- Request cards from the Local Immigration Partnership ([email protected]). Multilingual digital copies are available for download on this webpage below.
- Share your message on social media using the hashtag #ITSTARTS and tagging the County of Simcoe:
- X / Twitter – @simcoecounty
- Facebook – @CountyofSimcoe
- Instagram – @countyofsimcoe
- ​LinkedIn – @CountyofSimcoe
​​ Posts may include campaign cards, #ITSTARTS selfie frames, or content related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. All posts promoting unified communities are welcome!​​
- Perform acts of inclusivity within your sphere of influence (i.e. book or film club, multicultural celebrations).
- Join the Simcoe County Diversity Hub for additional resources. Contact [email protected] for access.
About the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership
The Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (SCLIP) was established in 2011 and leads community-based planning intended to improve social and economic outcomes for immigrant residents. SCLIP is funded in-part by Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In 2023, the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership published a new Community Settlement Strategy with recommendations to support the development of welcoming communities.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive Simcoe County—one conversation at a time.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
