How fitting that this month’s theme is about community when my column is titled, “Ability and Community!” According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a community is defined as “a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society.”

To me, an ideal community is of course where its citizens take pride and put effort into maintaining a neighbourhood for everyone involved. This means being a place that is barrier free so that members of every mobility can access everything they can.

An ideal community is a place where your race, sexual orientation, and beliefs are not judged, but rather are considered and accepted. A place where services that aid daily life are within reach. A place where houses of worship, education, and recreational activities are accessible for all. A place where generations of families take pride in their neighbourhood, respect the environment, and take an interest in participating in initiatives to make it liveable, comfortable, and environmentally conscious. A place with a mixture of new services and where the history of the foundation is visible.

I call a community a “village within a city” and when you take pride in your community it shows and turns out to be a great, reliable place to live!

Get to know your neighbours, support your local businesses, get involved in community events and you will find your community a more comfortable place to reside!

Boyle Street and McCauley area is perhaps one of the most diverse communities in which I have ever resided and in my opinion one of my favourites!

From one happy community member to another: “Howdy, neighbour!”