BEING GOOD NEIGHBOURS

The relationship between neighbours can be a fragile one. Solving disputes over property lines, pets and placement of recycling carts isn’t always easy, but it’s a task best handled with courtesy and respect.

A few recent cases, both in our own backyard and across the country, provide a reminder that while it can be challenging to love thy neighbour, it’s important that we give it a good try.

Just this week in Calgary, we learned of two neighbours who have argued for almost five years over access to a pond between their Bearspaw properties. One neighbour was so determined to keep the other away that crude fencing was installed across the water to minimize the other’s enjoyment of paddling on the pond. A years-long legal battle and six-figure bills were the results.

We also heard an update in the case of a Calgary gravel pit, where work has led to the spewing of much dust on nearby homes. Those residents told Postmedia the province is dragging its feet in monitoring dust hazards.

And in Toronto, a media report this month raised the question of whether it was appropriate for adults to smoke in front of neighbourhood children from non-smoking homes.

It all points to one question: Have we forgotten how to be good neighbours?

The connected community of years past has diminished, according to a report a few years back from Nextdoor, a social networking service for neighbourhoods. Almost three-quarters of people knew more neighbours when they were kids than they do now, the report said.

However, slightly more than 90 per cent of people still consider themselves to be good neighbours, Nextdoor said. At the same time, 56 per cent said they interact “very little” with those who live around them.

Good fences may make for good neighbours, but it takes a bit of consideration and outreach, too. When you treat a neighbour with respect, everyone wins. For those who need a primer, the City of Calgary publishes a good neighbour guide, covering everything from garbage and garages to parking and pets.

In 2014 — the year following the massive flooding — the City implemented a Neighbour Day. It’s meant to remind us of how strong our Calgary community is when strangers help strangers and neighbours help neighbours.

Now held the third Saturday of June each year, Neighbour Day organizers encourage people to hold block parties, picnics, barbecues or community events of their choosing to celebrate neighbourliness. This year, Neighbour Day is slated for June 16. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait that long to see neighbours extending goodwill to each other.