Celebrating 10 Years of the #ITSTARTS Campaign
Midhurst/February 24, 2026 – The County of Simcoe officially launched the 2026 #ITSTARTS campaign, as Warden Basil Clarke proclaimed the month of March as #ITSTARTS Month and raised the #ITSTARTS flag at the Administration Centre in Midhurst, marking a major milestone: 10 years of the #ITSTARTS campaign.
For a decade, #ITSTARTS has brought communities together across Simcoe County, championing inclusion, equity, and meaningful connection. What began as a simple idea has evolved into one of the region’s most recognized grassroots initiatives, now reaching over 4.5 million people. This year’s campaign builds on that legacy.
“Marking 10 years of #ITSTARTS is a testament to the incredible dedication of our Local Immigration Partnership and our many Community Champions,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Their leadership has helped shape a more welcoming and inclusive Simcoe County, supporting more than 82,000 immigrant residents who enrich our communities every day. Together, we’ve made significant progress over the past decade as our population and communities continue to become more diverse. We look forward to continuing the momentum with successful programs and awareness initiatives just like the #ITSTARTS campaign.”
With the first flag now raised for 2026, #ITSTARTS banners, flags and symbols will be proudly displayed at municipal offices and community locations across the county throughout #ITSTARTS Month in March.
How to Get Involved
Residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations can participate throughout #ITSTARTS Month by:
· Requesting campaign cards from the Local Immigration Partnership ([email protected]). Multilingual digital cards are also available on the County’s website.
· Sharing messages of inclusion on social media using #ITSTARTS and tagging the County of Simcoe:
o Facebook: @CountyofSimcoe
o Instagram: @countyofsimcoe
o X/Twitter: @simcoecounty
Posts may include campaign cards, selfie frames, or content that highlights inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
· Performing acts of inclusivity such as hosting multicultural activities, book clubs, film discussions, or awareness events.
· Contact [email protected] for access to the Simcoe County Diversity Hub, a portal with tools and resources to support inclusive communities.
The County thanks its residents, partners, and community organizations for 10 years of support and looks forward to the next decade of inspiring connection, understanding, and shared belonging in Simcoe County, as we work collectively towards transformational change.
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.
About the County of Simcoe
The 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.
