Article content continued

Roughly half said they don’t have time for such activities, nearly a quarter said they did not have enough money to participate, and a third said they were not aware of the opportunities or events.

Some argue that we have to rethink how spaces are designed in order to create a sense of belonging. For instance, half of people living in apartments or condos do not have a common area to socialize with neighbours.

The foundation’s inaugural Connections and Engagement report in 2012 was released the same year the City of Vancouver established the Engaged City Task Force, which was mandated to increase neighbourhood engagement. The decline in engagement since then suggests the city’s initiative has been unsuccessful.

Young adults and people in low-income households were most likely to experience social isolation, according to the report. But beyond age and income, it would have been interesting had the report also included social relationships viewed through an ethnic lens, given that Vancouver is a diverse and multicultural city. After all, 45 per cent of the population is foreign-born and a majority is visible minority. It seems more than likely that social engagement in Vancouver rests within these ethnic communities.

Nevertheless, the Connections and Engagement report is a valuable document for Vancouver policy makers who want to create a more welcoming place for newcomers and long-time residents alike. While civic leaders consider options for funding, organizing, designing and educating, we can do our part by being a little nicer to one another. The report found that three-quarters of people interacting with each other in a public space will muster a smile, and two-thirds will say hello. But fewer than half would respond to a question from a stranger and only 23 per cent would ask a question or initiate a conversation. Surely, we can do better than that.