Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue helps residents throw block parties

WATCH ABOVE: Ste-Anne de Bellevue has implemented a block party program to encourage people to get to know their neighbours. Sarah Volstad reports.

STE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE — This summer, the City of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue wants its residents to get to know each other by helping them throw block parties.

The idea came from the city’s mayor, Paola Hawa, who was looking for a way to bring neighbourhoods together throughout the summer months.

“She remembered back a few years ago when there were more community block parties in the area,” said Tara Falquero, the city’s recreation director. “There’s a few that still happen, but we wanted to foster that, encourage that.”

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The City of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue has invested in equipment, including barbecues, coolers and games. All citizens have to do is request it with two weeks notice.

“They also have to tell their neighbours and make sure that their neighbours all know about it and that everybody is invited,” said Falquero.

She said the city has had a few sporadic requests for block parties over the years, but this is the first time there has been an official program.

So far this summer the city hasn’t received many requests, but Falquero expects more interest later in the season when residents return from vacations.

Only community parties will be considered for the program – individual house parties will not. Block parties can be held between June and September, with the exception of select dates when city events are scheduled.