St. Albert’s first-ever Good Neighbour Day arrives this weekend as a way of both bringing people together and also celebrating the kindnesses that neighbours have shown each other over these last months of COVID-19 with its rampant social isolation and physical distancing.
St. Albert neighbourhood development co-ordinator Angie Dedrick said that the city wanted to recognize how neighbours have been helping one another manage and cope.
“These have been difficult times for many, but what’s been absolutely heartwarming has been the response of neighbours. Neighbours across St. Albert willingly stepped up to help one another manage and cope almost immediately,” she began.
“There have been infinite stories of neighbours shopping and running errands for those who were quarantined, lifting spirits with positive message on windows and sidewalks and even organizing socially distanced scavenger hunts for kids, neighbourhood Zoom game nights and happy hours. This day is about recognizing and celebrating how we are getting through this pandemic together.”
The plan is set for Saturday, July 4. Residents are encouraged to make plans such as driveway dinner dates (or apartment patio dinner dates as the case may be) and enjoy a convivial celebration with those you live close to while adhering to the new normal of taking care with appropriate health precautions.
“They can set up a table for their family on their driveway or apartment/condo balcony, prepare or order their own meal, and enjoy a physically distanced dinner party with the neighbours. Of course, everyone’s invited to celebrate in other physically distanced ways. Even just taking the time to show kindness to a neighbour, thank a neighbour for their help, or meet a neighbour they don’t yet know.”
If you need help with ideas to ensure physical distancing, contact the Neighbourhood Development team at 780-459-1756 or via email at [email protected].
Dedrick also encouraged people to share their events with pictures on social media with the hashtag #T8NTogether. At the same time, residents are invited to formally recognize their neighbour by nominating them for the Mayor’s Good Neighbour Recognition program, which has already seen 25 residents recognized as such. Visit stalbert.ca for details.
Block parties are still a ‘go’
The city’s ever-popular Block Party program is back, though with a few modifications, Dedrick added.
‘Think smaller and think safety’ is the general idea.
“A modified block party is basically a small block party for neighbours hosted on a driveway, street, apartment/condo balcony, parking lot or neighbourhood green space, where neighbours can visit and reconnect, but are not sharing food or drinks and (are) ensuring that they are maintaining the recommended (two-metre) physical distancing,” she explained.
“We are strongly encouraging Block Party organizers to follow Alberta Public Health Orders for gatherings and are providing tips for how to plan a safe block party.”
Again, residents can find more information – including how to register their block party – by visiting stalbert.ca and searching “block parties.”
