Cultivating Neighbourhood Connections: Insights from the Lethbridge Neighbourhood Engagement Initiative

Strong neighbourhoods are the foundation of vibrant, connected communities. Recognizing the importance of these connections, the League of YQL Neighbourhoods launched the Neighbourhood Engagement Initiative to better understand how residents interact, engage, and collaborate within their neighbourhoods.

The initiative brought together insights from a community-wide survey and a community discussion, helping paint a clearer picture of neighbourhood life in Lethbridge today. The findings have now been compiled into a report titled Cultivating Neighbourhood Connections: Insights from the Lethbridge Neighbourhood Engagement Initiative.

Below is a brief overview of some key insights from the report.

The Power of Social Connection

The findings highlight that many residents already have a strong foundation of neighbourhood connection to build on. According to the survey, 64.38% of respondents reported knowing at least six of their neighbours, and 51.88% expressed interest in expanding those connections further.

Casual interactions, shared spaces, and small acts of kindness were identified as some of the most important ways people experience belonging within their neighbourhoods.

At the same time, the report identified barriers that can make participation more difficult. 39.62% of respondents reported obstacles to engagement, including time constraints, lack of awareness about neighbourhood activities, and privacy concerns.

Addressing these barriers will be important for strengthening community participation.

What’s Happening in Lethbridge Neighbourhoods?

The initiative also explored how residents organize and participate in neighbourhood activities.

Neighbourhood Groups

Many neighbourhood connections are happening online. About 41.25% of respondents reported active online neighbourhood groups, most commonly through Facebook. However, only 17.5% identified formal neighbourhood associations, and 23.75% were unaware of any groups at all, highlighting an opportunity to improve visibility and support for neighbourhood initiatives.

Participation Trends

While 60.38% of respondents reported participating in neighbourhood activities, there is still significant potential to grow involvement. Respondents expressed strong interest in activities such as block parties, neighbourhood festivals, and community projects.

Neighbourhood Associations

Neighbourhood associations were widely recognized as valuable organizers for local events, safety initiatives, and advocacy. However, the findings suggest that these groups benefit from flexible support that keeps them community-driven and accessible, rather than overly formal or bureaucratic.

Moving Forward: Strengthening Community Engagement

Based on the findings, YQLN has identified several key strategies that could help strengthen neighbourhood connections across Lethbridge:

• Increase the Accessibility of Community Events

  Expand opportunities for informal gatherings such as block parties, neighbourhood BBQs, and local celebrations that are welcoming and family-friendly.

• Improve Communication Channels

  Develop a centralized hub where residents can easily find neighbourhood news, events, and community resources.

• Empower Neighbourhood Associations

  Provide mentorship, toolkits, and leadership support to help neighbourhood groups grow and sustain their work.

• Engage Underrepresented Areas

  Focus outreach efforts on neighbourhoods with lower participation rates and explore ways to address specific barriers to engagement.

• Simplify Community Support

  Reduce barriers for residents organizing neighbourhood activities and explore opportunities such as micro-grants to support grassroots initiatives.

Be Part of the Change

The insights from this report are just the beginning. Building strong neighbourhood connections requires collaboration between residents, neighbourhood groups, and community partners.

Whether it’s organizing a neighbourhood event, joining a local group, volunteering, or simply getting to know someone new on your street, every small action contributes to a more connected community.

We invite you to explore the full report and learn more about the opportunities ahead:

Read the full report: Cultivating Neighbourhood Connections: Insights from the Lethbridge Neighbourhood Engagement Initiative

Together, we can continue building a city where neighbours know each other, communities feel welcoming, and every neighbourhood has the opportunity to thrive.