Show All Answers

1. How do you plan a Block Party?

Check out our six step instructions for planning a basic block party in Maple Ridge:

1. Pick a location. Block Parties can take place in a variety of locations. Where you decide to hold your Block Party will determine some of the steps that you need to go through.
2. Pick a Time and Date. Pick a time and date that will allow the most people to attend. Give yourself enough time to organize and advertise your event. If you are hosting it in a park, get confirmation from the City before advertising your event.
3. Get a Team: Get help from friends and neighbours to make the block party happen. If people have specific tasks such as planning a game to play, taking care of food, or dropping off invitations to neighbours, it makes it much easier. Don't forget to ask people to help with set up and clean up.
4. Plan Event Activities: All sorts of things can happen at a block party! Ideas include: Casual meeting of neighbours, Lawn games such as bocce or croquet, Sidewalk art projects such as chalk art, Potluck food, Music, "Get to know you" games and much more.
5. Invite Your Neighbours: Make a flyer or invitation to send around to your neighbours to let them know about the event. It is also helpful to send out reminders closer to the date.
6. Get some support: The City of Maple Ridge can offer some support that may help your Block Party be successful. Apply for a Neighbourhood Small Grant to help cover the costs for food, insurance costs, and other expenses. Your block party may be eligible for up to $500 in funding.

2. Where can block parties take place?

1. On private property:

• Host a lawn or back yard party. No permits required.
• Easy and quick to plan and schedule.
• Consider insurance requirements and plan for a safe event

 

1. In a city owned park:

• Easy and quick to plan and schedule.
• Suitable for large or small gatherings.
• For information about booking a civic park
• You may need insurance, you can use your own provider or request coverage through this program.

 

1. On a Street:

• Completed applications should be received by staff at least 4 weeks prior to the block party
• Suitable for medium to large gatherings
• Must be on a quiet local road, or a cul de sac. A busy road would not be approved.
• See more detailed information about the process to request to use a city street in the “How to request use of city streets for a Block Party” section.

3. How do I request the the use of city streets for a Block Party?

1. Submit a complete application including all applicable noted parts below to close a road to the City of Maple Ridge via email at culture@mapleridge.ca at least 4 weeks prior to the block party date.
   1. Form: Submit a Highway Use Permit Request Form with your application.
      1. Include: your name, address, email address, and phone number, location of the block party (street or venue address), date of the block party, start and end time for the event.
      2. The cost of this permit for block parties is waived.
   2. Map: Supply a map showing where barricades would be placed and any safety planning to be considered.  
   3. Neighbourhood Involvement: If this is your first time planning a block party that closes roads, you will need to ensure at least 65% of neighbours/property owners effected by the closure are in favor. Meet your neighours, fill in this road closure survey form and send it along with your application

 

1. Upon receiving confirmation from the City to proceed with planning the closure complete the process by arranging for insurance and the method of how you are closing the road.
   1. Insurance: A certificate for insurance is required with the City of Maple Ridge listed as additional insured for $5 Million Insurance.
   2. Barricades: The city can provide several barricades to support your block party, they can be picked up on Saturdays between 10am - 2pm in Memorial Peace Park.  They can be returned on the Saturday after your event. Availability is based on first come, first served and must be request 4 weeks in advance by emailing culture@mapleridge.ca 

 

If you have question regarding this process contact the neighborhood Small Grant Coordinator at culture@mapleridge.ca or 604-467-7459.

4. What funding is available to support Block Parties?

Partial costs may be supplemented by applying for the Neighborhood Small Grants Block Party and Matching Grant Program offered by the City of Maple Ridge and Vancouver Foundation.

5. What requirements are there when serving food at a Block Party?

You will need to apply for a Temporary Health Permit through Fraser Health if you will be selling food at your block party. You don't need a permit if you are having a BBQ or potluck with your neighbours. For details on how to apply for permit visit Fraser Health.

6. What rules and regulations effect block parties?

We encourage you to host and participate in social events, such as a block party. However, it is important that these events are respectful of the wider community. The following rules and regulations apply:

1. Keep alcohol on private property
2. Be respectful of noise and don't amplify music
3. Keep access open for emergency vehicles
4. Make sure fire hydrants are accessible and not blocked
5. Clean up after the party

7. How do I request the Fire Department to attend my Block Party?

Block Party hosts can request to be included in the Maple Ridge Fire Department's Hot Summer Nights program. Visit here page here for more details.