COQUITLAM, B.C., July 29, 2021 – Coquitlam has doubled its typical Block Party grants in 2021 to encourage neighbours to reconnect safely.
Coquitlam residents may now apply for a $300 grant through www.coquitlam.ca/blockparties to support their 2021 block parties – fun social gatherings that are a great way to meet or reconnect with neighbours as pandemic restrictions continue to ease. Registered block parties also benefit from free liability insurance.
Rebuilding Neighbourhood Connections
For 2021 only, the City’s usual $150 block party grant is being matched through the Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP), the City’s dedicated COVID-19 relief fund with supports for residents, community organizations, businesses and other sectors. Block parties are one way residents can begin to recover the social and neighbourhood connections that may have waned during the pandemic.
Coquitlam residents may register at www.coquitlam.ca/blockparties to apply for the $300 grant, receive free Special Event Liability insurance, and request road closures and the use of free barricades if needed. The funds may be used for food, activities, entertainment or supplies, and up to 100 grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis for registered block parties taking place any time in 2021.
The City is encouraging organizers to use this year’s CSRP grant top-up toward purchasing additional supplies or hiring a performer or children’s entertainer. With businesses continuing to feel the impacts of the pandemic, residents are encouraged to source everything they need for their block party locally.
Other Changes for 2021
Some of the application criteria this year has changed to comply with health regulations. To simplify the process for organizers, eligible block parties must be held as personal gatherings, which are permitted on private property, in strata common areas or on the street with no attendance limits or safety plan required. (Street use and road closures require City approvals.)
To ensure block parties are not considered events – which have more stringent requirements – they may not be held in a park or rented venue, or include traditional event activities such as vendors, food trucks or elements requiring business licences or other approvals.
Applications must be submitted at least 10 business days before the party date and include requirements such as turning off amplified music by 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and by 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
For full details, visit www.coquitlam.ca/blockparties. The program criteria may be updated during 2021 to align with future health orders.
Partnership Opportunities Available
Align your organization with Coquitlam’s Block Party Program, and enjoy attractive marketing benefits as you connect directly with your target audience. Reach out to the Corporate Partners Program team to learn more. For more information, visit www.coquitlam.ca/corporatepartners.
About Coquitlam’s Community Support and Recovery Plan
Introduced in spring 2020, Coquitlam’s COVID-19 Community Support and Recovery Plan is a multi-phased recovery strategy made up of programs and initiatives to support all facets of the community through the pandemic. It has provided targeted immediate and long-term support for businesses, residents and the not-for-profit sector. New initiatives continue to be introduced in 2021 as the program nears its conclusion. Information about the CSRP is posted at www.coquitlam.ca/csrp.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- www.coquitlam.ca/csrp: Details about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is supporting non-profits, businesses and residents through the pandemic;
- www.coquitlam.ca/spirit: Free activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to stay engaged; and
- www.coquitlam.ca/covid19: City service updates and COVID-19 health resources.
Stay up-to-date about City news and service changes by:
Media contact:
Terra Dickinson
Cultural and Community Events Supervisor
City of Coquitlam
604-927-6978
tdickinson@coquitlam.ca