New Bentway report shows how public spaces reduce urban loneliness

February 3, 2025

With loneliness on the rise in Toronto and cities worldwide, a new Bentway report shows that well-designed and programmed outdoor places must be part of the cure

At the start of a cold month commonly tied to “winter blahs” and seasonal feelings of fatigue and depression, The Bentway, with partners Gehl (New York) and researchers from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (U of T), released a report that reveals the essential role public spaces play in fostering mental health and social connections. 

Centered around learnings from The Bentway’s 2024 Softer City program of art and social events, the report – Rx For Social Connection – draws on perspectives and onsite observations from public space operators, urban strategists, public health practitioners, artists, and designers, and comes at a critical time. 

Photo by Samuel Engelking

In 2024, Toronto was named the loneliest city in Canada, with 43% of Torontonians reporting that they never see their neighbours and 37% feeling lonely at least 3 times a week. The World Health Organization has declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat

A lack of social connection is as bad for one’s health as smoking, and it’s worse than factors like alcohol, and air pollution. Lonely people are at higher risk for dementia, heart attacks and strokes,

Our new research reveals that thoughtfully designed public spaces, like The Bentway, are unsung heroes in the work of building healthier communities. These vibrant hubs aren’t just places to gather—they’re powerful public health tools that can help reverse troubling health trends. The work shows cities and health professionals worldwide that great urban design can be a prescription for better well-being.

Dr. Kate Mulligan, University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health

In 2024, the majority of Bentway visitors reported that spending time onsite made them feel healthier (71% for physical health; 62% for mental health) and more socially connected (64%). Most visitors (67%) engaged with one another during their visit and, notably, these interactions are often multigenerational, as 48% of visitors were children, youth, or seniors – compared to just 20% in nearby neighbourhood populations. The study also found that areas of The Bentway with public art were “stickier spaces” and supported longer stays and enhanced social interactions.  

Photo by Jonathan Gazze

Seating and natural features create the necessary conditions for connections; arts-led programming drives meaningful encounters with friends and strangers alike; and people take comfort from sharing space with other people. Landscaping and well-planned and accessible programming serve as important, intentional invitations to community members looking for opportunities to re-engage with their neighbours and their city.   

We are happy that our work at The Bentway can serve as a case study for this research proving how important public spaces are for our collective wellbeing. It’s time to recognize that our parks, squares, sidewalks, and trails are not just places for leisure and recreation, but indeed vital parts of our health ecosystem. Strong communities, and the social connections we all need, are built in public space.

Ilana Altman, Co-Executive Director of The Bentway

Though cities have become harder places to live, the tools and tactics to foster social connection are easy to action. Revaluing public spaces as important upstream health resources can begin to reverse trends of isolation and create more compassionate and connected cities. 

On February 25, there will be a panel conversation featuring some of the report’s authors at the University of Toronto. Click here for event details and free registration. 

Winter skating at The Bentway continues through Monday, February 17. 

Special thanks to

Manulife 

Balsam Foundation 

City of Toronto

And all the program supporters for Softer City (Summer 2024)