Block Parties
The City of Coquitlam Block Party program was created to encourage neighbours to connect and create a sense of community in our residential neighbourhoods. Block parties are a great way to build new friendships and enhance safety and awareness in the neighbourhood.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
Apply to Host a Block Party
Applications will open soon to host a block party with your adjacent neighbors and receive free Special Event Liability insurance.
Enhanced Block Party Program
In addition to the existing program as part of an enhanced block party program, residents also have the option to apply to host gatherings with one of two soccer-themed party packages. All approved block parties will receive soccer-themed play kits, encouraging informal play and family-friendly activities.
- Package 1: World Cup Soccer Watch Party (20 packages available) - The City will provide a screen and streaming infrastructure for block parties to host their own live viewing experience.
- Package 2: World Cup Soccer Celebration (20 packages available) - Residents will receive a $500 grant towards the hosting of a soccer-themed neighbourhood celebration.
Please note that both packages are subject to availability based off the day of your proposed block party.
Receive a Grant Post Block Party
Approved block parties are eligible for a grant or live viewing experience equipment dependent on the package you are approved for. Information about how to receive your grant will be included in the approval package. In short:
- Complete the Block Party Evaluation Form and submit three photos along with the form.
We will mail you a cheque for the block party funds within 5-8 weeks.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or require further information, please email Block Parties or call 604-927-6963.
Once your block party is approved by staff, you will:
- Be eligible to apply for a grant or screen rental subject to approval.
- Receive free Special Event Liability insurance for your block party.
Below are a few requirements you will need to know before you complete your Block Party Application.
A Block Party Application must be submitted a minimum of 2 business weeks prior to the day of the block party and include:
- The contact information of two supportive neighbours.
- A signed Block Party Agreement.
- A personal gathering amongst immediate neighbours.
- Up to 250 people maximum attendance
- The free Special Event Liability insurance covers only activities produced by neighbors. It does not provide coverage to third party operators, suppliers or vendors.
- We can approve one application per day within a 100m radius. Block parties are approved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Yes! You must follow these guidelines when planning your block party.
- Block parties can take place outdoors on private property, indoors on private property or a City street in Coquitlam.
- The block party is only available for immediate neighbors on an invitation basis.
- Fireworks are not permitted unless you obtain a permit from Coquitlam Fire & Rescue (PDF).
- All recyclables and garbage must be properly disposed of at the end of the event.
- Any outdoor amplified sound (music played through speakers) must end by 10 p.m.
- The primary purpose of a block party must be for the enjoyment and benefit of the surrounding neighborhood in order to be eligible for the Block Party Grant.
- For example, garage sales, gathering amongst friends and birthday parties are not eligible for the grant.
- A block party can expect up to 250 people.
- The free Special Event Liability insurance covers only activities produced by neighbors. It does not provide coverage to third party operators, suppliers or vendors.
Yes! The City is offering grant or screen rental to approved block parties depending on the selected block party package.
We recommend using the grant towards supporting local businesses. The grant funds may be used for food and equipment; however, it cannot be used towards the purchase of alcohol.
Coquitlam households are eligible for one block party grant per year.
Grant funds will be awarded based on the following:
- The block party is a personal gathering amongst adjacent neighbors.
- An approved block party application.
- The primary purpose of the block party is for the enjoyment and benefit of the surrounding neighborhood.
- A submitted Block Party Evaluation, no later than two weeks following the block party.
- Three photo(s) of the block party submitted alongside the completed Evaluation Form.