Block Parties
Meet your neighbours, Know your community.
Block parties are a great way to build social connections and improve your community. Knowing your neighbours can make a difference:
- It’s easier to get help from neighbours we know in a medical or other emergency than from a friend 10 minutes away.
- Research shows that when neighbours know and trust each other, streets are safer and people are healthier and happier.
Please Note
During the Block Party season we experience a high level of requests and inquiries. Due to this, a response to inquiries may take up to 5 business days and applications submitted with less than 14 days notice may not be processed.
Plan a Block Party
Steps to planning a successful block party
1) Pick a Time and Place
Whether you live in a house or an apartment, your block party can take place in a variety of locations: on a street, in a common room, lobby, backyard, park, school, or Leisure Centre. Block Parties requiring road closures may be booked between May 15th and October 15th (weather dependent).
Depending on where your party is, there are a couple of steps you'll need to take:
- To have your party on the street, you will need permission to close the road. Instructions for how to close a block are included in the block party application. Remember, Noise Bylaw (8244) is in effect.
- If your party is not on the street, and you have limited communal space, there are a number of other options you can look into.
2) Set-up an Organizing Team
Get your neighbours, strata, and/or property manager involved in the planning of your block party. They can help with invitations, as well as the set-up and clean-up of the party.
A Block Party poster template is available for download in the related documents section of this page.
Invite Your Neighbours
Find out who wants to come and if your selected date and location works for most neighbours.
If you plan to close your street, you’ll need support from 51% of the neighbours in the closure area. Please complete a Block Party Neighbour Support Form to submit with your application.
Design Your Event
Possible ideas:
- Have a potluck
- Provide name tags to help with introductions
- Decorate the pavement with chalk to get kids involved
Determine How You Will Clean Up
At the end of your party, make sure you have a good crew of neighbours to help you clean up.
Remind Your Neighbours
When you get confirmation of your street closure or other party location, send a reminder to your neighbours to mark the date. Will they need to bring food, their own dishes, and a chair? Invite them to share a talent or game idea.
Have a Fun Party and Tell us how it went
Talk to your neighbours at the end of your party. Did they enjoy themselves? What did they like most? How might the party be improved for next time?
Closing Your Street
Steps to closing your street for a block party: Please reference the Block Party Request Form, or call 306-986-3079.
It's best to apply for a street closure at least two weeks before your party date.
Involve Your Neighbours
When inviting your neighbours, share your idea for closing the street, and record their support with the Block Party Neighbour Support Form. At least 51% of households within the proposed closure area must support the road closure. Talk to everyone on your block, including those across the street from each end of the block. For your block party to be approved, proof of 51% household approval must be provided. Only one signature from each address will be accepted unless it is a multi-unit dwelling.
Apply for Your Block Party Permit Online - Application fee is $35+GST
Saskatoon has a lot of block parties! Make sure to apply two weeks before your party date. Once you apply, we will contact you to confirm details and request your completed sign-off form. When everything is in order, we will email your block party permit.
Confirm if the free insurance is enough
Approved block parties that require a street closure get free general liability insurance from the City of Saskatoon. The insurance covers party organizers and the City to a limit of $2,000,000 for public liability and property damage.
We can help determine if you will need additional insurance coverage. If you do need more coverage, you will need to contact a private insurance broker.
Get the barricades to reserve the street for your party
Barricades will need to be picked up at the Cosmo Civic Center during the assigned hours and must be returned the next business day following the event. Event organizers will receive communication on how-to pick-up barricades once the permit has been issued. Event organizers will be responsible for setting up and taking down barricades for the block party. Approved road closures for block parties will be limited to one block in length.
Location Ideas
If closing the street is not an option for you and you don’t have enough common space for your party, consider the following options.
Leisure Centres
Your local Leisure Centre may have space available to rent. Please contact the site directly.
Parks
Saskatoon parks make a great venue for picnics and private recreation activities. Depending on the type of party you are planning, you may need to book the park or have a permit to use it.
For more information on booking a park space please visit the Outdoor Special Events & Festivals page.
School
Your local school may be able to provide space for your party in a school gym or yard.
Rent a Saskatoon Public School facility by calling 306-683-8218 or you can rent a Greater Saskatoon Catholic School facility.