ARE YOU SINGLE IN CANADA AND READY TO MINGLE - CONNECT IN YOUR CITY ?

In an era dominated by dating apps and digital exchanges, one initiative is working to bring human connection back to its roots—face-to-face interactions.

Connecting the City, founded by Abby and two close friends, has quickly become a growing community across Canada. What began as a small idea has now expanded into multiple groups, from Singles in the City to Entrepreneurs in the City, offering spaces for people to meet, collaborate, and form lasting relationships.

“The idea was born out of necessity,” Abby explains. “Anyone living in Canada—or in many parts of the Western world—knows how hard it is to truly connect with people. It’s work, home, sleep, repeat. People crave authentic interactions, and that’s what we set out to create.”

The flagship initiative, Singles in the City, is gearing up for its first major event in Montreal on February 18, just after Valentine’s Day. Designed as an alternative to online dating, the event offers singles the chance to meet in person, in a relaxed and vibrant setting. “Most people are tired of swiping on apps,” Abby says. “Meeting face-to-face beats anything virtual.”

The momentum has been striking. Within months, Singles in the City groups have sprung up across provinces—Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ontario—drawing hundreds of members. Their WhatsApp communities, some with more than 300 participants, buzz with activity around the clock, reflecting Canada’s multiple time zones. Members exchange messages, plan outings, and increasingly meet offline.

“We’ve already seen real success stories,” Abby says with pride. “In Toronto, for example, 22 people recently met for a game night. They stayed together until late into the evening and even went out afterward. Everyone had met for the first time that night, and now they’re building friendships that extend beyond the group.”

While the emphasis is on connection, safety remains central to the initiative. The organizers share guidelines encouraging members to take precautions—such as verifying identities through social media, avoiding oversharing personal details, and meeting in safe public spaces. “We’re not investigators or background checkers,” Abby notes. “But we urge everyone to do their due diligence.”

Inclusivity is another cornerstone. Although initially aimed at people of color, the group has since opened its doors to everyone, regardless of background. Divorced, widowed, or separated individuals are welcome, though those in committed relationships are asked to step aside. Clear rules are enforced to keep the community respectful, banning discriminatory remarks or divisive discussions around race or religion.

The vision stretches far beyond dating. Under the Connecting the City umbrella, different branches are emerging. Leading Ladies Connect focuses on women in business, fostering mentorship and collaboration, while Entrepreneurs in the City aims to provide networking opportunities for professionals. “This is about more than romance,” Abby says. “It’s about creating spaces for people to thrive together—whether in business, friendships, or long-term partnerships.”

Already, positive stories are surfacing. Members share updates about new friendships, local meetups, and budding relationships. “When people say, ‘I went on a date with someone I met in the group’ or ‘I finally found a friend in my city,’ that’s what gives us joy,” Abby reflects. “Some of these people might have never crossed paths otherwise.”

Abby herself isn’t just an organizer; she’s also an active participant. “I’m single too, and I connect with people on the platform,” she says with a laugh. “Hopefully, I’ll be one of the first to share my own love story that started here.”

Looking ahead, the vision is ambitious. The founders hope to establish Connecting the City chapters in every Canadian province, host in-person events across the country, and eventually develop a centralized online platform. They want their brand to become synonymous with connection—whether through friendships, business collaborations, or marriages.

“Our dream is to be a trusted community where people find opportunities and form bonds that enrich their lives,” Abby concludes. “Honesty, kindness, and respect are at the heart of everything we do. If we can help people meet lifelong partners, business collaborators, or simply new friends, then we’ve done something truly meaningful.”

For now, the movement is powered by social media, with communities active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. A website is in the works. Until then, the message is simple: It’s time to connect. It’s time to mingle.