Neighbourhood Connector
Fostering Connections in our Community.
This program runs on volunteers, called Neighbourhood Connectors, that are trained to improve relationships and overall quality of life in their neighbourhoods.
| What does the Neighbourhood Connector do? |
- Register and receive resources and training as a Neighbourhood Connector
- Connect with neighbours in innovative ways
- Organize social gatherings and initiatives
- Be observant for neighbours in need of support
- Create a connection system for neighbours to stay in touch
- Connect neighbours in need with neighbourhood or community resources
|
|
How do I apply to become a Neighbourhood Connector?
|
|
To become a Neighbourhood Connector please complete the online application or in person at City Hall.
|
|
Benefits of Neighbours
|
- Increased safety
- Increase friendships and reduce isolation
- Shared skills and resources
- Increased social and cultural wellness
|
|
Registered Neighbourhood Connectors
|
|
The City of Lloydminster is committed to ensuring proper and safe practices within the Neighbourhood Connector Program.
Registered Neighbourhood Connector requirements include:
- Provide an updated criminal record check prior to commencement
- Receive training on the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
- Sign a privacy agreement prior to commencement
- Wear a City issued photo identification badge when volunteering in a Neighbourhood Connector capacity
Current registered Neighbourhood connectors include: Mark Ballek, Heather Ballek, Tara Lawrence, Susan Sawarin, Katlin Ducherer, and Serena Sjodin.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Social Programs and Services Department at 780-875-6184 ext. 2919
|
Neighbourhood Block Party
The Block Party program is offered by City of Lloydminster’s Social Programs and Services as part of their connecting communities initiative. This program encourages residents living on the same street or within an apartment building to create a gathering where they can build relationships and connect over food, fun and play.
|
Who can host a Block Party?
|
|
Block Parties can be hosted by residents of Lloydminster.
|
|
Why host a Neighbourhood Block Party?
|
|
Block Parties are a great way to:
• get to you know your neighbours;
• grow your social and support connections;
• help enhance your feelings of safety and belonging; and
• have fun!
|
|
What does the Neighbourhood Block Party program provide organizers with?
|
|
This program provides organizers with:
- a Block Party Kit including games and sporting equipment;
- a Block Party icebreaker activity;
- door hanger invitations; and
- participant name tags.
If needed organizers are also provided with;
- street closure assistance;
- financial support to offset the cost of food; and
- liability insurance.*
*The City of Lloydminster carries insurance for residential Block Party organizers during their event. This insurance does not provide coverage to events that serve alcohol or cannabis and those that include other high-risk activities such as swimming and bounce houses.
|
| How much does it cost? |
| Block Party Kits are FREE to reserve! Within the application, don’t forget to request financial support to offset the cost of food and food-related items. |
| When can I host a Block Party? |
Block Party parties can be hosted year-round! The games and sporting equipment of the Block Party Kit are suitable for all seasons.
In the summer months organize a BBQ or picnic to celebrate a holiday. In the winter, create a winter wonderland with hot chocolate and snow-based activities. In the spring or fall,organize a thank you for your neighbours after a community cleanup! Think outside the box and be unique with your Block Party!
Block Parties are intended to support community ties, therefore requests for birthday parties, reunions or family gatherings will not be accepted. |
| Where can I host a Block Party? |
|
Block Parties can be hosted at numerous locations:
- public streets (pending an approved Road Closure Permit);
- public parks;
- backyards;
- garages; or
- any space big enough for your attendees!
|
| Who do I invite? |
It depends on how big of an event you feel comfortable organizing and what can be accommodated in your area. You can invite the neighbours on either side of your house or apartment, your entire block or floor or simply those who live in your area!
The Neighbourhood Block Party program provides “door hangers” which can act as invitations if no one is home when you go to invite them. |
| Can we temporarily close streets? |
| Yes, organizers may be able to close streets upon receiving an approved Road Closure Permit which can be filled out on the Neighbourhood Block Party application. |
|
Are fire pits allowed?
|
| Backyard fire pits are permitted within City of Lloydminster limits. Please check fire restrictions prior to hosting. |
|
Can we consume alcohol or cannabis during a Block Party?
|
|
The City of Lloydminster does not allow consumption of alcohol or cannabis within public spaces (parks, streets) at any time.
Liquor and cannabis can only be served and consumed on private property. The City of Lloydminster carries insurance for residential Block Party organizers during their event. This insurance does not provide coverage to events that serve alcohol or cannabis.
|
|
What time does the party need to end?
|
|
There is no specific time when Block Parties must end; however, they are subject to noise restrictions as per Community Standards Bylaw (29-2022).
|
| What activities are in the Block Party Kits? |
|
Block Party organizers can choose from a variety of games and sporting equipment for all ages and ability levels such as:
- Giant Checkers Set (1 board and 24 checkers)
- Potato Sacks (4 adult, 4 youth)
- Ogo Disk Set (bounce toss game)
- Scoop Ball (4 scoops and 2 balls)
- Battery Powered Bubble Machine (with bubble liquid)
- Plug in Bubble Machine (with bubble liquid and extension cord)
- Bean Bag Toss (stand and bean bags)
Please note, quantities of Block Party Kits are limited and allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Kits will be available for pick up the business day before your event and must be returned the next business day after your party by 12:00 p.m. (noon) Kits will be available for pick up the business day before your event and must be returned the next business day after your event by 12:00 p.m. (noon).
|
Neighbourhood Rink Application
| Things that the City of Lloydminster considers during the approval process. |
|
• Reasonably flat surface
• Drainage
• Adequate parking
• Existing park infrastructure and proximity to amenities including but not limited to park spaces shared with schools, rinks, ski trails, walking trails, toboggan hills, and playgrounds.
• Access for emergency vehicles
• Access for the public
• Obstruction to the flow of traffic through greenspaces or access to utilities
• Proximity to hazards such as barb wire fences, utility boxes, or cement/concrete barriers.
• Located on City property, a permit is not required for a neighbourhood rink located on private property.
• Volunteer operators must adjacent to the greenspace.
|
| What is the applicant's responsibilities? |
- Applicants must obtain permission/consent from neighbours in proximity to the rink.
- Must allow all community members free and equal access to the rink.
- Are responsible for providing their own water source for the community outdoor ice rink.
- Are responsible for acquiring and storing equipment and materials required to build, operate and maintain the outdoor ice rink, including boards, tarps, shovels, scrapers and water
- Must complete and submit regular reports as required by the City
- Must report and record all incidents, accidents or medical injuries at the outdoor ice rink, including incidents with participants, volunteers, and property damage.
- Must maintain the ice surface at a standard that ensures safety of use.
- Are responsible for keeping the park and outdoor ice rink clean and safe by picking up debris and garbage and identifying and removing hazards quickly to reduce chance of injury.
- Must not damage City infrastructure including, but not limited to trees, hedges, and fences.
- An approved permit is required prior to installation.
|
| What is the City's responsibilities? |
- The City will provide rink signage.
- The City will provide limited liability insurance coverage contingent on the terms of the permit being followed.
- The City will share the location of permitted neighbourhood rinks on it’s website.
|
|
What are some criteria that would cause a denied neighbourhood rink application?
|
- The desired rink location is on a sports field/pathway.
- The desired rink location is on a shared space with a school.
- The desired rink location is on another neighbourhood rink or City of Lloydminster rink.
|
A Neighbourhood Rink is a great way to promote physical activity and connection in your community. Ice surfaces installed on private property do not require a permit, however if your project will be located on or overlap with public lands permission from the City is needed.
