Neighbourhood events are a fun way for neighbours to meet and build relationships with others in your neighbourhood. The City of London supports neighbourhood events that build community and promote health and well-being by offering resources to make event planning easy and your event a success.
While gathering size restrictions and limitations for in-person gatherings are in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting with neighbours virtually and via social media are great options during this time.
The Neighbourhood Event Booking Process is an easy way for neighbourhood groups to organize events in neighbourhood parks.
Neighbourhood Events are smaller than Special Events and must fit the following criteria:
There are multiple steps to planning a neighbourhood party. Before starting, assemble a team, share the idea with neighbours, choose a day, time and location, create a plan for the event including budget. Keep in mind street closure protocols, food handling inspections, inclusivity and safety for all.
This program is for neighbourhood groups and resident-led projects. If you are a school or business interested in participating in this program, you will have to partner with a neighbourhood or resident-led group.
A City of London Certificate of Insurance is required if your request for an event is approved. Once you receive approval, a contract will be generated with a condition that this form is completed your insurance broker indicating event coverage for $2,000,000.
Only this form will be accepted by the City of London and it must show the same organization/individual name as on the contract.
If you would like to prepare and serve hazardous foods at a neighbourhood event, you must have your food handler certification. Certifications must be renewed every 5 years.
The most affordable options to become a certified food handler are:
For more information on food handler certification including the cost to take the exam and coordinating a group session, visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit website.
Residents interested in having food trucks at their event can request them by e-mailing the London Food Truck Association at londonfoodtrucks@hotmail.com. All trucks in the London Food Truck Association are fully licensed with the City and carry their own insurance.
The Neighbourhood Equipment Lending Program will not be offered during summer 2020 due to the current health precautions and restrictions in place and the ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. We know how important this program is to our community, and it will be offered in the future. Please watch for updates and changes should restrictions be lifted.
We know buying, borrowing or renting event equipment can be difficult for some resident groups. This program provides neighbourhood and resident groups event equipment free of charge.
Groups are required to pick up and return the equipment they borrow from the Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre storage facility.
Fill out the Neighbourhood Event Request Form to request equipment for your event.
Some restrictions apply and availability is not guaranteed.
The Neighbourhood Event Team is available for small neighbourhood and community events. The team includes staff, table, tent, giant games, and City of London promotional materials to engage with event-goers of all ages.
To request the Neighbourhood Event Team for your event, fill out this form. Availability for all events is not guaranteed.
If you're thinking of hosting a neighbourhood block party but not sure how to start planning for one, contact us for a Block Party Guide. The guide will help you complete the paperwork and make sure that everyone on your block will be included and safe.
For the purpose of accessing City resources, neighbourhood street parties are defined as: