How Do I Get a Permit for a Neighbourhood Block Party?

What are Neighbourhood Block Parties?

People can invite their neighbours and families to get together for a party on their street. Parties can be held on a weekend or holiday only. The street can be closed off to vehicle traffic for you to enjoy your event safely.

How do I get a permit to hold a Neighbourhood Block Party?

Simply send a request to HRM with the following information to receive a permit, at no charge, for your party:

  • The name of the street where the closure is to take place. Include the starting point and ending point of the affected area. Closures are to start and stop at intersections wherever possible.
  • The date, time and the rain date for the event.
  • The contact name, address, e-mail and phone/fax for the event.
  • A written agreement to the closure from all affected residents. This is for first-time events, events that have had a break of a year or more, an event where complaints have been received, or the case where new residents have moved in. Include all the civic numbers and residents’ signatures. If an apartment building is included within the proposed closure area, a signature from each unit is required.
  • If you have created a flyer for your event, please provide a copy.

HRM needs at least one (1) week of notice from the date you submit your application to the date you want to have your event in order to fulfill your request. More time is appreciated if possible. Once your request is approved, an authorization letter will be sent out to you providing more details. Barricades can be borrowed from HRM. You are responsible for the pick-up and drop-off of the barricades and any signage that is required according to the approved plan. 

How do I apply?

You can apply by calling 490-6245 or 490-6845 or you can fax your information to 490-4858.

Information can also be dropped off at any of the following HRM customer service centres:

  • Bayers Road, 7071 Bayers Road, 2nd Floor, Halifax
  • Alderney Gate, 40 Alderney Dr., 2nd Floor
  • Sackville Office, Acadia School, 636 Sackville Drive.

What do I need to know?

Please note:

  • Street closures will not be permitted for fundraising or profit-making events
  • Road closures must still allow for people to walk through
  • Emergency vehicles must have access to the area
  • All provincial and municipal By-laws and statutes still apply including, but not limited to, noise control, no open liquor, and no dogs off leash
  • Loud music is not allowed after 11 p.m. (By-law N-200)
  • Residents are asked to follow By-law 0-103 respecting Open Air Burning
  • Open fire pits are not permitted in the city core area. In rural areas campfires are permitted as long as guidelines from By-law 0-103 are respected and that there is not a fire ban (Open Air Burning requires a permit 490-5546)
  • To find out if there is a fire ban in your area call 490-5546 or visit www.halifax.ca/fire  
  • Any tents over 10' by 10' which will have members of the public in them must be inspected by HRM Fire Services. You can call 490-5546 or e-mail hrmfire@halifax.ca to request an inspector. Tents cannot be anchored into the street.
  • Organize a clean up that includes all three streams of waste recycling (organics, recyclables and garbage)
  • Metro Transit routes cannot be closed.

Insurance

Resources that offer useful information:

 

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