Sherbrooke looking to help people party
The City of Sherbrooke has overhauled its block-party program in the hopes of making it more helpful and accessible to the population. Although the program, which helps local neighbourhoods to organize parties to help build a sense of community, has existed for a number of years, the hope is that the new changes will help improve results.
“In an average year, around 20 block parties are organized in the different boroughs of the city,” said Sherbrooke Mayor Steve Lussier, “We hope to promote this kind of event, which helps residents to better know their neighbours.”
In the new version of the program, the different borough councils have agreed to offer party planning residents a choice: They can either receive a $200 cheque to help cover party costs and pick up any borrowed equipment themselves, or they can receive a $125 cheque and have the city deliver any equipment that might be needed.
The city has acquired a specialized truck to help with the delivery process.
Anyone wishing to organize a block party should contact their local borough office for more information, or write to evenements.proximite@ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca.
Borough Presidents Nicole Bergeron, Vincent Boutin, Claude Charron, and Chantal L’espérance have all expressed great enthusiasm about the block party program, recognizing that the new support will likely mean an increase in these types of events.
In order to hold a block party, a member of the organizing team for the event must visit the borough office of the street in question at least ten days in advance to acquire an authorization letter.
More information on the program is available (In French only) on the city website at sherbrooke.ca/fetedevoisinage.