Six in Ten Canadians Surveyed Have Little or No Sense of Community, New YMCA Research Reveals
YMCA Highlights Canadian Social Isolation and Offers Connection Through Community Programs
Toronto, September 16, 2024 - A new survey commissioned by YMCA Canada and the YMCA of Greater Toronto, conducted among Angus Reid Forum members, reveals that a staggering 60% of Canadians feel disconnected from their community, with 16% reporting they never feel a sense of community and 44% experiencing it only sometimes.
The survey, launched alongside the YMCA’s first nationwide brand awareness campaign, highlights the state of social connections in Canada.
Combatting Loneliness in a Fragmented Society
The survey revealed that feelings of disconnection are particularly acute among Canadians under 55, with 68% of 18 to 34-year-olds and 64% of 25 to 54-year-olds feeling a lack of belonging. These feelings were most pronounced among the unemployed, with a striking 76% feeling disconnected from their communities.
However, the survey also uncovered solutions among those who feel a stronger sense of connection. Key factors contributing to a feeling of belonging include:
- Spending less time on electronic devices
- Engaging in extracurricular activities that foster community involvement
- Interacting with others outside of work or school at least twice a week
“The YMCA has long been a trusted community partner,” said Peter Dinsdale, President & CEO, YMCA Canada. “In cities and towns across Canada, the YMCA is a lifeline for many. YMCAs provide inclusive spaces and programs where people, regardless of background or income, can find community, build relationships, and shine. At a time when so many feel they don’t always belong, the Y offers opportunities for people to make meaningful social connections.”
Young People and Children Hit Hard by Isolation
The survey also highlights a significant issue among younger Canadians and children. According to the data, the average Canadian spends three hours a day on their phone, with younger Canadians (18-34) averaging nearly four hours. When asked which phone activities felt most isolating, 58% cited social media scrolling, with 71% of 18-34-year-olds reporting that it heightens feelings of isolation.
What’s more, nearly one-third of parents surveyed report that their children express feelings of isolation, and almost half (49%) say their kids rely more on online interactions than in-person ones.
The YMCA offers tailored programs for youth and families that focus on real-world skills, physical activity, and social connections.
“Our charity is helping young people and families have important face-to-face interactions,” said Lesley Davidson, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto, one of 37 YMCA Member Associations across Canada. “Through our diverse range of programs, whether through sports, our camp programs, youth leadership, or finding work through our employment programs, we provide families with places to break away from screens and connect with each other in meaningful ways. A recent report from The Toronto Foundation showed that Toronto is the loneliest city in Canada, but we know this sense of isolation isn’t unique to our city. At YMCAs across the country, you can see the potential that is unlocked when connections are made. It’s this power of community that really goes a long way to addressing many of the issues people are facing.”
Income Inequality: A Challenge for Social Engagement
In addition to age and screen time, the survey reveals that income plays a significant role in Canadians’ ability to maintain social connections. Among employed Canadians and students, 64% of those earning over $100,000 annually report seeing people five to seven times a week, while 43% of Canadians interact with others outside of work or school only two days a week or less.
For lower-income Canadians, the struggle is even more pronounced. Only 28% of those earning below $50,000 annually experience social interactions 5-7 times per week compared to 42% of higher earners. The YMCA’s affordable programs, coupled with financial assistance, provide a crucial bridge for those facing economic barriers, ensuring everyone can engage with their community, regardless of their financial situation.
Third Places Offer Community
The survey highlights the value of "third places"—community spaces outside home or work. While 36% of Canadians report not having one, those who do have a third place report higher levels of belonging and connection to their community, with parks and outdoor spaces being the most popular. Even those without a third place recognize its importance:
- 91% say they help build strong communities
- 89% believe they boost well-being
- 85% feel they improve quality of life
- 84% agree they foster belonging
As winter approaches, YMCA Centres of Community aim to fill this gap, providing welcoming spaces for connection and mental and physical health.
To learn more about the national YMCA campaign, visit campaign2024.ymca.ca.
About YMCA Canada
The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in over 2 million people annually, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Across Canada, the YMCA delivers a wide variety of programs and services that empower people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. Programs include child care, health and wellness, aquatics, employment services, immigrant settlement, camps, mental wellness, and many other community initiatives that respond to local needs. Foundational to all this is the YMCA’s commitment to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and a sense of belonging.
The YMCA in Canada is comprised of 37 YMCA Member Associations, supported by YMCA Canada, the national office, working together so all Canadians can shine on.
For more information, please visit ymca.ca.
About the Survey
These findings are from a survey conducted by YMCA from August 29 to September 3, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,501 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.