Today, the City of Toronto was announced as one of ten recipients of the 2026 Global Cities Fund for Migrants and Refugees, a Mayors Migration Council initiative that supports city-led solutions advancing inclusion and opportunity for newcomers and refugees. Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, accepted the award at the Urban 20 Mayors Summit in New York City before an audience of more than 200 mayors, civic leaders and partners from around the world. 

Through the $400,000 (USD) grant, the City will launch Play Mobile for Newcomers, a free program that brings pop-up sports and recreation activities directly into neighbourhoods across Toronto using mobile recreation vans. Expanding on the City’s proven Play Mobile program, this new edition will focus on reaching newcomer children, youth and families facing greater barriers to participation, including LGBTQ+ newcomers, newcomer girls, refugee claimants, and undocumented residents.   

Play Mobile for Newcomers will connect residents to City programs and services, including recreation programs, Newcomer Services Kiosks, the Toronto Public Library, employment and training supports, child and youth programs as well as community-based organizations that support newcomers.  

Program Impact 

Over the two-year funding term, the expanded program is expected to engage more than 20,000 participants annually, including approximately 6,000 newcomer children, youth and family members each year. Newcomers will help shape and adapt the program to ensure it reflects community needs and priorities.  

The initiative will also create 50 paid leadership positions for newcomer youth as community ambassadors, supporting outreach efforts and program delivery. In addition, it will provide pathways to leadership, skills development and employment through recreation-based training programs for 250 newcomer youth annually.  

Quote:  “Toronto is making sport a front door to the city. No matter where you’re from, playing together with your neighbours is the perfect way to make friends and build a sense of belonging in your community.”  – Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto 

City of Toronto receives global grant to launch Play Mobile for Newcomers