Following the success of their block party last month, the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association (DNA) wants the City of Mission to provide a “Block Party Tool Kit” to remove barriers to smaller-scale events.
Over 100 residents showed up to their block party on July 16, including some city councillors.
The DNA received a small grant from the Vancouver Foundation, but organizers still say they faced significant challenges in planning the event.
There was a lack of application forms for small events, and paying for city permits, deposits and liability insurance was a “significant barrier,” according to a letter to city council discussed at the Aug. 15 meeting.
“As Mission continues to grow as a community, there will be an even greater need to maintain a strong sense of community and belonging,” the letter said. “Therefore, we are requesting that the City develop and implement a “Block Party Tool Kit” similar to what many other communities have in place.”
The DNA also wants fees – for permits, road closures, park and school-field usage, and liability insurance – to be waived or subsidized by the city.
The City of Mission began a process to develop a “Neighbourhood Spirit Program” in 2015, but it was never finished.