Yes, you can host your own neighbourhood block party on June 15th and we can make it easy for you! Block parties allow you the opportunity to connect with your neighbours in a way that just isn't possible in everyday life. You, as the host, get the added bonus of meeting and getting to know your neighbours individually before the party. Block party hosts say that they feel a much greater connection to their neighbourhood afterwards.

The steps to hosting your party are straightforward, and the city block party web site makes it quite easy. Here's what to do:

1. Check out the map on the home page of our web site to see if there is already a party on your block on June 15th. The red pins on the maps indicate parties. Zoom in on the map (plus sign on upper left) and click on the pins near your street. The pop up box will tell you the block the party is held in, and provide you with a email contact form to get in touch with the people who have already agreed to host a party. If there is a party planned for your block already, get in touch with those involved and you're on your way!

2. If there isn't a party on your block yet, you can start the process yourself. Send us an email at kitsilano@carfreevancouver.org or call Mel Lehan at 604-731-0599 to let us know you want to host a party on June 15th. Tell us your street and block (i.e. 2600 block W6th) and provide us with an email contact so that others on your block can get in touch. We'll post a pin on the map showing your party so others looking for a party on your block can connect with you. (Note: we won't make your email visible to anyone clicking on your block party will fill out a form that is sent on to you via us).

3. Next, check out the City of Vancouver's block party web page at http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/filmandevents/events/blockparty/ to see what they require of you in order to approve your party, provide you with special event insurance, and supply you with barricades to block the street:

a. The city wants to ensure that you have your neighbours support for the party, so they ask that you collect signatures from a number of households on the block. You can download their sign-off form here: http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/filmandevents/events/blockparty/pdf/....

Try and find someone else from the block to help you with this -- it's more fun and it's easier when you share responsibilities. Going door to door for signatures also gives you a chance to get contact information from new people who would like to help plan the party. We suggest you write up a small notice that you can leave at homes where you couldn't reach anyone. This notice should have info on the time and location of the block party, your contact info and a suggestion that they contact you to sign the form and join in the fun!

b. In addition to gaining your neighbours's support, you also have to fill out a city special event application/insurance form which you can download here: http://city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/filmandevents/events/blockparty/pdf/....
c. Fax both the neighbour sign-on form, the application, and a sketch map showing where the party will be held to the city at 604-871-6139. You can also drop it off at the Special Events Coordination Office (2nd Floor, City Hall), or mail it to the address indicated on the application. (Call the Special Events Coordination Office at 604-871-6260 to confirm receipt of the application.)

d. Tentatively reserve your street barricades at one of the four community centres noted on the back of the application form. The city will forward your approved party permit to that community centre you choose, and you will need to confirm you barricade booking with the community centre, pay a refundable deposit to reserve the barricades, and pick them up before your party. (We will try and make this last step as easy as possible, and we'll let you know if we are able to streamline this at all).

Keep in mind that the number of block parties may have to be limited, so get your application in early! Once you have your approval from the city and some barricades lined up, you can carry on with the fun of planning what you want to do with your neighbours. For more ideas on things to do at a block party, check out the link to our "Party Toolkit" on the Kitsilano page of our web site.