How rentals and communities can give back to residents during the holidays

The holiday season often inspires people to look out for one another, and that spirit can be meaningful in multi-residential communities. As the days get shorter and the winter weather sets in, many Canadians tend to spend more time indoors. For many Canadians, that can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation.

This is where rental communities can make a real difference. When shared spaces feel welcoming, and when residents have opportunities to connect, celebrate, or simply feel supported, it helps create a sense of comfort and belonging during a time of year when people need it most.

Understanding Neighbourhood Culture

The role of neighbourhood culture is to shape the resident experience, fostering a sense of belonging and improving their well-being.

The Government of Canada states that shorter days and harsh winter weather could cause many people to isolate themselves. This could snowball into a negative impact on the mental health of many Canadians.

Community Spaces as Seasonal Conveners

Community spaces have become increasingly popular, often featuring adaptable gyms, lobbies, or dedicated lounge areas, as well as outdoor spaces for inclusive seasonal programming.

A report from the City of Ottawa states that they planned for approximately 90 per cent of new population growth in urban areas, with a focus on multi-use buildings and near transit options. Property managers can make full use of these spaces for accessible holiday-themed activities and community events.

Visual Displays Across Shared Spaces

Adding even a small touch of holiday spirit throughout the community can make a big impact on the resident experience.

Stringing holiday lights up in the building’s lobby and lounge spaces can brighten anyone’s day. Hanging outdoor lights on trees, bushes and fences along pathways brings light and magic to the dark winter evenings.

Residents, young and old, can appreciate the warm atmosphere a glowing, decorated Christmas tree brings to any shared space.

Creating these eye-catching displays not only fosters a sense of community but also improves brand image, as residents and passers-by will perceive well-decorated businesses and homes as friendlier and more welcoming.

Seasonal Events Bring Neighbours Together

Free community events are an accessible and enjoyable way for residents to celebrate the spirit of the season, meet their neighbours, and enjoy each other’s company. Some activities for all ages include:

Free community events are an accessible and enjoyable way for residents to gather, celebrate the spirit of the season, meet their neighbours, and enjoy each other’s company. Some activities for all ages include:

• Outdoor ice-skating rink with hot chocolate.
• Meet and Greet with Santa
• Gingerbread house decorating or holiday craft night
• Gathering for a tree-lighting ceremony and to sing Christmas carols

One such event, Light Up The Village, is an annual Ottawa holiday evening that gathers families and friends to celebrate the season and foster a sense of community among all.

Social Supports During the Holidays

It is always important to keep in mind that residents may be struggling financially to make ends meet and may be in need of additional support systems during the holidays.

Food security, seasonal giving

According to an Ottawa report, approximately 25.7 per cent of households in 2024 experienced food insecurity, a significant increase from 15.3 per cent in 2019. Food insecurity can come with lasting effects, including:

• Poor oral health
• Digestive issues
• Mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety

Rental communities that partner with their local food bank, such as the Ottawa Food Bank or Brittania Woods Food Programs, can make a difference in many Ottawa households by supporting those in need.

Programs supporting seniors, older adults

Hosting a seasonal meal gathering is another great way to foster a sense of community, particularly for older adults and seniors who often struggle with isolation during the winter.

The National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly reports that nearly 25 per cent of seniors report barriers to social participation, and those living in large cities (over one million people, like in Ottawa) report feeling more isolated than those living in smaller towns (approximately 1,000 people).

As property managers, caring for residents is part of the job, ensuring they feel safe, secure, and welcome.

Supporting seniors during the holidays can help reduce some of these barriers and mitigate the risks of social isolation. Hosting a catered lunch from a local restaurant, including transportation, can support local businesses, open the door to future partnerships, and support the aging population when they need it most.

Family-Focused Holiday Touchpoints

Rental communities offer homes to many families seeking low-barrier seasonal activities. With high demands for child-friendly programs during school breaks and access to winter recreational activities, property managers can bridge that gap.

Engaging activities for children, families

Children love an opportunity to meet Santa, and parents want to capture that moment and memorialize it.

Letters-to-Santa mailboxes are a fun way to get kids excited about the holidays. Easily managed by community staff members and volunteers, rental communities can get kids into the spirit of the season and help bring joy to families who may be struggling to find fun activities for their kids.

Hosting a holiday film screening is another low-barrier seasonal event. This free activity for families, children, and adults of all ages can also be an opportunity to collect food or toy donations for a local community organization.

Winter Recreation and Access to Outdoor Play

For communities near snow trails or ice rinks, free skate or snowshoe programs can encourage residents to remain active during the cold weather.

A market research company reports that six out of 10 Canadians prefer to stay inside until the weather warms up. Rental communities that offer free or low-priced skate and snowshoe rentals reduce this barrier and encourage active living.

This is an especially great offering for communities that house many new Canadians who may have experienced winter activities yet.

Operational Supports for Working Households

Balancing work and childcare during the school winter break is often a challenge for many. Property managers can ease some of that pressure by filling that gap with thoughtful childcare programming.

Structured winter break programming

Communities can offer a full-day winter break camp for kids, allowing parents to work as needed and offering several social benefits for kids, such as:

• The opportunity to enjoy their winter break with more engaging, meaningful activities that allow them to practice their social skills, promote creativity and foster independence.
• Provide them with a structured routine, which can make it easier for the whole family when it’s time to go back to school after the new year.

A Season of Shared Belonging

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity for property managers to thoughtfully engage and strengthen the culture and connections within their multi-residential communities. When rental communities promote inclusion, nurturing social connections and create accessible pockets of joy, it can result in a more interconnected community of residents.

From decorating Christmas trees to providing seasonal programming and supporting local charity organizations, each initiative contributes to fostering a sense of belonging during the holiday season. The holidays may come once a year, but the feeling of unity they inspire can extend far beyond the season, laying foundations for stronger, more inclusive communities throughout the year.

✯ Municipal World Executive and Essentials Plus Members: You might also be interested in the Dawn Sugimoto’s article: Lethbridge reflecting on local history, culture.

Ellen O’Connor is the marketing and leasing manager at Accora Village (Ferguslea Properties), Canada’s largest privately owned rental community.

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• Thinking beyond surveys to reinvent community engagement
• Fine-tuning community lifestyle through green development