Immigrant Settlement Services

Lanark and Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services

Welcoming Newcomers. Strengthening Communities.

LRISS is a community-based, IRCC-funded program that supports newcomers as they settle, grow, and thrive in Lanark and Renfrew Counties. Whether you’ve just arrived in Canada or are already beginning your journey, our team is here to walk alongside you.

Our free services are mobile, and staff will be able to meet you in the community where you live.

We are proud to serve newcomers of all backgrounds, including:

  • Permanent Residents
  • Government-Assisted and Privately Sponsored Refugees
  • Individuals with pending permanent residence applications
  • Convention refugees
  • Temporary foreign worker or student who has obtained initial approval for a concurrent application for permanent residence.

Not sure if you are eligible? – please reach out and we will refer you to a program that can help.

We work from a place of cultural humility, compassion, and collaboration—ensuring all newcomers feel welcomed, heard, and empowered.

Where We Work

LRISS serves all communities across Lanark and Renfrew Counties, with staff based in three core locations:

  • Perth (Lanark County Administration Building)
  • Carleton Place (Lanark County Social Services satellite office)
  • Pembroke (Renfrew County Administration Building)
  • Petawawa (Petawawa Public Library)

Our Services

We provide free, confidential settlement support tailored to your individual needs. Our services include:

Needs Assessment & Settlement Planning
Our settlement workers are here to provide one-on-one support, answer your questions and help you find the resources you need in your community. Through the help of community partnerships, we work with you to build your network and further enhance your experience in transitioning into a new culture. We will start the settlement process with a one-on-one meeting to assess your needs and create your own settlement plan to help you and your family achieve your goals.

Here are some ways we can help:

  • Complete forms, applications and other documents
  • Navigate local systems such as health care and public school, recreation services, education, income assistance, taxes and more
  • Find programs and services within the community
  • Provide referrals to programs and services including; counselling, employment services, language assessments, children and youth services, legal issues and refugee other specialized services
  • Communicate with employers, landlords, social and government services, legal services and more
  • Learn about Canadian life and culture
  • Assistance and referral for licensing and accreditation

Information & Orientation
We help you understand how life works in Canada. Topics include:

  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Banking
  • Legal rights
  • Transportation
  • Parenting supports

Community Referrals
We connect you with the right services—ESL programs, Service Canada, libraries, schools, housing supports, food banks, and more.
SWIS - Settlement Worker in Schools
Our dedicated School-Based Settlement Worker, providing direct support to newcomer students and their families within school settings across Lanark and Renfrew Counties. Through close collaboration with school staff and community partners, Swiss helps newcomer children integrate smoothly into the Canadian school system.

  • Services include orientation to school life,
  • language support referrals, assistance with communication between home and school, and connections to programs that promote student success and family well-being.
  • We as a cultural bridge, ensuring that both students and parents feel informed, supported, and included.

Case Management
For newcomers with more complex needs, we offer extended support and goal tracking. We’ll help you every step of the way, one goal at a time.
Group Sessions & Community Events
We host newcomer meetups, info sessions, and cultural orientation activities in partnership with local libraries, schools, and service providers.
For Emergencies
Please call 911 – and for medical issues reach out to the nearest hospital.
Provide Feedback
We value your voice! At Lanark and Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services, your experience matters to us. If you’ve used our services, we invite you to share your feedback—whether it’s a compliment, suggestion, or idea for improvement. Your input helps us grow and better support newcomers in our community. Let us know how we’re doing!

Feedback Form

Our Values

  • Welcoming: We are here for all newcomers—no matter their story.
  • Respectful: We listen and support with care and confidentiality.
  • Connected: We build bridges with community partners to get you what you need.
  • Empowering: We believe in your strengths and future.

Future Plans

We are growing—and so is our community. We’re developing new workshops, programs, and community events to ensure every newcomer has the tools and support to succeed. Stay tuned for updates, including our upcoming ESL conversation circles, family summer programs, and more.

Volunteer with Us

Are you interested in supporting newcomers in Lanark and Renfrew Counties? Fill out the form and a member of our team will reach out to you.

ESL Circles Currently Running

Petawawa Public Library
📍 Address: 16 Civic Centre Rd, Petawawa, ON K8H 3H5

  • Every Tuesday,  10:00 am – 3:00 pm

📞 Phone: (613) 687-2227 or (343) 402-8630

🌐 https://petawawapubliclibrary.ca/program/esl-conversation-circle-2/

Renfrew Public Library
📍 Address: 13 Railway Avenue, Renfrew, ON K7V 3A9

📞 Phone:: 613-432-8151
Email: info@renfrewlibrary.ca

Informal English Language Conversation & Settlement – Thursdays  12:30 – 2:30pm
Town of Renfrew Public Library

Renfrew Public Library

Mississippi Mills Public Library (Almonte)
This free weekly program offers newcomers a friendly and supportive space to practice English and connect with the community.

Event Details:
Location: Mississippi Mills Public Library, 155 High St, Almonte
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Start Date: November 13th
Free to attend, open to all language levels. No registration required – just come and join the conversation!
For more info: settlement@lanarkcounty.ca or call 1-866-467-2439 (Toll-free)

Smiths Falls Library
Lanark & Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services (LRISS) is offering a 2nd round free ESL Training through Informal ESL Circles at the Smiths Falls Public Library. These sessions provide a welcoming space to practice English, connect with others, and build confidence in everyday conversation.

Details:

Start Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Location: Smiths Falls Public Library(81 Beckwith St N, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B9)

Who Can Join: Newcomers to Canada and anyone seeking to improve their English.

Call: (343) 402-8630 or 1- 866-467-2439 (Toll-free)

Email: settlement@lanarkcounty.ca

Carleton Place Public Library
Address: 101 Beckwith St, Carleton Place, ON K7C 2T3
Phone: (613) 257-2702

Program Duration: October 3  – Dec 3, 2025
Day: Fridays
Time:  10:30AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Carleton Place Public Library

Program Duration: November 28 – January 16, 2026
Day: TBD
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: CCA- Employment Centre Carleton Place

Online
This free weekly program is designed to help newcomers practice English in a friendly and supportive environment—right from the comfort of their home.

Event Details:

Start Date: November 21, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (weekly)
Location: Online via MS Teams

Meeting ID: 228 661 311 672 66

Passcode: oN37p8UL

Free to attend | All language levels welcome

For Non-Eligible Clients

How can we help

If you are a Temporary Foreign Worker, Study Permit Holder, or a Temporary Resident, this page is for you.
Who We Serve:
While our core programs are designed for permanent residents, we recognize that many newcomers arrive in Canada under different circumstances.

What Does “Non-Eligible” Mean?

Non-eligible clients are individuals who do not qualify for federally funded settlement services because they are not permanent residents or protected persons. However, we believe in supporting all newcomers with essential information and guidance.

Who Can Access These Services?

  • Temporary Foreign Workers
    Individuals working in Canada under a temporary work permit.
  • International Students
    Holders of a valid study permit enrolled in Canadian institutions.
  • Temporary Residents
    Visitors or those with temporary resident status.

What We Offer

Although full settlement services may not be available, we provide:

  • Information & Orientation
    Guidance on living and working in Canada, local community resources, and cultural adaptation tips.
  • Referrals to Community Services
    Connections to employment agencies, housing support, and language programs.
  • Emergency Support Information
    Where to go for urgent help, health services, and legal assistance.
  • Workplace Rights & Responsibilities
    Understanding your rights as a worker or student in Canada.

Why This Matters

Temporary residents often face unique challenges such as:

  • Limited access to government-funded programs.
  • Navigating complex immigration rules.
  • Finding affordable housing and healthcare.

Our goal is to bridge these gaps by providing reliable information and community connections.

How We Help

Interested in Our Program?

Intake Form

Have questions? Need support? We’re here for you.

Program Coordinator – Adam Amza
99 Christie Lake Road, Perth, ON
9 International Drive, Pembroke, ON
Phone: 343-402-8630
Email: settlement@lanarkcounty.ca

  • The LRISS (Lanark & Renfrew Immigrant Settlement Services) Pembroke location is based at the Renfrew County Administration Building – Renfrew County Administration Building, 9 International Drive, Pembroke, Ontario, Canada K8A 6W5.