How to build community one 'hi, neighbour' at a time.

The article outlines everyday ways Canadians can strengthen local ties, noting Statistics Canada figures on loneliness and experts who highlight neighbourly greetings, shared activities, public spaces and volunteering.

I felt connected to family and friends but wanted a broader sense of community, so I deliberately put myself into situations that required meeting new people and joined a choir. The piece notes that many Canadians report loneliness: Statistics Canada finds 36.9 per cent feel lonely sometimes and 13.4 per cent feel lonely often or always. Researchers and practitioners quoted in the article link a sense of belonging to improved mental health and describe simple, local ways to increase social connection. The article then describes several everyday approaches that have helped the author and others expand their social circles. Key points: - The author joined a choir to meet people and found it became an important social outlet. - Statistics Canada figures cited: 36.9% of Canadians feel lonely sometimes and 13.4% feel lonely often or always. - Julie Aitken Schermer, a psychology professor, is quoted saying feeling that you matter to people beyond family contributes to satisfaction and happiness; she notes greeting neighbours can reduce loneliness. - Amma Gyamfowa, a registered social worker, links participation in shared activities such as exercise classes, hobbies and volunteering to better mental health and social support. - Nadha Hassen, a University of Toronto researcher, describes public spaces as "third spaces" that encourage lingering and casual social interaction; free events in those spaces can support social cohesion. - Volunteering and community groups are presented as ways people reported finding purpose, connection and opportunities to meet like-minded neighbours. Summary: The article presents small, everyday actions and communal settings as ways people have reported reducing loneliness by strengthening local ties. Researchers and community practitioners continue to describe neighbourly greetings, shared activities, public spaces and volunteering as elements that can support a stronger sense of belonging.