How can local governments support social connectedness in their communities? People choose to connect in different ways, so offering different opportunities and approaches for social connection is important in creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all. Our Social Connectedness Action Guide, updated in 2018, offers community examples, case studies and resources to help foster strong social environments. Read the Action Guide.

Youth in Tofino lacked opportunities to connect with peers, so a team from the District of Tofino, the West Coast Resource Society, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation collaborated to create a micro-grant program for youth-led projects that promote social connectedness. Supported by the PlanH Cultivating Connections stream, the program gave grants to nine different projects. Read more about this initiative.

When Francis Heng moved to Canada, they were shocked at how little neighbours interacted with each other. Heng had previously lived in Singapore where, despite the large population, apartment neighbours were part of a strong community. Now, as part of the City of Vancouver's Hey Neighbour! Initiative (funded in part by PlanH), Heng helps to organize activities to bring neighbours together. Learn more about the program.

The provincial government released B.C.’s Active Transportation Strategy in June. The report details the province’s commitment to fostering active transportation across the province, with the specific goal of doubling the number of trips taken with active transportation by 2030. It also outlines specific initiatives planned for implementation over the next year, including more grant opportunities for local governments. Read the full report.

Did you know? Social connectedness can significantly impact health, playing a role in a range of issues including alcohol and tobacco use, mental well-being, and even availability of job opportunities. In 2012, 32 percent of British Columbians did not feel a strong connection to their local community. Since then, numerous communities have started initiatives to strengthen community bonds between their citizens. Learn more.

Each fall, local government leaders across BC meet to discuss and endorse resolutions from their members. These resolutions, which act as 'requests' from local governments  to other levels of government, have the potential to change legislation, direct support, or determine levels of funding. The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) has developed a guide to the resolutions process, from concept to Convention to conveyance. Learn more about the process on UBCM's website.

Healthy neighbourhoods support social connection, one of the many dimensions of social well-being. The BC Centre for Disease Control recently released a new report on the role of built environments in facilitating mental health and well-being. The document explores how to effectively balance the need for population density and affordability with the need to offer spaces for socialization, as well as opportunities for personal space and access to green spaces. See the report.