Abundant Belgravia

This initiative helps build a culture of care, foster a sense of belonging, and create a healthier, more liveable city – one block at a time.


Belgravians meet their neighbours at a block social in November 2024. Photo: Irene Andersson

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Abundant Belgravia

Neighbours form unique social relationships by sharing a common place and taking responsibility for it. Connected neighbours work together to create spaces and opportunities that enhance each other’s well-being. As connections grow, so do opportunities to share gifts, skills, and interests.

Connections happen naturally when we say hello on a walk or while taking out the garbage. They can also occur when we plan ways to bring neighbours together – whether through block parties or by supporting gathering spots like parks, local businesses, and other community spaces.

Abundant Belgravia started in summer 2019 as a grassroots initiative, supported by the Belgravia Community League (BCL), Government of Alberta (via a Community Initiatives Grant), and City of Edmonton’s Abundant Community Edmonton initiative. The Abundant Belgravia’s  Support team coordinates the Block Connectors in our neighbourhood.

You don’t need to be a BCL member to join Abundant Belgravia or become a Block Connector!

Block Connectors

Would you like to get to know your neighbours better?
Maybe you’re a longtime resident who knows everyone, or perhaps you’re interested in meeting more of your neighbours. Perhaps you want to reconnect because the neighbourhood has changed since you raised your family, or you’ve lost touch with neighbours.

Our community can only get more abundant with people like you, connecting with each other and strengthening the fabric of our neighbourhood. Backed up by the BCL, Abundant Belgravia’s Support team coordinates the Block Connectors in our neighbourhood.

How it works
One or more people can serve as Block Connectors for their block – this can be a street block, a cul-de sac, or a floor in a multi-family complex. Their main role is to create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere on their block, strengthening community life. Block Connectors:

  • welcome new neighbours
  • organize block socials once or twice a year
  • discover the interests, skills and neighbourhood visions of their neighbours

Get involved

Irene and Barry support Begravia’s Block Connectors. Email the team to:

  • Find a Block Connector near you
  • Become a Block Connector
  • Join the Support team
  • Learn more about the initiative

EMAIL THE SUPPORT TEAM

Stay informed

Keep up to date on Abundant Belgravia news and events:

  • BCL Members: if you have an active BCL Membership, you will get regular email updates including Abundant Belgravia news, as a membership benefit.
  • Other Belgravia residents: can sign up for BCL Website update news
  • Email the Support Team

Benefits of a connected neighbourhood

  • Inclusion: Our neighbourhood is a unique space where people of diverse backgrounds, orientations, and views can connect on a human level.
  • Health and wellness: Local small local groups effectively support personal growth and healthy behavior (for example, Alcoholics Anonymous). Studies show that people with fewer social ties face higher risks of heart disease, circulatory problems and cancer. In Belgravia, groups for walkers, cyclists, knitters, cooking enthusiasts and more welcome everyone with shared interests.
  • Mental health: Meaningful relationships offer support, opening doors for neighbours in need to connect with others and benefit from human-to-human connection.
  • Spirituality: The deep formation of the heart and life are connected to the land and to the people who inhabit it. Living life together in a place can be one of the most important dimensions of our lives. Our yards, blocks, parks, streets and sidewalks are sacred.
  • Social Care: Neighbourhoods serve as villages that care for those beyond the family, looking out for children, seniors and other vulnerable individuals. For example, Tom’s block is considered a magical place by its residents; here kids play outside while adults watch out for them from windows or porches, ready to help if needed. If something happens, they all know who to contact.
  • Companionship: Belonging, engagement and connection are vital for well-being. Neighbours can be a source of companionship, especially when family and friends are unavailable.
  • Recreation: Local, easily accessible activities enhance mental and physical fitness. In Belgravia, block connectors host block socials, and Wendy invited everyone in the community to her 96th birthday celebration.
  • Reducing social isolation in seniors: People who live on connected blocks naturally look out for seniors and keep caregivers informed. Belgravia, for example, has a “seniors list” of older residents who need to be checked on.
  • Youth mentoring: When neighbours of all ages get to know each other, supportive mentoring relationships naturally develop – helping to care for the young and creating a ‘village’ to raise our children. During the pandemic, kids on Irene’s block learned knitting and soapstone polishing from older neighbours.
  • Bylaw enforcement: Strong neighbourly relationships help resolve conflicts and encourage community pride. For example, neighbourhood cleanup kits are provided during our annual Big Bin events to promote litter clean-up in public spaces.
  • Crime and safety: A safe street is created by having “eyes on the street.” Neighbours who know each other, are engaged, and part of the social fabric help ensure safety. In one instance, a member of the Belgravia Moms WhatsApp group reported an aggressive individual near the school, which led to a prompt lockdown.
  • Disaster preparedness: Neighbours helping each other is key during emergencies. For example, when a house fire broke out in the middle of the night, neighbours took in those needing to evacuate.
  • Poverty reduction: Knowing neighbours encourages resource-sharing (such as yard tools, babysitting, car shares). Yearly Swap events allow Belgravia residents and newcomers to get items they need at no cost.
  • Environmental sustainability: Localism is the cornerstone of the environmental movement as we move towards energy, food and water security in a changing climate. From community gardens to car and tool sharing, strong neighbourhood drive sustainability efforts. For example, Michael helped establish a community garden in Charles Simmonds Park.
  • Resident retention: Generally, people stay in a neighbourhood when they are connected to their neighbours and their neighbourhood.
  • Business and social innovation: Neighbourhoods foster creativity and local economic growth. For instance, a local teenager arranged a soccer camp for kids, giving the teen an income and enabling kids to advance in sports at low cost.
  • Public engagement: A network of block-to-block contacts is essential for effective community engagement. Fernanda’s block managed to get their alley paved after neighbours collectively voiced concerns to the city.

City of Edmonton resources

Contact Us

EMAIL THE SUPPORT TEAM