A vibrant neighbourhood with connected residents, robust services and beautiful public spaces can have a huge impact on your health and well-being. It takes a lot of work to build strong communities, and there are small things you can do to contribute.

1.       Plant something. Green spaces aren't just nice to look at—they also help create a calm, peaceful environment and make the air we breathe cleaner. Whether it's a tree at your local park or some flowers in your garden, planting greenery is a fun and easy way to improve your community.

2.       Volunteer your time. Even if you can only spare an hour a month, it can be very rewarding to give back. Clean up the shore at a nearby lake, visit a retirement home or help out at an animal shelter. These are all activities the kids can take part in and feel good about, too.

3.       Shop local. Be mindful about your purchases and make a conscious effort to support local businesses. Visit an independent grocery store for your weekly food shopping, check out a new restaurant the next time you eat out or buy that housewarming gift from a cute neighbourhood store instead of ordering a present online.

4.       Participate in the census. Information collected in the census helps determine where to build parks, schools, hospitals and more—all adding to the quality and livability of your neighbourhood. To make sure your community is represented, participate in the next census, which is coming up in May of 2021. You can even complete the questionnaire online.

5.       Start a club. It doesn't matter if it's a book club, curling club or travel club—having an excuse to share interests and spend time with people in your neighbourhood is a great way to foster a sense of community and to make new friends.

Find more information about the census on the census website.