Throwing a block party is a terrific way to meet your neighbors, build a sense of neighbourhood and just plain have fun!

For many generations block parties have served as a way for neighbours to meet each other. Some block parties are organized around Canadian holidays such as July 1 (Canada Day) or BC Day in August. People may decide to get together because of an issue (such as traffic or vandalism) affecting the neighbourhood or to start a Neighbourhood Preparedness Program. Whatever the motive, block parties often lead to further gatherings of neighbours and may lead to local improvement projects, new playground equipment or a neighbourhood clean up campaign.

Most people will agree that there are advantages to knowing your neighbours. It's helpful if neighbours can spot a stranger on the street, especially if one is lurking near your home. Children need to know where they can turn in an emergency and the difference between a friendly neighbor and a stranger. A concerned community  helps to create a sense of well being and safety for all.

You do not have to live in a single family home to be involved in a block party. Block parties can take place in common spaces in townhouse complexes, in front of apartment buildings or in a park near a condominium. A block party is simply a group of neighbours working together to organize an event for their neighbourhood.

So do not hesitate, gather a couple of neighbours, fix a date, and invite others to join in! Need more convincing? Click here for the Top 10 Reasons to Hold a Block Party!

Follow these easy steps for a successful block party:

• Have a Planning Party Invite a few neighbors over to plan the party. Think of the planning process itself as an opportunity to have fun and make some lasting friendships. Try to involve neighbours you don't know well who may know other neighbours you don't know well. Don't stress over planning the perfect party ­ sometimes the most casual events are the most fun.
• Choose a LocationYou may be able to close off the street in front of your block if you want to hold activities right in the street. If you want to close a street, you will need to get a permit from the City's Engineering and Operations Department. For a fee of $25, the City will also provide and deliver barricades to further secure the road. Click here for more details. Closing the street does have the advantage of making your party feel like a true block party rather than a private event.
• Choose a Date Try to pick a date 4 to 6 weeks in advance to allow plenty of time for planning, notifying neighbours and obtaining a Street Closure Permit, if needed.
• Decide on Food What is a party without food! A potluck is a great way to share the work!
• Decide on ActivitiesYou may want to include some games and activities to add to your event.Consider inviting Port Coquitlam's Fire Department to participate as part of the Hot Summer Nights program.
• Deliver Invitations Deliver invitations at least one month before the party to allow people to plan and as a courtesy to neighbours with special needs (e.g. daytime sleepers, expecting deliveries, etc.) who may need to communicate with you. Invitations are most effective if they are delivered in person. You may also want to put reminders under people's doormats about a week before the party.
• Set Up If you will be closing a street, the City will deliver barricades prior to the party.
• Observe Neighbourhood Courtesies and the City's Rules and Regulations for Street Closures Remember to make your block party a positive experience for all of your neighbours, even if they choose not to attend. Make it easy for neighbours to get out of their driveways and through the street. Keep noise levels low after 10 pm.
• Have Fun!

Contact
Engineering & Operations Department
Tel  604.927.5420
Fax  604.927.5407
Email  engineering@portcoquitlam.ca

Location and Mailing Address
City Hall Annex, (beside City Hall)
200-2564 Shaughnessy Street
Port Coquitlam BC  V3C 3G4

Business Hours
8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)

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