Spring your neighbourhood forward with opportunities through Strong Neighbourhoods

Public service announcement

Explore a variety of ways to enhance your community this spring through the Strong Neighbourhoods initiative, a program which has helped bring more than 70 neighbourhood-connecting projects and more than 120 neighbourhood events to life since it launched.

“With more neighbours and residents seeking to reconnect than ever, we’re excited to see what kind of ideas and projects Kelowna residents will dream up this season to enhance our neighbourhoods,” said Tanya Sletten, Community Development Coordinator.

Since 2015, more than 5,500 residents have participated in Strong Neighbourhoods grant-funded initiatives including neighbourhood gardens, boulevard beautification, parklets, nectar trails, murals and more. This season, explore both new and returning opportunities for residents to get involved:

Neighbourhood Grant – summer grant deadline is approachingResidents often have the best ideas on how to improve their neighbourhood’s quality of life. Strong Neighbourhoods can help bring those ideas to life by offering matching grants in partnership with the Central Okanagan Foundation to residents who want to lead projects in their neighbourhood. These grant-funded projects provide opportunities for neighbours to connect and build relationships while working collaboratively on the project.

The Neighbourhood Grant summer project application deadline is Friday, March 3, but applications will continue to be accepted past the deadline if all funds are not allocated. If residents would like to apply for a Neighbourhood Grant to create a project in their neighbourhood throughout May-August, now is the time to apply!

Neighbourhood Event Trailer Applications – now open!Block parties and neighbourhood events are a fun and enjoyable way to connect with neighbours and Strong Neighbourhoods can help! The Neighbourhood Event Trailer is available this year to support up to 25 events including pre-event planning, on-site support, block party equipment and games, and access to neighbourhood clean-up kits.

Neighbourhood Event Trailer applications are now open for neighbourhood events taking place between May 1-Oct. 29.

Want to start small for your Neighbourhood Event? The Meet Your Street Kit consisting of games, sports equipment and icebreaker exercises is available to borrow year-round.

Block Connector Program Spring Intake - next round of training starts March 7 Block Connectors are residents committed to connecting face-to-face with the closest 10-20 households on their block or apartment floor to build neighbourhood connections.

 By becoming a Block Connector, you will join a larger community effort that aims to build a sense of community and connectedness on every street, apartment, and condo complex in Kelowna.

The spring training sessions will take place on March 7 and March 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. To learn more about the Block Connector program, including how to register, visit kelowna.ca/neighbourhoods.