Block Parties

• Have fun!
• Get to know your neighbours
• Encourages a sense of pride and belonging
• Create a safer neighbourhood
• Build connections and friendships
• Celebrate your neighborhood
• Learn about the history of your neighbourhood
• Support for newcomers

• Ensure adequate insurance coverage for block party
• Alcohol to remain on private property.
• Be respectful of noise and amplified sound.
• Notify neighbours of the block party.
• Assess if a road closure is required and if yes, complete the required steps on the Road Closures section below.
• Ensure site is cleaned and streets are clear of debris.
• Maintain access for emergency vehicles.

Block parties can be held in a variety of locations in most residential neighbourhoods. Here are some areas to consider when planning your block party:

1. Front/Back lawn – easiest option by hosting on your property
2. Private complex common area– gather people outdoors in a controlled common area location in your building's complex
3. Local park – hosting a block party in a park provides an easy location that can accommodate small to large block parties based on availability.  To book a park, insurance is required, along with a park rental fee.  Visit our facility booking page to book a space.
4. On your street – block parties on your street require safety measures to ensure public safety. See details below for details on requirements for a road closure.

Request for road closure must be submitted at least 90 days prior to block party date. Please note the following must be completed prior to hosting your block party:

1. Contact Culture Office a minimum of 90 days (3 months) prior to date indicating intention to close a road.
2. To receive potential funding submit a Neighbourhood Grant Application.
3. Submit a Block Party Road Closure Request Form to culture@mapleridge.ca that confirms at least 65% of the neighbours affected by the potential closure to support the proposed road closure.
4. Submit a Highway Use Permit for approval.
5. Upon receipt of approval to close the road(s), submit by email to culture@mapleridge.ca your certificate of insurance for the event, naming the City of Maple Ridge as an added insured in a General Liability amount of at least $5 million covering all intended activities.
6. The applicant(s) understand that they are responsible to arrange and/or implement the road closure as submitted and approved including potential costs and equipment.

• Highway Use Permit
• Neighbourhood Road Closure Permission
• Neighbourhood Small Grant – funding to support block party
• Book a Park for Your Block Party
• Funding may be available for block parties through Neighbourhood Small Grants

604-467-7415 | culture@mapleridge.ca 

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.

1. On private property:
   1. Host a lawn or back yard party. No permits required.
   2. Easy and quick to plan and schedule.
   3. Consider insurance requirements and plan for a safe event
2. In a city owned park:
   1. Easy and quick to plan and schedule.
   2. Suitable for large or small gatherings.
   3. For information about booking a civic park
   4. You may need insurance, you can use your own provider or request coverage through this program.
3. On a Street:
   1. Completed applications should be received by staff at least 4 weeks prior to the block party
   2. Suitable for medium to large gatherings
   3. Must be on a quiet local road, or a cul de sac. A busy road would not be approved.
   4. 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.

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
2. 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 neighbourhood Small Grant Coordinator at culture@mapleridge.ca or 604-467-7459.

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.

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.

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:

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

Block Party hosts can request to be included in the Maple Ridge Fire Department's Hot Summer Nights program.