Nextdoor is a way to know what’s happening in your neighbourhood

Launched in Canada in September, Nextdoor is a private social network that aims to promote community building by encouraging face-to-face conversations and meetups. It offers a variety of ways to connect neighbours and learn about your community. 

“I never knew there was an East Indian eatery near my condo until I came across this restaurant’s name in Nextdoor,” says Achint Malhotra, a student who lives near Parkdale. “This restaurant has now become a favourite for my friends and I.”  

To sign up, go to ca.nextdoor.com and create a profile by entering your postal code, the first line of your address, and your email. Share as much or as little as you want on your profile. Create posts, polls, events and urgent alerts and share with your neighbourhood and nearby neighbourhoods. You can also create or join groups related to a specific area of interest. A music lover, for instance, can create a group to discover if there are others nearby who share that passion. 

“I was moving and had lots of stuff to sell. Unfortunately, I lived in a condo and could not host a garage sale,” recollects Noora Ibrahim*, who lives near Alberta Avenue. “Through Nextdoor, I reached out to a community resident who was holding a garage sale the following weekend. We teamed up and together we managed to sell a lot of our stuff under one roof.” 

This tool is especially useful for service providers who wish to give community residents priority over others or for people who want to reach out to neighbours. Maybe you noticed sudden fluctuations in your utilities bill and want to check if other community members have been experiencing the same issue. Another example would be pet owners wanting to know if there are reliable dog walkers or pet sitters in their community. 

The platform reports increased activity during emergency situations or upcoming special community events. Residents can spread the word about a theft and organize a watch group. 

For Macaris Fernandes*, who lives in Norwood, this app is a boon. “I always wanted a treadmill but I couldn’t afford a new one. Neither did I have a vehicle to bring a second-hand one home. Thanks to Nextdoor, I got ahold of someone who was selling his exercise equipment at a reasonable cost and voila! I now have a treadmill!” “But how did you manage to bring it home?” I ask him. “It was easy,” he laughs. “The seller lived just next door!”

The social network is currently in use in more than 10 countries. It’s a private social network where you verify your address and join the neighbourhood where you live. 

Karen Mykietka launched the Parkdale neighbourhood on Nextdoor in September and is excited it already has over 130 members. “I don’t like how Facebook chooses what you see and stuff gets buried in the newsfeed. On Nextdoor I can meet my neighbours and know what’s happening around me.”

Ten members are required to launch a neighbourhood. Alberta Avenue and Eastwood have launched. Cromdale, Delton, Elmwood Park, Spruce Avenue, and Westwood haven’t reached 10 yet. Once you sign up, invite your neighbours if you have their phone or email, or send out free invitation postcards.

Another useful feature is that public service partners like Canadian Red Cross and the City of Edmonton can share critical safety and emergency messages with users.

Download the Nextdoor app or visit ca.nextdoor.com. 

*Names have been changed by request.

Featured Image: Achint Malhotra says Nextdoor is useful and would recommend others to use it. | Nazreena Anwar-Travas