Canadian Human Connection Conference 2024. Presenter: Troy Glover.

Hacking Your 'Hood: The Power of Placemaking for Social Connection
Troy Glover - Professor in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and Director of the Healthy Communities Research Network at the University of Waterloo.
In an era of increasing loneliness and isolation, placemaking offers a revolutionary approach to fostering social connection and community cohesion. This presentation explores how transforming everyday spaces into vibrant, inclusive hubs can strengthen social ties and promote well-being. Drawing from innovative Canadian examples, including projects from ActivateYourNeighbourhood.ca, attendees will discover practical, low-cost strategies to "hack" their own neighbourhoods. Learn how placemaking can build the social infrastructure needed to create thriving, connected communities, in line with the conference’s theme of “Building Bridges.”