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Following successful block party, Mission neighbourhood association wants barriers removed

Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association says city needs ‘Block Party Tool Kit’ for small-scale events
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Over 100 people showed up to Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association’s block party on July 16. Facebook photo posted by Brandon Kealey.

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.