In 2010, 70.6% of those over 12 years of age rated their sense of belonging to their local community as very strong or somewhat strong. Research shows a high correlation of sense of community-belonging with physical and mental health. Niagara rating of sense of belonging was higher than Ontario at 67.4% (68.2% for males and 68.6% for females) and higher than Canadian ratings of 65.4% (64.6 for males and 66.2% for females), and Hamilton at 67.0% (63.8 for males and 70.1 for females). Source: Canadian Community Health Survey, Statistics Canada, 2009/2010. CANSIM Table no: 105-0502
2010 was higher at 70.6% than in 2005 when 69.9% in Niagara reported they had a very strong or somewhat strong sense of belonging to their local community, higher than 62.9% in Waterloo Region, 65.5% of those inOntario and 64.1% inCanada.
Figure 10.6 Percentage of Population Reporting Strong or Somewhat Strong sense of Community Belonging 2009/2010
In 2003, 91% of those in Ontarioreported a somewhat or very strong sense of belonging toCanada; 77% to their province; and 68% to their community. In all provinces, the sense of belonging was lowest at the community level. Those 65 years and over 79% reported they had a strong highest sense of belonging to their community, higher than all other age groups.
Source: http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/82-221-XIE/2006001/tables/1012b.pdf
In the 2011 Social Capital Survey (Cudmore), citizens rated their sense of belonging in Niagara as 4.21 as a median on a 6 point scale that ranged from no not at all to yes, definitely.
