Community AnimatorPilot Projectat EdgemontFlats
Mid-Way Insights: Learning and Feedback Results
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This project acknowledges the generous support, collaboration, and feedback from our partners, funders, as well as survey participants who are the residents of Edgemont Flats. We express our deepest gratitude to you all.
Funders&Partners
Leston Holdings Ltd. (Partner and Funder)
Skills Society (Partner)
City of Edmonton (Funder)
This project took place on lands known as amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ or Edmonton, which is part of the Métis Nation Homeland and is governed by Treaty 6. We recognize the honour we have in joining with the spirit of this ancient gathering place where Indigenous peoples have dreamed, created, and taken care of one another since time immemorial.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY ANIMATION SERVICE
The Community Animator is part of the community ‘animation’ service offered to residents as an amenity of Edgemont Flats. A one year pilot project, this service is offered in partnership with Leston Holdings Ltd., the developer and property manager, and Skills Society, a local not- for-profit organization. Skills Society is a disability rights and service organization from the Edmonton area that has been around for over 40 years with one simple goal: that every individual is a valued member of our community. They are leaders in social innovation, and believe that all individuals should live meaningful and inclusive lives in their community. These are the values that the Community Animator project aims to bring to life.
AbouttheCommunityAnimator
The Community Animator works to build a sense of community amongst residents of Edgemont Flats. Using Asset-Based Community Development principles and working with the residents, the Community Animator stewards activities that build relationships and increase connectedness, ultimately contributing to a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community.
WHY GATHER INSIGHTS FROM STAKEHOLDERS?
This mid-way survey to residents and interviews with staff is one part of a broader developmental evaluation approach of the service. Gathering insights from stakeholders - people who have a vested interest in the initiative - is a key component of this pilot project. This helps to ensure the program can be iterated along the way and increases the likelihood that it works well for everyone involved.
AboutDevelopmentalEvaluation
Using a developmental evaluation approach allows for continuous learning, reflection, and adaptation. Developmental evaluation supports innovation by capturing data to inform and guide ongoing decision-making as the pilot project unfolds.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
This report provides the results of the initial round of resident surveys and staff interviews. The survey was completed by residents of Edgemont Flats in the fall of 2024 (approximately 5 months after the building opened for occupancy).
Administered by Skills Society, the survey aimed to assess residents’ perspectives of and experiences with the Community Animation service, and understand what they are looking for in the service. To better assess its impact, the survey also included questions about residents’ experiences prior to living at Edgemont.
In addition to the survey, three staff members - the Community Animator, Property Manager, and Developer - were interviewed. These conversations aimed to surface what we’re learning about the service and to explore potential adaptations and improvements for the Community Animator role and service. Insights from these interviews have been incorporated into the overarching themes outlined below.
The themes from this and future evaluative engagements will be shared to inform service improvements and contribute to broader community learning about community building and animation.
KeyCharacteristicsofRespondents
Broadintersectionofexperiences
Residents come from diverse backgrounds and most respondents identified with equitydeserving groups The Edgemont Flats community includes a broad age range, with a notable concentration of younger adults participating in the survey (60.8% were aged 20-34).
Household compositions vary, and just over half of respondents (58%) live with others, including roommates, spouse/partner,
dependents, or extended family, while approximately one-third (35.8%) live alone.
Before moving to Edgemont Flats, most respondents had either lived in private market housing (38.2%) or with family and friends (32.9%). When asked about their satisfaction with their previous living arrangements, responses suggested an overall neutral level of satisfaction. The most commonly cited factors influencing their satisfaction were the condition of their previous property, affordability, and experiences with landlords or property management.
Overarching Themes
Stakeholdersaresatisfiedwiththe CommunityAnimationservice
Through survey responses and conversations, there is a sense that overall stakeholders are satisfied with the Community Animation service. The property manager reflected that residents come expecting a status quo rental experience, but are surprised to learn that there’s so much more with the Community Animation:
“people love it. They're absolutely amazed at it. They've never really heard of that before. … I think it's very positive”.
Addedvalueofadedicatedrolefor developers,buildingownersandmanagers
The property manager expressed gratitude for the additional support in fostering community, recognizing that their workload and nature of their role limits their ability to engage residents meaningfully:
“I’m so grateful to have the [Community Animator], because I wanted to do this in my role for such a long time, but having the workload that I have doesn’t really give me the opportunity to be as involved and plan and organize these things. So I’m so grateful to have her and have the role.”
Furthermore, the property manager noted the positive impact the Community Animation service has had on staff and resident relationships. The community-building initiatives help property management staff connect with residents beyond administrative or compliance interactions. These shared, positive interactions shift resident perceptions and make difficult conversations (e.g., policy enforcement or tenacy issues)
feel less adversarial. The opportunities for engagement in the community building initiatives build trust between residents and staff - this relational foundation fosters better communication and enhances mutual understanding:
“it changes people's perspectives too, right? Because then when I'm having some of the hard conversations, they're not necessarily coming across as harsh, because the [tenants] are like, ‘we know her, we know she's genuine, we know that she's just doing her job, she's not trying to be mean, she's not trying to kick me out of my home’ things like that. So it's definitely given me the advantage in that sense, I feel”.
One realization shared by the property developer was the uniqueness of the animation service. Rather than focusing solely on bringing residents together through formal events or programs, the service also emphasizes less formal, one-on-one connections, everyday moments, and placemaking that help people build relationships and feel more connected. They also highlighted the distinctive approach of the team:
“You’re all quite creative on how you can engage with people and have a mindfulness that I just think is very unique”.
“I feel like there are a lot of small things that [the Community Animator] is able to facilitate and get involved in, rather than just, you know, the barbecues or the standard things that people might do. There’s a lot more small stuff, which is what it should be. But I didn’t realize just how many things [the Community Animator] would be able to pick up on right out of the gate”.
Keyfactorsdrivinghousingdecisionsand satisfaction
Affordability, property condition, and safety were amongst the most significant factors influencing respondents' housing decisions and satisfaction with their living arrangements.
The cost of rent was the primary motivator for moving to Edgemont Flats
Property condition strongly impacts satisfaction, with many respondents drawn to the appeal of a new building and well-maintained spaces
A sense of safety is a key factor both in housing decisions and is also recognized by residents as something that is strengthened through knowing one’s neighbours
Connectionisdesired,butengagement preferencesvary
Levels of previous community connectedness varied, with many respondents feeling only somewhat connected to their community before moving to Edgemont Flats.
Comfort and interest in building connections also differed, though most respondents expressed an interest in getting to know their neighbours While many appreciate and desire community-building efforts, some prefer limited participation or non-intrusive forms of engagement and identified barriers to community engagement, including lack of time and limited communal space.
This highlights a broader tension between privacy, individual preferences, and connection, emphasizing the need for flexible, resident-driven engagement opportunities.
Many respondents value the Community Animator service and efforts to build community. Responses suggest a continued need for resident-led initiatives that reflect the community’s interests and capacities, and that are representative of the diverse experiences amongst residents.
These findings underscore the need for creative, accessible, and varied engagement strategies.
Family-orientedspacesandopportunities areimportanttoresidents
Many respondents expressed a desire for opportunities for families and children to connect, and family considerations played a role in both their housing satisfaction and decision to move to Edgemont Flats
CONCLUSION
Overall, results from the midway evaluation indicate that the community animation service is showing positive results. There are promising signals that it positively impacts resident experiences and is seen as a value add by developers and property managers. The feedback from the survey and interviews described in this report will be used to inform future refinement of the animation service and contribute to its ongoing development.
APPENDIX A: SURVEY DESIGN, DATA COLLECTION, AND
ANALYSIS
The survey was developed by Skills Society with review and input from Leston Holdings.
At the time of the survey, Edgemont Flats had approximately 260 units leased, and a total of 80 residents responded to the survey. Information about the digital survey was distributed through the digital tenant portal, posters in the building, and the Community Animator sat at a table in the lobby letting residents know about the survey and its purpose.
APPENDIX B:
RAW SURVEY RESULTS
CommunityComposition
Age
Note: In response to “Age” (N=75)
HouseholdComposition
Note:
EthnicIdentitiesofResidents Other
Note: In response to ”What ethnicity, or ethnicities, best describes you (select all that apply)?” (N=80)
Equity-DeservingandDiverseIdentitiesAmongResidents
2SLGBTQI+
IndigenousPersons
Neurodivergent
PersonsWithDisabilities
RacializedPersons
(PeopleotherthanAboriginal/Indigenous personswhoarenon-White Sometimes referredtoas"visibleminority")
Women
None
PreferNottoAnswer
Other
(PleaseSpecify)
Note: In response to “Do you identify with an equity-deserving group? (in recognizing intersectional identities and experiences, please select all groups that you identify with)” (N=80)
1Month
2Months
3Months
4Months
5Months
Note: In response to “How many months have you lived at Edgemont Flats” (N=80)
PreviousHousingExperience
PreviousHousing
PrivateMarketHousing
LivedWithFamily&Friends
SocialHousing/Subsidized/ CooperativeHousing
Supportive/TransitionalHousing
Unhoused
PreferNottoAnswer
Other (PleaseSpecify)
Other types of housing specified included rental properties (multi-unit and single-unit residences), trailer courts, and shared apartments.
Note: In response to “What type of housing did you live in just before moving to Edgemont Flats?” (N=75)
SatisfactionwithPreviousHousing
Average: 3
Note: In response to “On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied were you with your previous living arrangements (prior to living at Edgemont)” (N=75)
57 respondents elaborated on their responses above. The following key themes emerged as contributors to the level of satisfaction with their previous living arrangements, in order of significance:
Conditionofproperty - cleanliness, maintenance, and overall upkeep of properties (13 responses)
Affordability - the cost of rent (10 responses)
Landlord/propertymanagementexperiences with responsiveness, support, and interactions with management (8 responses)
Desireforindependence - those who previously lived with family expressed a desire for their own and/or more space (8 responses)
Feelingsofsafety (8 responses)
Environment(physicalandsocial)preferences for quiet, spacious, and family-friendly spaces (7 responses)
Location (2 responses)
Accessibility (2 responses)
SenseofBelonging
Average: 3
1-Not Connected AtAll (eg,Ididn’tknow anyneighbours)
2-Slightly Connected (eg,Ioccasionally interactedwith neighbours/ community members)
MotivationsforMoving
Respondents highlighted the following key factors as contributing to what led them to move to Edgemont Flats, in order of significance:
Affordabilityandrent - particularly the subsidized housing for people with lower incomes (33 responses)
Location - including proximity to work, family, and amenities such as schools and daycares (22 responses)
Newbuildingandcommunity - appeal of a new building and newly developed area (18 responses)
Quietneighbourhood (3 responses)
Family-friendly (3 responses)
Accessiblesuites (2 responses)
Senseofsafety (2 responses)
Note: In response to “If comfortable sharing, what led you or inspired you to move to this community?” (N=65)
3-Somewhat Connected (e.g.,Iknew myimmediate neighboursby name)
4-Connected (e.g.,Iparticipated insomecommunity activities)
5-Very Connected (eg,Iknewmy neighbours,was involved,feltlikea valuedmemberof thecommunity)
Note: In response to “On a scale of 1-5, how would you describe your sense of belonging and connectedness in your previous community (prior to Edgemont Flats)” (N=75) 0
InsightsforCommunityAnimationatEdgemont
InterestinBuildingConnectionswithNeighbours
Yes,I’mInterested
No,IPreferto
KeeptoMyself
Maybe,ItDependson
theActivityorWays
Other (PleaseSpecify)
Note: In response to “Would you like to get to know your neighbours better?” (N=59)
Forty-two respondents elaborated on their answers. The key themes that emerged, in order of significance, include:
Preferenceforprivacy - identifying as introverted, private, shy, or generally preferring to keep to oneself
Havingchildren - interest in meeting neighbours with children or engaging in family-oriented activities
Communityconnectionandsafetyemphasizing that knowing your neighbours contributes to a greater sense of safety and comfort in their home and community
Activityandsettingdependent - interest in getting to know neighbours depended on the type of event, activity, setting or context
Sharedinterestsandcommonalities - a preference for connecting with others who share similar interests or lifestyles (e.g., age)
PreferredWaystoConnectwithNeighbours
SharingorBorrowingItems
HelpingWithTasks (eg,PickingUpaPackage, WateringPlants)
CasualGreetingsorChats (e.g.,ConversationsintheElevator)
OfferingSupportorAssistance (eg,HelpingCarryGroceries orCheckingInonaNeighbour)
SharingResources (e.g.,Carpooling,Providing Recommendations)
ParticipatinginNeighbourhood SwapsorExchanges
ConnectingOnline (eg,SocialMediaGroups)
SpendingTimeinSharedSpaces (eg,SittinginaCourtyard,Usinga CommunityGarden)
Other (PleaseSpecify)
Other ways respondents shared they like to connect included specific examples such as hosting Dungeons and Dragons, pet sitting, and book clubs.
Note: In response to “What are some ways you like to connect with your neighbours? (select all that apply)” (N=59)
WaysResidentsWanttoContributetothe Community
Common themed responses in order of significance:
EngagingincommunityeventsParticipating in, organizing, and/or hosting gatherings, activities, and/or events
Supportingfellowresidents - offering assistance such as childcare, pet care, baking and donating food, assisting older adults with daily tasks, and welcoming new residents
Sharing/teachingand/orlearningskills Facilitatingorparticipatinginplaydates withotherfamilies
Note: In response to “What are some ways you would like to contribute to the community? (e.g., participating in or hosting events, sharing skills, supporting new residents)” (N=33)
AspectsofCommunityLifeThatMatterMost
GettingtoKnowMyNeighbours
ContributingMy SkillsandTalents
HavingaSayinShared SpacesandBuiltEnvironment (eg,Decor,Landscaping)
AccessibilityandInclusion
FeelingRepresentedin theCommunitySpaces
MeaningfulActivitiesorEvents
BalancingMyIndependence WithCommunityBelonging OpportunitiesforMyVoice toBeHeardandActedUpon
Other (PleaseSpecify)
Other responses include a desire to not participate in community building and specific suggestions for initiatives and activities.
Note: In response to “What aspects of community life are most important to you? (select the top 1-3 that apply)” (N=59)
ActivitiesandEventstoFosterCommunityConnection
SharedMeals (eg,Potlucks,CookingClasses, orCulturalFoodExchanges)
Nature-BasedActivities (eg,Gardening,Hiking, orOutdoorExcursions)
CreativeWorkshops (eg,ArtsandCrafts,Music,Dance)
Wellnessand MindfulnessPrograms (eg,Meditation,ExerciseClasses)
CommunityService orAdvocacyProjects (eg,NeighborhoodClean-Up,Social JusticeInitiative,EnvironmentalActions)
SocialGatherings (eg,CoffeeMeetUps,Storytelling Circles,GamingNights)
LearningorKnowledge SharingSessions (e.g.,SkillDevelopment, LanguageExchanges)
FaithorSpiritualActivities (e.g.,GroupDiscussions,PrayerGroup)
OnlineorVirtualMeetups (eg,OnlineBookClubs, VirtualHobbyGroups)
IntergenerationalActivities (eg,Storytelling,Mentorship, SharedLearningExperiences)
CreativeUseof CommunitySpaces (eg,Performances,Markets)
Other (PleaseSpecify)
Other responses reflected a desire not to participate, barriers to participation, and specific ideas for activities.
Note: In response to “What activities or events would help you feel more connected to others in the community?” (N=59)
IdeasforResident-ledInitiatives
The Community Animation service has adopted a categorization method inspired by the Building Resilient Neighborhoods framework. Community Animation activities are broadly grouped into four categories:
CelebrationsandGatherings
PlacemakingandPassiveAnimation
Sharing,MutualAid,andNeighbourliness
LearningandPlanningTogether
Ideas shared by respondents have been categorized into these groupings. When multiple respondents shared a similar idea, a heading was created to capture the recurring theme.
Celebrations &Gatherings
Placemaking& PassiveAnimation
Sports and Physical Activity (e.g., hockey team/shinny, exercise groups)
Games and Gaming (e.g., board games)
Arts and Creativity (e.g., craft or poetry workshop, paint night with wine)
Social gatherings - general meetups and community events
Faith-based groups
Cultural exchange - opportunities to share and learn about different cultures
Book club
Dog-friendly activities
Playdates - meetups for children and families
Tarot card reader
Movie night
Community group chat - a shared space for residents to exchange opinions and suggestions
Setting up a coffee room - for casual meetups and socializing
Gardening or community clean-up - help maintain shared outdoor spaces
Fundraising for neighbours - supporting residents in need with essentials like rent or groceries)
Indigenous business start up group - group to offer support and access funding
Sharing,MutualAid &Neighbourliness
Learning& PlanningTogether
Advocating for people with disabilities
Childcare and Playgroups - supporting parents through childcare and group activities for kids (e.g., going to walks or to the park)
Dog walking initiative
Community market - residents can buy, sell, or trade goods (e.g., holiday gift market)
None
Note: In response to “If you could start, lead, or be part of a project or initiative in the community, what would it be?” (N=32)
BarrierstoCommunityConnection
The most common barriers identified by respondents were, in order of significance:
Lackoftime- Being too busy to participate
Personalsocialpreferences - feeling shy, experiencing social anxiety, or not being a social person
Limitedindoorcommunalspace - a lack of shared indoor areas for gathering Healthandwellness - physical or mental health barriers to participation
Limitedorganicinteraction - People keeping to themselves, making it difficult to naturally ‘bump into’ or connect with others
Additional individual comments included a need for a communication channel such as a social media group; accessibility and support; and activities not aligning with personal interests.
Note: In response to “What is getting in the way of you connecting with your community? or what might need to change or be different to help you connect with your community?” (N=32)
AdditionalFeedbackontheCommunity AnimationService
Most responses expressed gratitude for the survey, praised the Community Animator service, or provided feedback and ideas. Some suggestions were specific to the Community Animator service, while others pertained to the building and would be more appropriately addressed by the property management team.
“I’m grateful there is a survey and that there is an interest in tenant thought and opinion. Thank you”.
“You guys are doing an amazing job!”
“I love that Edgemont Flats has the community animator. I have already made quite a few friends”.
Note: In response to “Is there anything else you would like to add or share about the Community Animation service that wasn’t covered in the survey?” (N=20)