Each June, Calgarians across the city step outside to connect, celebrate, and build stronger communities. Neighbour Day is a local tradition that began in 2014 to honour the incredible neighbourliness shown after the 2013 floods. Over time, it has grown into a city-wide invitation to meet the people around us, host events, and reflect on what makes our communities vibrant and resilient.
This year, Neighbour Day falls on Saturday, June 21, which is also National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a meaningful overlap. At its heart, Neighbour Day is about relationship, reciprocity, and respect. Values that are deeply rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
As we gather in parks, in backyards, and in community spaces, we are reminded that the practice of connection is not new. Indigenous Peoples have long modelled what it means to live in relationship with one another, with the land, and with all our relations. Taking the time to build community and care for each other is part of a much deeper tradition of kinship and belonging.
At Vibrant Communities Calgary, we steward Enough for All, Calgary’s community-driven poverty reduction strategy. One of our key goals is strengthening community connections, and Neighbour Day is a great example of this in action. When neighbours know and support each other, they are more likely to share resources, look out for one another, and advocate for the changes their communities need. These everyday interactions help build a stronger, more inclusive city.
Neighbour Day is about more than lawn games and lemonade (although those are always welcome). It is a reminder of how important connection is to our well-being and safety. From a friendly wave to a shared meal, strong neighbourhood relationships are at the heart of thriving communities.
This year, we will be spending the day with the Legacy Community Association, connecting with neighbours, sharing stories, and joining in on local celebrations. Whether it’s through conversation or simply showing up, we look forward to being part of what makes Legacy feel like home.
Neighbour Day would not be possible without the ongoing work of community associations and community connectors. These groups bring neighbours together all year through programming, events, and advocacy. Their leadership plays a vital role in making our communities stronger and more connected.
Building a city where there is enough for all begins with something as simple and as powerful as connection. This Neighbour Day, take action. Step outside. Start a conversation. Meet your neighbours.
