Back to SearchThe City of Kitchener’s Neighbours Day has been reimagined and will return this year on Sept. 26. Following months of stay-at-home measures and limited social gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is empowering residents to reconnect with their neighbours by hosting their own activity to safely bring their neighbourhood together.
“We’ve seen the tremendous resilience of our community during this challenging time and now it’s time for us to come together to celebrate,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “With support from the City, this resident-led approach to Neighbours Day empowers neighbours to find safe and unique ways to engage with one another and show their community pride.”
Residents interested in hosting their own outdoor or digital activity, can register online to participate and may be eligible to receive a $200 gift card to a business of their choice to assist with event supplies. Some examples of neighbourhood activities could include organizing a neighbourhood scavenger hunt, planning an online games night, participating in a sidewalk chalk art display, hosting a virtual bingo night, or coordinating a community bike ride or hike.
Groups hosting their own activity are required to restrict gatherings to 50 attendees or less and adhere to Provincial and Regional health and safety guidelines such as wearing masks when social distancing cannot be maintained. A city staff person will work with each resident or resident groups that register an activity. Staff will work closely with activity organizers to help them to ensure all guidelines and procedures are followed including an active screening table for each activity location, registration and contact information gathering for people attending, having masks and hand sanitizer available for all participants, and controlled entrance and exit points.
“Throughout the pandemic residents in neighbourhoods across the City found creative ways to stay connected and show that Kitchener kindness to one another,” said Councillor Dave Schnider. “Neighbours Day is all about celebrating that community spirit and gives residents the guidance and support needed to safely come together and continue strengthening those community connections.”
The deadline to register an activity is Wednesday, Sept. 23. For information, inspiration or to register a host your own activity, visit www.lovemyhood.ca/neighboursday
For more information:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing
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