Annual Block Party Grants
The MVHRA would like to help future efforts of residents to bring neighbours together by offering small grants of $150 each to residents interested in hosting their own block parties.
Grants will be awarded starting March 1st each year to the first five applicants.
2024 Grants Have Closed
Surrey Street Block Party
The party on Surrey Street was held on July 15th at 421 Richmond Street with six households represented. Local issues were a topic of conversation; current traffic configuration on Surrey Street, cars parked on Surrey Street being entered by someone trying car door handles, finding the odd car not locked were the top two. By all accounts everyone had a great time.
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Burnaby Street Block Party
Burnaby Street held their Block Party on July 8th. It was a beautiful day and the event vibe was great with 35+ neighbours attending!
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Elmer Street Block Party
Elmer Street held their Block Party on July 15.
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Chestnut Street & Cherry Street Block Party
Residents held a "Sundaes on Monday" party on the Labour Day weekend [Sunday September 3rd ] as a 'wind up' summer party! The party was held in a neighbour’s backyard with invites going to all the residents on the block. People brought their own chairs and bowls and spoons, and the coordinator provided the food. The event was contained to private property so did not require any kind of permit for street closure. Having an evening event was tricky for some of the elders on the block and is definitely a consideration for future events. They found it to be an 'easy' event to host and to clean up after. They are looking forward to next year.
Burnaby Street Block Party
The party on Burnaby Street was held on August 17th with 25+ neighbours attended. Hamburgers and hotdogs were supplied, while everyone else brought a favourite BBQ dish to share. A few games got everyone up mingling and getting to know thier neighbours a little more; everyone had lots of fun!
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Chestnut Street Block Party
Chestnut Street had a fabulous breakfast party for Canada Day 2024! The flyer pictured below was delivered to every house on the block [Chestnut and Cherry Streets]. A lot of food was provided and some plants were bought for people to plant a flower (if they brought a pot) to help their gardens attract pollinators. MVHRA Funds went to help purchase food, plants and a bag of soil. Barricades were not required as the event was held in the backyard and garage! Total attendance was approximately 45 to 50 people. It was great to see some people we had not seen for a while! Organizer feels these grants are an amazing way for neighbours to come together and chat, get re-acquainted after the winter/fall (when we usually don’t see much of each other). The plant potting was a BIG hit! They usually held sundaes parties in the past, but the breakfast definitely got more people out!
