Block Party

Engage a few neighbors to plan the party. Try to think of the planning process itself as an opportunity to have fun and make some lasting friendships. Try to involve neighbors you don’t know well who may know other neighbors you don’t know well. Don’t stress over planning – sometimes the most casual gatherings are the most fun.

Choose a Location. Decide where you want your block party to be held. The City can provide barricades to close off cul-de-sacs, complex entrances or a local road if you want to hold activities right on the street. When considering Block Party street closures, safety is the priority. If you are on a major or busy street, including collector or arterial routes, a nearby park may offer a viable alternative with the consumption of alcohol now allowed in many City parks. 

Learn more at portcoquitlam.ca/alcohol-in-parks.

Choose a Date. Plan to pick a date 3 to 4 weeks in advance to allow plenty of time for planning, receiving approval for a Block Party street closure, purchasing supplies and inviting the whole neighbourhood.

Decide on Activities. You may want to include some games and activities to add to your gathering. Icebreakers and lawn games (such as cornhole or ladder ball) are a great way to get people mingling. The Block Party application also includes the option to request a visit from the Port Coquitlam Fire Department through the Hot Summer Nights program, giving participants an opportunity to check out a fire truck and learn about home fire safety. Note that the Fire Department’s availability is dependent upon their schedule and activity in the community.

Decide on Food. What is a party without food? A potluck is a great way to share the work and experience a variety of fares and flavors. You may want to encourage everyone to label any homemade dishes with ingredients to help your neighbours navigate allergies and food restrictions.

Block parties applying for a street closure require at least 3 neighbors from 3 different addresses to co-sign on your application and for all residents of the street to be invited. Make sure that you have full names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for your co-signers before filling out a Block Party application.

Now that you have the basics for your Block Party figured out, it's time to apply for a Block Party permit. Please apply for your permit at least two weeks before the date of your gathering - the earlier, the better. City staff will follow up with you to review the conditions of holding a Block Party, as well as provide you with your permit and instructions for picking up your barricades.

It is your responsibility to ensure adequate insurance coverage is in place for your block party. Block Party Permits do not include liability insurance. Insurance can be purchased through your own provider or the Municipal Insurance Association of BC (MIABC).

Purchase insurance through an online portal

MIABC (Municipal Insurance Association of BC) insurance portal (the "Third Party Website") is being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. By clicking on the link to the Third Party Website, you will be taken to an external website. The City of Port Coquitlam (the "City") does not create, publish or maintain the information on the Third Party Website. The City is not compensated for the insurance products offered for sale by a third party via the Third Party Website. The City does not verify the accuracy of the information submitted in order to obtain a policy of insurance through the Third Party Website. By sharing the link to the Third Party Website, the City does not endorse, recommend or favour the insurance products offered for sale on the Third Party Website. The City does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness of any information on or submitted through the Third Party Website. Please contact the operator of the Third Party Website for answers to questions regarding its content or operation. You are responsible for assessing that any insurance policy obtained through the Third Party Website meets requirements and is suitable for your operations.

Apply for your block party

Your Block Party permit letter will confirm your approval for a road closure and include information about any additional restrictions you should be aware of, as well as instructions for how to pick up your barricades.

Once your event is confirmed, it’s time to invite your neighbours! Download our Block Party invitation template [PDF/34KB] or our printer-friendly Block Party invitation template [PDF/103KB].

Try to deliver invitations at least two weeks before the party to allow people time to plan. Invitations are most effective if they are delivered in person. You may also want to put reminders in people’s mailboxes about a week before the party.

If you are closing off your street for your block party, please ensure you have picked up your barricades in advance, following the instructions outlined in your permit. Please ensure that you have access to a truck or van capable of transporting barricades.

Make your block party a positive experience for all of your neighbors, even those who choose not to attend. Make it easy for neighbors to get out of their driveway and through the street. Remember to keep noise levels low after 10 pm.