Bridging Divides – A Restorative Approach to Resolving Conflict –
Conflict is a Part of Life – So is Understanding
We’re excited to introduce Bridging Divides — an innovative program that draws on the wisdom of peace circles to compassionately address conflict, tension, disagreement, and disconnection. Whether in neighborhoods, workplaces, organizations, or everyday relationships, peace circles offer a meaningful way to bring people together, build understanding, and strengthen connections.
Peace circles create a safe, respectful space where people can share their experiences, listen deeply, and gain insight into one another’s perspectives. They’re not about blame — they’re about building understanding and moving forward together.
Rooted in empathy, accountability, and shared responsibility, this process encourages honest conversations and helps foster trust, collaboration, and a sense of community.
Whether you’re a neighbor, co-worker, team leader, or service provider, peace circles offer a powerful way to reconnect, resolve tensions, and create lasting change — together.
Why Hastings Sunrise?
Hastings Sunrise was selected by the Restorative Collective Vancouver to become the city’s first restorative neighbourhood — a key step in Vancouver’s journey to becoming a Restorative City.
This initiative is a collaborative effort led by three local organizations:
- Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre (HSCPC)
- Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House
- Peace of the Circle
Together, we’re working to create a community where connection, dialogue, and mutual understanding are at the heart of how we respond to conflict and tension.
As part of this work, the HSCPC launched the Bridging Divides program — a way to support residents, workplaces, and organizations in addressing challenges and repairing relationships through restorative practices like peace circles.
This program is made possible with generous support from the City of Vancouver, the Law Foundation of BC, and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
Who Can Benefit from Peace Circles?
- Neighbourhoods and Community Groups
- Workplaces and Organizations
- Individuals
If you live or work in the Hastings Sunrise neighbourhood, you’re eligible to participate in this free program — designed to support everyone in building understanding and stronger connections.
Why Choose Peace Circles?
Peace circles create a warm and respectful space where everyone has a chance to be heard. By encouraging honest, open dialogue, they foster understanding, empathy, and connection.
This process helps resolve conflict, heal relationships, and build trust through collaboration. It empowers individuals, teams, and communities by promoting shared responsibility.
Guided in a confidential, nonjudgmental setting, peace circles support transformative conversations that lead to meaningful, lasting outcomes.
How Peace Circles Work:
The process includes four stages: suitability, preparation, gathering, and follow-up. Participation is voluntary, and when all parties agree to meet, the circle includes:
- Sitting together in a circle
- Using a talking piece to ensure everyone has a voice
- Practicing active listening
- Working collaboratively toward a solution
Our trained facilitators, called peacemakers, gently guide the group through the process, tailoring each circle to fit the unique needs of the situation.
What does “Bridging Divides” offer?
Bridging Divides provides a compassionate alternative to adversarial approaches to conflict. Instead of separation, polarization, or punishment, the focus is on open dialogue, mutual understanding, and building healthy, lasting relationships.
Peace circles offer a flexible, guided process for meaningful conversations that can be applied to a wide range of situations — from resolving conflicts and disagreements to workplace and neighbour disputes, community building, cultural exchanges, and more.
Through this approach, participants come together to listen, share, and work collaboratively toward positive outcomes that strengthen community connections.
You can find more information about Bridging Divides on our info pamphlet.
Get in touch with us to learn more or to request a Peace Circle:
Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre
2620 East Hastings Street
Phone: 604-717-3584
Contact Nina Kreis at ninak@hscpc.com
We would like to thank our generous partners and supporters: 
