Plan a block party

Connecting neighbours leads to positive individual and community well-being. As friendships grow, so do safe, caring and inclusive neighbourhoods that create an overall sense of belonging.

Use our Neighbourhood Block Party Guide for information on planning and implementing a block party. 

Planning neighbourhood block party on City Property (road, cul-de-sac, or neighbourhood park)? Please complete the Neighbourhood Block Party Application Form.

*If you are requesting a local parade (birthday, school parades etc.), please see the Parade Permit page for rules, regulations and the application form.

Ten reasons to have a block party

1. Have fun — no excuse or reason is needed to celebrate
2. Meet your neighbours and celebrate your community
3. Increase your sense of belonging to the community
4. Organize initiatives such as a block parent program
5. Make connections
6. Meet a neighbour who can help you with gardening tips
7. Organize a babysitting co-op or share walking to school duties
8. Take action/share ideas to plan a campaign for traffic slowdown, better lighting, a new neighbourhood park or other residents' concerns
9. Use the street for the day to rollerblade, play hockey or dance
10. Meet some of the long-term residents in the neighbourhood and learn about its history

Planning your block party

• The idea of a neighbourhood block party is to bring people together, so why not invite some neighbours to help out with the planning?
• Decide what type of party would be best: barbecue, picnic, potluck or catered event?
• Start with a smaller event and grow it over the years.
• Use natural neighbourhood boundaries (such as end of the block or everyone in the cul-de-sac) when determining who to invite.
• Find a location. If you choose to host it on the street, or in a park or alley, you will need to complete a Neighbourhood Block Party Application form. Contact Community Development at 403-948-8800 for more information.  
• If the party is held on private property like a backyard or a garage no application is required.
• Decide on a date and time for your Block Party and inform neighbours in the area.
• At the event, name tags are great for helping everyone to get to know each other.