Improving community engagement in your condominium: Everything you need to know

What is community engagement?

Community engagement in an Ontario condominium is the intentional effort to build a connected, respectful, and collaborative environment between residents, the board of directors, and the condo manager.

This can include active participation in meetings, committees, and social events, open dialogue about building decisions, and a shared commitment to maintaining the property and culture of the community. When residents feel informed and heard, they’re much more likely to engage with their community.
 

Why community engagement matters in Ontario condos

Engaged communities tend to experience:

• Higher attendance at Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and board meetings
   
• Faster resolution of concerns and fewer escalated disputes
   
• Greater compliance with condo rules
   
• More volunteer participation
   
• Stronger resale appeal and property value stability

In Ontario, where condo living continues to grow across cities like Toronto and Hamilton, proactive engagement helps communities adapt to changing demographics and expectations.
 

Common barriers to community engagement

Even well-managed communities can struggle with engagement. Time constraints and lack of awareness often prevent residents from participating. In some cases, residents may feel their input doesn’t lead to meaningful change. Identifying these barriers early allows boards to adjust communication strategies and create more inclusive opportunities over time.
 

10 tips to improve community engagement

1. Use multiple channels

   Effective community communication means meeting residents where they are. Use a mix of digital platforms, email newsletters, printed notices, and lobby signage so information can reach everyone. Digital tools can improve speed and transparency, while traditional methods support residents who prefer paper communication. The key is consistency, so set a predictable rhythm for updates so residents know when to expect information.
    

2. Clarify key contacts

   Residents are more likely to engage when they know exactly where to go with questions or concerns. Provide a simple directory (email aliases, roles, or a portal) that clearly outlines who handles what, such as maintenance issues or policy enforcement questions.
    

3. Use surveys to guide decisions

   Rather than guessing what residents want, ask them. Short digital or paper surveys can reveal preferences for what kind of social events residents are interested in and how often they want to receive messages. And making decisions based on feedback shows residents that their input has impact.
    

4. Make communication two-way and visible

   Beyond surveys, create ongoing ways for residents to share input, like suggestion boxes, open office hours, or informal Q&A sessions. Even more importantly, make those conversations visible (e.g., “You asked, we did” updates) so others see that speaking up makes a difference.
    

5. Encourage participation beyond board positions

   Not every resident wants to serve on the board, but many are willing to help in smaller ways. Create “micro-opportunities” for involvement like welcome committees, event volunteers, sustainability groups, or short-term project teams. Lowering the barrier to participation helps residents feel connected without requiring a long-term commitment.
    

6. Offer hybrid meetings and e-voting

   Ontario condominiums increasingly benefit from hybrid meetings and electronic voting. When residents can attend virtually or vote online, participation rates often improve, especially in larger buildings. Learn more about electronic voting rules under the Condo Act of Ontario.
    

7. Activate shared spaces

   Host low-cost activities such as movie nights, fitness sessions, seasonal decorating contests, or “meet your neighbour” coffee mornings. Regular social touchpoints create familiarity among residents and strengthen informal support networks within the building.
    

8. Welcome new residents intentionally

   First impressions shape engagement. A simple welcome package, introductory email, or short meet-and-greet can help new owners and tenants understand community guidelines and feel included.
    

9. Recognize and celebrate resident contributions

   Acknowledging volunteers, helpful neighbours, or community milestones builds positive momentum. This could be as simple as a monthly shoutout in a newsletter or a thank-you note for event organizers. Recognition reinforces the behaviours you want to see more of.
    

10. Prioritize transparency and follow-through

    Engagement declines when residents feel ignored. Share updates on projects, timelines, and budget decisions in clear language. If feedback is collected, report back on what was decided and why.

How to measure community engagement

To improve community engagement, it helps to look at a few clear signs of resident participation over time:

• Attendance at AGMs, board meetings, town halls, and resident events
   
• Survey participation and the number of residents who take time to share feedback
   
• Involvement in volunteer roles or short-term community initiatives
   
• Open/click-through rates and replies to email updates or newsletters
   
• Use of resident portals, amenity booking systems, or communication platforms
   
• The number and type of resident questions, suggestions, and service requests
   
• Feedback from on-site staff and managers about resident sentiment
   
• Repeat participation, such as residents who consistently attend events or respond to outreach

Looking at these patterns regularly can help boards understand what’s resonating and where they may need to adjust their approach.
 

How FirstService Residential can help

FirstService Residential helps boards strengthen community engagement with tools like FirstService Residential Connect™ and HODA®, 24/7 Customer Care, and experienced management teams. We help communities share updates, track feedback, support participation, and keep residents informed.

We also provide the operational support behind the scenes, from amenity management to board guidance, so your community can create more opportunities for connection and build a stronger sense of belonging.
 

About FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential is the leading condominium management company in Ontario, supporting condo corporations with local expertise backed by national resources. Our teams help boards stay organized with financial management, governance support, recordkeeping systems, insurance and risk management, maintenance planning, vendor coordination, and resident communication.

To learn more, contact a member of our team today.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, legal, regulatory, financial, or operational advice, or as a representation or guarantee of any specific services, capabilities, or outcomes. Property management needs, regulatory requirements, market conditions, and available services vary by jurisdiction, property type, and community. FirstService Residential provides services through locally based affiliates and associates, and services and results may vary by community, region, contractual terms, and applicable law.