The world has never seemed more connected, with technology making it possible to reach almost anyone, anywhere, at any time.
asserted
it → seem → time
Yet despite the ability to instantly connect across continents, many people still feel disconnected.
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people → connect → continents
The second annual YMCA Connections Snapshot offers a closer look at how Canadians are experiencing connection and belonging, and how those feelings are changing over time.
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feelings → offer → time
The findings point to a growing desire for meaningful, in-person interaction, while highlighting the important role that community spaces play in bringing people together.
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spaces → point → people
At the same time, only about one in three Canadians said that they feel connected to their community all or most of the time.
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they → say → time
Connection still matters, but belonging remains elusive
While digital platforms continue to shape how people communicate, when asked what matters most for fostering connection with others, face-to-face experiences ranked first at 31 per cent, followed by shared experiences or interests at 25 per cent.
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experiences → matter → cent
”What stood out to us is that Canadians continue to place a high value on connection, but too many people still struggle to find a sense of belonging,” said Lesley Davidson, president & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto.
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Davidson → stand → Toronto
“The challenge isn’t convincing people that connection matters.
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connection → convince → people
They already know that.
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They → know → that
The opportunity is creating welcoming and accessible spaces where those connections can happen.
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connections → create → spaces
For those struggling to find connection, the obstacles remain familiar.
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obstacles → struggle → connection
Social anxiety or discomfort continues to be the most commonly cited barrier to community connection at 48 per cent, followed by lack of time at 43 per cent and not knowing where to start at 42 per cent.
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anxiety → continue → cent
While each has declined modestly since 2025, they remain the top three barriers to community connection.
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they → decline → connection
Growing importance of third spaces
As technology continues to shrink the distance between people around the world, the findings suggest that meaningful connection may depend less on reaching farther and more on having places to come together closer to home.
uncertain
connection → grow → home
More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Canadians said that third spaces — including community centres, libraries, parks, and other places to gather outside of home and work — play an important role in increasing social connection.
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spaces → say → connection
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) said that access to these spaces helped them feel more connected to their community and the same proportion wished there were more available where they live.
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they → say → community
Yet just 33 per cent said that they regularly spend time in third spaces, down four points from last year.
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they → say → year
Nearly half said that they would visit more often if these spaces were affordable or free, while the same number of people reported they would go more often if the spaces were more welcoming or inclusive.
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spaces → say → people
“Third spaces give people opportunities to participate, meet others, and feel part of something larger than themselves,” said Davidson.
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Davidson → give → themselves
“Whether it’s a community centre, library, park, or the Y, these spaces help turn a desire for connection into meaningful experiences and a stronger sense of belonging.”
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spaces → ’ → belonging
Connection must be accessible
For many Canadians, having a place to connect also means having access to programs and services they can afford.
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they → have → programs
Nearly three-quarters said that free or affordable programs contribute to a sense of belonging, yet financial barriers can prevent participation.
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barriers → say → participation
The most affected areas include fitness and wellness programs at 40 per cent, mental health and well-being services at 34 per cent, children and youth programs at 23 per cent, and newcomer and settlement services at 6 per cent, highlighting the ways financial barriers can limit access to programs and services that help foster connection and belonging.
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that → include → connection
For the YMCA of Greater Toronto, creating welcoming and accessible opportunities for people to come together is at the heart of its work.
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people → create → work
As a charity rooted in communities across the Greater Toronto Area, the Y offers programs and spaces designed to help people build connections, find belonging, and thrive.
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people → root → belonging
Belonging shouldn’t have a price tag.
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Belonging → belong → tag
Through the YMCA’s Financial Assistance program, individuals and families can access services at reduced rates based on income, ensuring cost is not a barrier to participation.
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cost → access → participation
From swim lessons and fitness programs to camps and community initiatives, donor support helps open the door to opportunities that foster confidence, connection, belonging, and well-being for people of all backgrounds and income levels.
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that → open → backgrounds
YMCA launches latest iteration of brand campaign “Greater Together”
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YMCA → launch → campaign
That commitment is reflected in the latest iteration of the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s brand campaign, “Greater Together,” which celebrates the moments of connection — big and small — that happen when people come together and highlights the role that welcoming, accessible community spaces can play in helping people feel a sense of belonging.
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people → reflect → belonging
“Strong communities don’t happen by accident.
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communities → happen → accident
They’re built when people have opportunities to participate, connect, and belong,” said Davidson.
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Davidson → build → opportunities
“Our charity’s “Greater Together” campaign celebrates the everyday moments of connection that help people feel seen, supported, and part of their community.”
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people → celebrate → community
From a conversation with a neighbour to trying a new program, making friends or simply finding a place where people feel welcome, “Greater Together” recognizes that connection doesn’t always have to happen on a global scale.
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connection → try → scale
It starts close to home.
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It → start → home
The Aporia
