More than 300 Central Saanich residents connected with their neighbours this summer through the District of Central Saanich's Meet Your Street program, demonstrating the popularity of local events that bring people together.
Launched in 2024, Meet Your Street provides small grants of approximately $250 to support neighbourhood-based events that foster connection, strengthen community, and enrich lives. This summer, the program supported nine block parties.
Community safety and emergency preparedness remained a key focus of the program. Many of the supported events included dedicated safety components, such as Block Watch information, emergency preparedness resources, and visits from members of the Central Saanich Fire Department and Central Saanich Police Service.
"Strong neighbourhood connections help create a more resilient and welcoming community," said Emergency Program Manager Lisa Banfield. "Meet Your Street gives residents an opportunity to get to know one another, build relationships, and learn about resources that can help support community safety and preparedness."
The program was inspired by Heather Player, a Central Saanich resident and public health known for welcoming new neighbours, organizing annual block parties, and leading neighbourhood initiatives to bring people together.
Meet Your Street grants support a wide variety of resident-led ideas, including outdoor movie nights, scavenger hunts, live music and other creative initiatives. Residents are encouraged to develop and pitch their own ideas, provided events are free, inclusive and neighbourhood-based.