Special series: Vancouver is pretty. Pretty lonely.

Living in Vancouver has many benefits the natural playground of the north shore mountains, the promise of mild temperatures but a growing number of young people are struggling to find a connection in their communities. These are young, employed, educated and mobile Metro Vancouverites. Why can't they make a connection? Who should be responsible for making it easier to feel a sense of belonging? Listen to The Early Edition November 19 - 23 for a special series exploring why so many Metro Vancouverites are feeling the sting of social isolation.

November 19: The pain

• The Early Edition visits a mental health crisis hotline centre, where 80 percent of calls are related to loneliness. Why is it important to address social isolation? Plus, meet the self-proclaimed "Loneliest Person in Vancouver."

November 20: Lonely work

• Statistics show that people who can't afford to stay here don't bother settling in or establishing roots. If young people are working long hours to make ends meet, where is the time for connection?

November 21: Over-regulated basecamp

• Vancouver has an abundant outdoor playground, but what about people who would rather stay in the city? Finding urban displays of community is harder than you'd think - are regulations to blame? The Early Edition looks at the Public Disco Block Party and talks to a downtown business advocate who says permits are not permitting much fun.

November 22: Who is the least lonely?

• Research shows South Asians show the least amount of loneliness. The Early Edition talks to the South Asian community and learns that accountability to each other creates community. Other cultures have a different sense of individualism. How much privacy are people willing to give up to be less lonely?

November 23: The fix

• Who is responsible for nurturing a connected community? The Early Edition talks to a former Vancouver city councillor who argues the city can't fix the problem on its own. What role do churches, unions, and community groups play?

Listen to The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn weekday mornings on CBC Radio One.