This blog post is part of a series titled Perspectives on Building Belonging. Recognizing the diversity of viewpoints on belonging and the need to co-create a pan-Canadian Strategy for Belonging that leaves no one behind, we are inviting local leaders across Turtle Island to share their thoughts on what belonging means to them and provide a high-level overview on how their work contributes to building belonging.
Lenka Belkova is a CBB member in Laval, Quebec. A participant in Tamarack’s inaugural Circle of Actions, Lenka is using the power of third spaces (and food!) to bring people together. Learn more about how she is using a community bread oven to build belonging in this Q&A.
What Does Belonging Mean to You?
As a newcomer to Canada, I strongly believe that a sense of belonging is akin to feeling at home—safe and supported by those around us. It is fundamental to our confidence, purpose, and ability to stand in solidarity with others. Without this feeling, we find it incredibly difficult to fully thrive or find mental grounding during challenging times.
When we face social, economic, or environmental challenges, it becomes necessary to foster close-knit relationships in our community, which center mutual support and encourage active participation. Such relationships strengthen our sense of affiliation and nourish a caring philosophy within our community.
Therefore, to me, “belonging” means creating a collective experience by actively engaging in our shared environment.
How are you building belonging in your community?
While living in Laval, Quebec, I observed a significant absence of central gathering spaces where residents could meet regularly. While many countries in Europe — including my native Czech Republic — boast public squares and neighbourhood pubs that historically foster community interaction, I noticed a lack of such spaces in my own neighbourhood. Although the city and local associations organize seasonal activities, as a resident of Laval, I didn't want to passively participate in pre-planned events. I sought to actively contribute and co-create a vibrant community space.
Inspired by the communal atmosphere created by community bread ovens in Lac-Saint-Charles, Quebec or Štolmíř, Czech Republic, I became captivated by the idea of introducing them to Laval. This led me to propose a community bread oven concept, which was eventually awarded a grant from the city in 2023 to build a mobile bread oven. Today, this mobile oven plays a central role in various park festivals across Laval. However, what my neighbourhood truly lacks is a permanent bread oven—a place where neighbors can gather regularly, share a meal, and forge deeper connections.
I have been rallying fellow residents around the idea of establishing a fixed community bread oven as a dedicated gathering space for collaborative activities. Getting city approval for the project is a crucial step—albeit a long one. It is the labour of this process which led me to realize that fostering community spirit requires more than just one initiative. Alongside advocating for the bread oven, I began organizing other neighbourhood activities.
Together with my children, we initiated street-side activities to surprise and engage passers-by. From crafting traditional decorative cookies to creating a playful witch-themed game inspired by European traditions, these efforts aimed to bring joy and foster interaction. We also hosted a block party to encourage neighbours to connect and get to know each other better.
Witnessing the positive impact of these activities on our neighbourhood has been extremely rewarding. I have observed a tangible change when I see my neighbours greeting each other and chatting while walking down the street. This experience highlights the value of placemaking: actively appreciating and improving our shared community space.
Looking ahead to this fall, I'm excited to host monthly bake-offs at a local community center. I hope to continue these community activities to inspire others to join me in strengthening the appeal of our neighbourhood to all who live here.
How can people learn more about and support you and the work you're doing?
You can learn about my initiatives in the neighbourhood through my Facebook page, where you can also reach out to me to connect and explore working together. Ultimately, I want people to connect and organize our neighbourhood together for all to find something to get involved in.
Dive Deeper
- Find out more about Lenka's work.
- Read this story on 13 champions (including Lenka!) who are building plans and interventions for belonging through Tamarack’s inaugural Circle of Actions.
- Learn more about Communities Building Belonging and join the movement.
Do you have any questions or comments? Would you like to learn more about Communities Building Belonging or get involved? Let’s connect!
Contact Jorge at jorge@tamarackcommunity.ca or book a meeting with him.
We are building a movement to co-create Canada's first Strategy for Belonging. To magnify the impact of this work, the strategy needs to reflect the diversity of our communities. We hope you can join us by signing this pledge and participating in conversations on what needs to be at the centre of this pan-Canadian strategy. Together, let’s pave the way for more connected and just futures.
