They canvassed their entire 128-condo building about getting together for a coffee and a chat, but only two people expressed an interest.
Suffice to say, Rae Dalgarno and Jane Pratt didn’t hold out a lot of hope for their bid to form the Southwater Social Group at their Steveston strata three years ago.
“I noticed at a strata AGM that there was a bit of a disconnect between council and residents and that’s when I talked to Jane and suggested we start a social group,” said Dalgarno, who moved into the four-storey low-rise complex between Trites and No. 2 roads in 2010.
“We surveyed the residents with a flyer through every door but only two people replied.
“We weren’t too hopeful, but we went through with it anyway and at the coffee morning, the attendance was very sparse.”
They introduced some speakers on security and health care at the get togethers, but it wasn’t until the group came up with the idea of a happy hour in the 18-year-old building’s amenities room that their little social group really took off.
“We did movie nights once a month and coffee mornings with smaller numbers, but we kept plugging away,” said Pratt, who came up with the idea of a social group after visiting a communal party at a neighbouring complex.
“But when we did the happy hour, we got a great response; the vibe was very good.”
Soon, the numbers were up to the 25 to 30 mark and they’re continuing with their movie nights in the winter and bocce and croquet in the summer.
“It’s just as well it wasn’t too popular; the room only holds 35,” joked Pratt, who had been placing flyers on the building’s notice board and on the community bookshelf in the basement.
“I have generated an email list, but one or two don’t have email,” added Pratt.
“All you have to do is come along with an appy and a glass with something in it.
“We pride ourselves on this being a very social group and we make a point not to discuss strata issues; we have a great council. “We are just trying to generate a friendly atmosphere and avoid isolation and it’s great being able to recognize new people that move into the building. It’s about neighbours getting to know neighbours.”
Sensing they were onto something good, about 18 months ago, the Southwater socialites reached out to two neighbouring stratas on their block, where they had mutual friends, to invite them to join in the fun.
“If someone needs to get to hospital or needs help with the groceries or moving furniture, being part of this little community helps,” explained Pratt.
Dalgarno said the ever-increasing social circle gives her a “better sense of security knowing who lives in the building and it makes for a more friendly community.”
Tony Whitney, a member of the group and Southwater strata council member, said he felt compelled to join the social circle because of past condo-living experiences.
“I’ve lived in a few buildings and there was never any social group or anything,” said Whitney, who is the “projector man” when it comes to group’s movie nights.
“So when someone started one up here, I really wanted to support it. Many people I’ve met are now friends.”
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