A connected neighbourhood creates a sense of well-being.
That's the philosophy behind Tiny Township's Block Party Program, which has been suspended this year due to COVID-19, but will be resuming in 2021 with some changes, said Maggie Off, community engagement coordinator.
The program, which has been in place for a few years now, encourages residents to get to know their neighbours, she said.
"It's a program that a municipality can encourage neighbours to get out and get to know one another," said Off. "It's a gathering of neighbours who want to connect and celebrate their community. You get to meet your neighbours and make new relationships and raise the awareness of the safety of the community."
Even though neighbours have to submit an application to the municipality to have a road closure approved, she added, the township does not organize block parties.
"The program is in place if a resident can decide to host it," said Off, adding a minimum of $2 million in liability coverage is required. "It's up to that person to initiate and plan it. It's up to them how they want to do it. A lot of neighbours do it every year."
And it can be hosted in winter too, she said.
The gathering can be held on a neighbourhood street or at a municipal park, said Off.
The application is available online, she said, adding a how-to guide is available that provides useful tips for how to organize a block party and the kinds of activities that can be part of the event.
A typical block party takes place on a single day, said Off, and is more likely to be held in residential neighbourhoods.
"We have to make sure it's safe to close the street," she said. "Communities such as Wyevale, LaFontaine, Perkinsfield, Toanche, are examples of neighbourhoods that could serve as block party locations."
The township currently does not charge for the submission of a block party application, Off said, but some changes proposed at a recent committee of the whole meeting includes studying the administration and staff costs in the next two years.
