Being here it's the opportunity to find a new and safe place to live. It's the miracle of watching the nature grow after the winter. This photo means to me the hope In this new beginning.

For me, it means tranquility, beautiful sunsets and refreshing nature

I find community with friends in the knitting group of the 50+ program. Going there is very important for me and my family. Thanks!

As a newer resident of Canada, Niagara Falls has become much more than just tourist destination for me. Visiting the local amusement park with my family has become one of my favorite activities since moving here. Being able to spend time on multiple occasions with my family here, getting in touch with the people and learning about its culture has made it feel like a second home to me. I'm thankful for having it not only in a space in my heart, but also a part of my local community.

The photo shows the sign of spring with hope of starting new live, grownup and bring joy for the community and people same as we arrived recently and started our life to growing up.

Libertad - Freedom

In Niagara falls. Always be kind, Can make the world a happier place for everyone

For me, local spaces and community belonging means a good life, beautiful places and well-being.

What is the local space and community for me? This is a place where people try to understand me, support me, and help me to adapt. This photo is about the first place. My revelation was how many beautiful and diverse women have been surrounding me in the past six months of living in Canada. The women who had an impact on me in different ways helped me or whom I helped. Recently, I participated in the celebration of International Women's Day at the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. During the event, I realized that the strength of Canada is its diversity. I've met many women here from all corners of the world - they're diverse in culture, religion, languages, family status, and outer beauty. But they're equal in their significance. This photo serves as a reminder and support for everybody. Ask yourself : Who is an important woman to you? Look at the mirror and say, "First of all, it's me. Secondly, ..." and list whom you remember. Because sometimes even a reassuring smile from a stranger on the street can add confidence and belief in your own strength and future.

I visited this nice place in February 2024 at the ending of winter and there were no people, it was cold. The sun didn’t make it warm, the trees nested and the benches seem to wait for visitors. The lonely beach and the far-away lighthouse ever watching was special, yet saying: “summer will soon be here”

This photo that I am uploading is belong to my daughter that I loved her the most.

Beauty and tranquility

I was going for a walk during this photo and this site was very beautiful and casual. I saw it and took the photo and I realized how beautiful the Nature of this place was. I love it very beautiful.

Falls are always beautiful to me and it gives peace. When the weather approaches sunset, it becomes spectacular.

A photo is a moment frozen in time, reminding us of the beauty and grandeur of nature. Taking photos in nature opens doors to magical worlds full of life and beauty. When I immerse myself in those moments, I am able to capture the beauty of nature in all its exquisite detail, creating unforgettable memories and enriching the soul with tranquility and peace.

My most beautiful cat in the world.

Caring, sharing, enjoying with your neighbors in the community

Local Spaces and Community Belonging speaks to the interconnectedness between our immediate environment and the sense of inclusion and connection we feel within our community. It embodies the idea of finding a place where we not only reside but truly belong, where the spaces around us reflect our shared experiences and foster a sense of unity. In the context of the snow-covered residential area in Niagara on the Lake, despite coming from a tropical country and experiencing snow for the first time, the sight of houses and cars blanketed in snow symbolizes a collective experience of adaptation and resilience within the community. The porch lights, shining warmly amidst the wintry scene, symbolize a sense of welcome and belonging, inviting residents and newcomers alike to find solace and camaraderie within the community. The snow becomes a unifying element, transforming the landscape into a shared canvas upon which residents navigate and bond, creating a sense of belonging that transcends cultural backgrounds and origins.

I took this picture during my walk through Garden Spring parks of St. Catharines. The meaning of my Dari/Farsi name - It means bright shining sun. My zodiac sign is Pisces. I think this picture draws me to itself because of the view where sun is touching the lake water where the fish lives. I walked on the trails of this park, for the first time, with my husband in a summer afternoon. After a long and exhausting work day, the walk on this location during golden hour was very relaxing for both of us. The quiet gardens gave us space to re-connect with each other and clear our thoughts. We talked about our families we have left in Afghanistan and remembered those we have lost without saying our final goodbyes to each other. They say the World is small and you will be one flight away anywhere in the world. But, moving to across the continents and oceans during border closures of pandemic proved it otherwise. Still, we strive to survive and find peaceful, golden moments like this in our new home in St. Catharines.

For me, local spaces are places where you can share, connect and feel part of a place that is not originally yours.

The meaning of Local Spaces Community Belonging for me is being able to connect personally with the people you interact and see around you. This picture of my classmates in horticulture programs doing together what we our interest about growing plants comes together. This would be an experience of community belonging that I am having currently as a student

Local Spaces and Community Belonging means to me sharing spaces, sharing moments with loved ones and community. This photo from a sunset beach, St Catherines. It was a sharing moment with my loved ones and community. I just want to freeze that great moment of sunset and want to share with community. It was a very positive and nice day.