Helping you (re)connect your neighbourhood

The Good Neighbour Builders Society helps citizens turn places where people live into happy communities where they belong.

We are thankful for the support and partnership with the following organizations

Catherine Donnelly Foundation; Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia; Government of Canada

Our vision is that it’s normal for neighbours to know, care, and support each other.

Unfortunately this is not normal now. Why? Because in today’s culture, it’s hard to reach out and create neighbourly connections! It’s uncomfortable, time consuming and may even be scary. So as a nonprofit, we took it upon ourselves to create effective ways any citizen can transform the area around them for the better. From tools and training to community development consulting, we enable you and your neighbours to build the community you want into a friendly, trusting and supportive community.

Safe Brave Space Podcast

Barry chats with hosts Greg Smith and Anna Petosa about how a big idea like (re)connecting communities comes into being, especially at a time of great uncertainty.

Maritime Noon Interview

Barry’s segment on Maritime Noon covering the topic “What would improve your quality of life?” on February 26th, 2026.

Windsor Nova Scotia becomes a happy community

Mayor Zabien of the municipality of Windsor (Nova Scotia) describes how the community transformed.

A powerful team of experts

Good Neighbour Builders Society is founded on a diverse set of expertise across Canada.

Neighbours are important to our mental, physical, and economic wellbeing

Mary Jane Hampton, a leading health consultant, shares the science as to why neighbours are important.

Some of the people behind Good Neighbour Builders Society

Bruce Dienes, PhD,
Director, Chief Training Officer

Bruce has a PhD in psychology with a focus on Community Psychology. He has worked extensively with shifting the culture around gendered violence, addressing how gambling harms communities, and assisting organizations to become more empowering and resilient. More importantly, Bruce has deep compassion and caring for community wellbeing.

He is the co-developer of the Good Neighbour Method.

Matthew Maynard,
Chair, Project Implementer

Matthew has been a consultant, project manager, executive director, and small business owner. Matthew is a passionate community connector providing the support and advocacy for individuals, groups and communities to achieve the wellness, happiness and hope they desire. He is an experienced facilitator, communicator, and leader.

Matthew brings compassion, empathy and a practical get it done attitude to making our world more human and connected.

Joe Popovitch,
Director, Communications

Joe had a long career in medical imaging that included clinical, teaching, and corporate positions. Since retiring, he coaches, creates, and consults business and non-profit professionals in presentation design and delivery. Joe’s in-person workshops have taken him from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and across North America.