A good block party ends with a street that looks the same as it did that morning. That takes a plan for cups, plates, boxes and the stuff left behind. Here is what two Metro Vancouver cities ask of hosts, and how to plan the cleanup.
Begin with the street
Whether you need a permit depends on where the party is.
Vancouver. The City says you need at least 65% of households in support of closing a street before it issues a permit, and you apply for a free permit at least two weeks before the party. The City provides free general liability insurance for approved street closures, with exclusions such as groups over 250 attendees, the sale of products or food, bouncy castles and fireworks. The City says it cannot lend barricades at this time, and hosts rent them from a third party. Its guidelines include keeping access open to emergency vehicles, notifying neighbours at least one week in advance and cleaning up afterwards.
Surrey. Street parties must be on a dead end local road, not a busy road. The City asks you to apply at least three weeks ahead, says 100% of households must support the closure and says you need $5 million in liability insurance, which you can buy through the City starting at $30. The City submits the road closure permit for you at no cost, and barricades are free to rent. Private property takes no permit. The City adds that you need a Temporary Health Permit from Fraser Health if you are selling food.
Plan the cleanup
Both cities treat cleanup as part of the party. Vancouver suggests lining up neighbours to help and even making the cleanup part of the fun. Surrey offers litter picking equipment if you add a neighbourhood cleanup to your block party.
A short plan helps:
- Put marked bins for garbage, recycling and food scraps where people gather.
- Ask a few neighbours to take shifts watching the bins.
- Check what goes where in your city before the day. Metro Vancouver Recycles can help.
When a bin makes sense
For an event with a lot of cleanup, such as a street wide yard sale or a big neighbourhood cleanup, a bin can give everyone one place to put things. Ask us when you book whether a bin suits your event. If we bring one, you handle the loading, and we handle the drop off and the haul away. Some cities need a permit for a bin on the street, so confirm with your City and give us your dates. On a private driveway, a bin takes no permit. See our disposal bins page.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to close my street for a party in Vancouver? Yes. The City says at least 65% of households must support it, and you apply at least two weeks ahead.
Does Surrey require insurance? Yes. Surrey asks for $5 million in liability insurance for a party on a street or in a park.
Do I need a permit for a party on private property in Surrey? No. The City says no permits are required.
Can I put a bin on the street for a party? On the street, some cities need a permit, so confirm with your City and tell us your dates. Apply with your City and tell us your dates.