Information about block parties can be found on the City of Ottawa’s Residential Block Party Permit page. 

How to host a block party: 

• Talk to some people you know on your block. Is there a weekend that most people will be around? July and August are great for weather but more neighbours may be available in September.
• Pick a block to have the party on. Neighbours on multiple blocks can come together to plan a party and pick one block to close off for the party. Live on one of the main streets? Talk to neighbours on a side street where the City will have less concerns about limiting traffic access. 
• Review the City’s Residential Block Party Conditions. 
• Pick someone to serve as the point person for the permit and for signing the City’s indemnification waiver. 
• Fill out the “Residential block party permit” form on the City of Ottawa website. Remember to submit the form at least 28 days before the event so City staff have time to review the request. Contact Councillor Plante’s office at [email protected] or ASH at [email protected] if you need any help with your application. 
• Once the permit is approved, the City of Ottawa Traffic Management Office will contact you by email about permit requirements and send you the indemnification waiver for signature.
• Follow the instructions that come with the permit approval including returning the indemnification waiver and picking up the barricades. If you need help getting the barricades, contact ASH by emailing [email protected]. 
• Make sure to have volunteers at each end of the block who can move the barricades if anyone needs to come through. 
• Have a great party! 

We recommend encouraging your neighbours to bring their own food and drinks, or bringing some to share if they feel so inclined. You may want to bring a speaker for music or games to play - it's up to you and your neighbours to decide what you'd like to do! 

If you'd like your block party to be advertised on Action Sandy Hill's social media, send the details to [email protected]. You can also email us if you need help with any of the steps!