We’re launching a new Stittsville event called “Stittsville Neighbour Days” to encourage residents to organize small get-togethers in their neighbourhood.
Get to know the people on your street with a potluck, a movie night, a park clean-up, or anything else that brings your street together.
The goal: Encourage new connections between neighbours, and build community spirit in Stittsville. Because strong neighbourhoods – and strong connections – are incredibly important for our overall health and well-being.
Getting started
- Talk to a few of your neighbours on the street, and pick a date and time for your event. It can be any day between September 18-27, 2026
- Need some inspiration? See our list below of activity ideas.
- Pick a location. (If it’s a small event in your driveway or yard, no permit is required. If you want to close a street, you will need a residential block party permit. If you’re holding an event at a local park, it’s a good idea to obtain a rental permit to reserve your spot and avoid double-booking.)
- Click here to register your event. We’ll provide you with a lawn sign, plus design templates so you can create a flyer or poster.
Planning your event
Sharing responsibilities can increase participation and creates more possibilities for the event. Invite neighbours to gather around a dinner table, fire pit, porch, or deck, or start a group chat. Discuss activities, responsibilities, and contributions.
Getting the word out
- Hand-delivered flyers are the most effective. Flyers should include the date, time, location, description of activities, and contact information.
- A neighbourhood Facebook group or WhatsApp group can be a good tool for communicating about the event, but remember that not everyone has access to social media platforms.
- Attendance may be lower than expected, especially for a first event. But don’t get discouraged – the goal is to ensure everyone feels welcome, no matter how many people take part.
Safety considerations
- Recruit responsible neighbours to help monitor activities, especially with kids.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on roads or in parks, and must remain on private property.
- Ensure water is available if your event is held on a hot day. Monitor weather forecasts for special advisories.
- Have a basic first aid kit handy.
After the event
- Remember to take a photo of your group and send it to us for our photo collage!
- Clean up the event area and pick up any garbage.
- Talk to your neighbours about what went well and what could be improved for next time.
- Start planning for Stittsville Neighbour Days in 2027!
Additional resources
- Link: City of Ottawa residential block party permit (required if you plan to close your street)
- Link: City of Ottawa park rentals (always a good idea to reserve ahead if you’re planning your event at a local park)
Activity ideas for inspiration
- Bike parade
- Sidewalk chalk drawing
- Park clean-up
- Potluck or BBQ
- Coffee & donuts
- Scavenger hunt
- Help a neighbour with a chore
- Pick-up basketball game
- Water fight
- Photo contest
- Adults vs kids soccer game
- Outdoor movie night
- A small concert
- Face painting
- Outdoor board games
- Yoga or tai-chi
- Line dancing
- Paint night
- Neighbourhood stories (walk or collecting and sharing)
- Games like tug-o-war (street against street, kids versus adults) or musical chairs
- Bottle collection to fundraise for a local charity
- Non-perishable food drive for the Food Bank
- Ice cream truck visit
- Request a fire truck to visit
- Have a bird watching expert do a talk about frequent flyers
- Have an expert gardener do a walk / talk around the neighbourhood
- Book exchange or plant swap