NEWS RELEASE
OUR KIDS NETWORK
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Our Kids Network has published a report about neighbourhood cohesion, based on the results of their Kindergarten Parent Survey (KPS). The research brief focuses on data from the 2023 data collection cycle, highlighting changes compared to previous cycles, municipal comparisons, and differences in neighbourhood cohesion by demographic groups.
Conducted since 2003, the KPS is a unique survey designed by Halton researchers to learn about the experiences of senior kindergarten children and their families. One key variable measured by the KPS is neighbourhood cohesion, which is the presence of trust and connectedness among neighbours who share a desire to ensure that their neighbourhood thrives.
OKN executive director Elisabeth Wells said neighbourhoods play an important role in children’s lives as they learn and grow. “When children are part of neighbourhoods that are safe and supportive, they are more likely to enjoy outdoor physical activities, form social relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. As they watch neighbours look out for and look after each other, they learn how to be good helpers.”
Key findings show a decline in neighbourhood cohesion
In the KPS, parents and guardians were asked if they agreed with statements such as “people in the neighbourhood get together to discuss community problems” and “I feel my neighbourhood is a safe place to bring up children.” Participants who, on average, agreed or strongly agreed with six statements on neighbourhood wellbeing were categorized as having positive neighbourhood cohesion.
Compared to KPS survey results from 2018, the proportion of caregivers reporting positive neighbourhood cohesion decreased from 57% in 2018 to 48% in 2023. The Halton municipalities with the highest ratings of positive neighbourhood cohesion were Burlington (56%) and Halton Hills (54%), followed by the lowest ratings in Oakville (44 per cent) and Milton (40 per cent).
The OKN report states that recent declines in neighbourhood cohesion suggest that families have experienced negative impacts on neighbourhood well-being since 2018. Wells noted that children represented in the 2023 cohort of the KPS are unique because they entered their preschool years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Some of the disruptions to regular day-to-day life, like social distancing and public spaces being closed, may have affected the closeness of neighbours in some cases. We need to recognize that this group of children has needs that differ from previous cohorts.”
Newcomer families need extra support
Among survey respondents, a greater proportion of Canadian-born parents (52 per cent) reported positive neighbourhood cohesion relative to newcomer parents (40 per cent).
For newcomer families, defined as those who have been living in Canada for five years or fewer, barriers to neighbourhood cohesion include language, a lack of stable and affordable housing, and reliance on low-paying jobs with irregular hours.
“When our newcomers can engage with people of a similar cultural background, they tend to feel a greater sense of belonging,” Wells said. “We also know that community leaders play an important role in connecting newcomers to people, places, and supports in their neighbourhood. These connections help ease the transition for families and children.”
Steps to improve neighbourhood well-being
To turn the survey data into action, Our Kids Network will collaborate with community agencies to interpret and share the findings and develop strategies to improve families’ experiences of their neighbourhoods.
“We’re proud to be at the centre of conversations about building stronger relationships among neighbours so families can enjoy the benefits of living in a connected, caring, thriving community,” Wells said. “Solutions exist, whether it’s investing in welcoming, inclusive events; improving walkability and public gathering spaces; or providing opportunities for people to volunteer to help each other.”
Explore OKN Kindergarten Parent Survey results here.
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