Living Well Together: Small Habits That Make Community Work
In any given moment, someone is packing their lunch for a long workday ahead. Down the hall, someone is snoozing late because they woke up in the night to a bad dream. Someone else is taking their dog out for a walk in the chilly air, and a single dad is getting his kids off to school while feeling stressed about paying his bills.
In community housing, in apartment living, there are lots of different rhythms happening all at the same time, all around us. We're often not even aware of them, until someone else’s rhythm interrupts or overlaps with our own.
And in each instance, in each part of the day, it’s up to us to think about how to ensure that overlap – how those interactions, intentional or unintentional, will protect and support the ecosystem of community around us or degrade it.
Perfection isn’t the goal. Consideration is. Here’s how that looks in real life—and how we’ll help if something starts to rub.
The Simple Ways We Can Stay Mindful
Noise. Sound travels in funny ways (did you know that bass moves through floors more than volume?). If it’s late or early—before 9am or after 9pmk—keep music, TV, workouts, and calls at a level where you don’t need to raise your voice. Hosting? Great. Keep the bass low and the door closed. Even noticing the weight of your footsteps or the times of day when you’re moving around furniture can make a huge difference to the people who live beside and below you.
Pets. We love them too! But some people don’t, or they have allergies, or they’re afraid. And barking dogs can be stressful for everyone. Be sure to use leashes in all common areas (any time your pet leaves your unit!), ensure quick clean-ups outside, and think about how to support your dog if they tend to get vocal when you’re out (a walk, a toy, a crate routine). These all go a long way toward friendly hallways and happy neighbours.
Smoking & scents. Smoke, vape, and strong scents drift through vents and door frames. If there’s a designated spot, please use it. If your neighbour mentions that smoke or fragrance is affecting their health or comfort, please treat that as real—because it is.
Laundry. Shared rooms work best when cycles don’t linger. Set a timer, clear the lint, and if someone’s left a finished load, place it gently on the counter and keep things moving. It’s a room, not a comment section.
Elevators & halls. Let people off before you get on; give a patient minute to folks with strollers, mobility devices, and anyone carrying a big load. Keep halls clear so everyone—especially emergency responders and folks with mobility devices—can pass easily. Even front door carpets can impede hallway accessibility for someone in a chair!
When Something’s Off, Start Small
It’s important to remember that most friction isn’t malicious, it’s just mismatched habits and sometimes a lack of awareness.
If you feel up to it, a calm, specific request of a neighbour solves most things quickly. Keep it about the thing (“loud music after 9pm”), not the person. Make a small, doable ask and give the person a little time to make adjustments.
Our favourite trick for keeping the peace AND advocating for yourself with neighbours when necessary? Always assume they’re making a mistake, not being inconsiderate on purpose. Because 99% of the time, it’s not intentional and people WANT to be good neighbours (just like you do!).
If that feels unsafe, sensitive, or you’ve tried and it’s still happening, loop us in. That’s what we’re here for.
When to Involve NHA (And What Happens Then)
Reach out when there’s a pattern that keeps coming back, anything affecting health or safety, or behaviour that crosses into harassment or discrimination. You can use email WHO OR WHICH EMAIL, or call 403.270.3062 during office hours (M-F, 9:30am-4:00pm).
If it’s urgent and can’t wait, use our after-hours line 403.651.3717 (for immediate emergencies, always call 911 first!).
Tell us what’s happening, when it happens, and where. We’ll take it from there—quietly and respectfully. Sometimes that looks like a friendly reminder; sometimes it’s mediation; sometimes it’s enforcement under building policies or leases. Our aim is simple: resolve the issue and keep our shared community feeling safe and comfortable for everyone.
If language or accessibility is a barrier, say so. We can make the necessary arrangements so that the process is clear for everyone.
What we ask of you in this instance? Trust us to respond in the way that feels appropriate and works best for all parties involved. There may be things we know that you don’t, and your trust in these situations goes a long way.
What We’re Doing on Our Side
Good community isn’t just behaviour; it’s design. We’re always working on the unglamorous fixes that make life smoother: clearer signage, better windows and weather-stripping that cut sound and scent transfer, beautified spaces, designated outdoor spaces, better laundry-room cues, entry-way etiquette reminders, and quick ways to reach us when something’s off. If you notice a small design change that would help, tell us!
Help If You’re Stuck
If you want support before you talk to a neighbour (or instead of), ask for our quick conflict-resolution steps. Call Paulah at the office during business hours, or email her at [email protected] and she’ll be happy to support you in creating language and a simple strategy for approaching a neighbour with your concern! We recognize that it’s not always easy, and we’re here to help.
We’re a community on purpose. We’re a community because we believe that different people, under shared walls, with one front door, makes us stronger and more supported overall. The small, considerate choices we make for each other are what make home feel like home.