Great things happen when neighbours find ways to meet!

Initiated in 1994 by individuals committed to building healthy communities, Festival of Neighbourhoods is 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, gatherings or events in their neighbourhoods that bring people together and are open to everyone. It is important to keep these gatherings manageable so think simple. Hold a meet and greet so neighbours get to know each other. Have a games night where people meet and bring their favourite game. These gatherings can be anything that bring people together.

The Festival of Neighbourhoods works with a number of community partners in order to recognize various types of neighbourhood participation and success. We present various awards at annual Festival Finale, and we distribute Good Neighbour Hampers to every participating neighbourhood. One of the most anticipated awards is the annual $10,000 Capital Improvement Grant from the City of Kitchener, which is given to one participating neighbourhood selected through a random draw.

Neighbourhoods are invited to register their events and activities that occur any time from October 1, 2009-September 30, 2010. The season culminates in a Festival Finale on October 24, 2010 in which all the different neighbours gather to celebrate their successes with the larger community.

Festival Finale

Sunday, October 24, 2010, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Kitchener City Hall

Having a gathering and looking for fun games for the children/youth?

The Youth Grand Trunk is available through the Social Planning Council of Kitchener-Waterloo and contains a number of fun toys and games to keep your gathering enjoyable for all. Examples of items in the trunk:

Book the trunk now!

Trunk is picked up and dropped off at:
Social Planning Council of Kitchener Waterloo
151 Frederick St, 3rd Floor
Kitchener