Festival of Neighbourhoods

Celebrating Our Community

• What is Festival of Neighbourhoods
• Why is there a Festival of Neighbourhoods
• Kitcheners’ Festival of Neighbourhoods
• Ideas for Bringing Your Neighbours Together
• Event Planning and Resources
• Registration Information
• Kitcheners’ Festival Finale
• Contact Information

What is the Festival of Neighbourhoods?

Initiated in 1994 by individuals committed to building healthy communities, Festival of Neighbourhoods is an initiative designed to encourage individuals and families to build stronger relationships with their neighbours and celebrate their community.

Festival of Neighbourhoods invites citizens to plan activities, projects or events in their neighbourhoods, ones that bring people together and are open to everyone.  These events or projects can be anything from a community BBQ, neighbourhood clean-up or festival in the local park, as long as the events bring people together.

Why is there a Festival of Neighbourhoods?

Healthy neighbourhoods mean healthy communities, and this starts with you and your neighbourhood!  Just think of the many ways your life is improved by knowing the people who live and play next to you ... more fun and enjoyment, more support and safety for you and your family.  Get out and meet your neighbours and celebrate our community!

Kitchener’s Festival of Neighbourhoods

Kitchener residents are encouraged to submit their neighbourhood and its activity to the Festival of Neighbourhoods.  Activities must be held between March 29 and October 5, 2009.  Registered neighbourhoods are entered into a random draw for a $10,000 capital improvement grant from the City of Kitchener.  The draw takes place at the Festival of Neighbourhoods Finale on Sunday, October 25, 2009, 1:00-3:00 pm at the Kitchener City Hall Rotunda.

For more information please download the 2009 brochure and Frequently Asked Questions

Ideas for Bringing Your Neighbours Together

The opportunities are limitless – use your creativity!

Event Planning and Resources

It’s easy.  You can invite your neighbours for a small, simple get-together, or plan a larger activity.  Then you let us know, come to the Kitchener Finale, and take part in $10,000 draw.

For ideas and information on planning activities and where to find resources in Kitchener, download the Event Planning Guide

The Youth Grand Trunk is the Festivals’ assortment of games, toys and supplies available on loan to help your event be fun and successful.  To book the trunk, download the Youth Grand Trunk Booking Form and the Youth Grand Trunk Games Inventory , fill them out and send them in.

There are Festival of Neighbourhoods (FoN) flyers you can print and fill in, to use in your neighbourhood for leafleting mailboxes and posting on local poles or bulletin boards.  Download the FoN Event Flyer

Registration Information

You can register your neighbourhood and its activity anytime up to Monday October 5, 4:00 pm.  You can register your event either before or after it happens.  To register, download the Registration Form , and send it to the address, fax, or email provided.  Once you register, you will receive more information about the $10,000 Neighbourhood Grant process.

Deadline to register your event is Monday, October 5, 2009 at 4:00 pm.

Kitchener’s Festival of Neighbourhoods Finale

Come celebrate with us!  The finale takes place rain or shine on Sunday, October 25, 2009 starting at 1:00 pm. in the Rotunda at Kitchener City Hall.   Registered Kitchener neighbourhoods are encouraged to come, share their experiences, and take part in the activities and award ceremony.

The Festival of Neighbourhoods is proudly supported by and was founded by the City of Kitchener, the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo, and John MacDonald Architect.  Kitchener’s Festival award sponsors include:

• Waterloo Region Arts Council
• Kitchener Youth Action Council, City of Kitchener
• Grand River Car Share
• Safe and Healthy Community Advisory Committee, City of Kitchener
• Independent Living Centre
• Mayor’s Advisory Council of Kitchener Seniors, City of Kitchener
• Community Safety and Crime Prevention Council

Contact Information

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