Building social capital in priority neighbourhoods

Building social capital in priority neighbourhoods is one of the key strategies to build strong and vibrant neighbourhoods. A place-based approach to community development encourages a shift in orientation towards “assets” and “opportunities” for sustained residents and stakeholders engagement, leading to increase in physical and social assets in priority neighbourhoods.

To build social capital in priority neighbourhoods in support of the Strong Neighbourhoods goal, United Way and partner agencies engaged key stakeholders and volunteers to establish the Ottawa Neighbourhoods Social Capital Forum (ONSCF) that has been building better communities through neighbourhood-based community development, partnerships and collective evaluation since 2011. With the support of community agencies, residents decide the priority issues and lead the work.

Here is a case study that looks at the achievements in 2013 of the 13 ONSCF neighbourhood initiatives and the central supports.