Our Story

The Hopewell Block Party is an annual event when residents take over Hopewell Avenue between Seneca and Sloan streets in Old Ottawa South, dust off the patio furniture, fire up the BBQ, meet their neighbours, learn the latest news and share great food.

In addition to delicious potluck food and desserts the party always includes a variety of activities for kids, a variety show of songs and dance as well fun activities such as a funny hats competition, art exhibit, etc.

It all started during a conversation between Hopewell neighbours Chris Barrett and Guy Souliere over a backyard fence in the fall of 2006.

Chris had just organized a successful welcoming gathering for new students in his backyard as part of his work at Carleton University for Navigators of Canada. Both could see the potential of organizing a similar event for the neighbourhood that would help bring the community together and add to its overall well being.

One of main benefits of holding a block party for Chris was that it builds a sense of belonging. "When people feel like they belong in their neighbourhood and are connected with their neighbours, so much good flows out of that: mutual help and encouragement, support in emergencies, shared experiences, improved neighbourhood safety and increased quality of life," said Chris. 

Hopewell resident Karen Stevens-Guille  agrees that the party builds a sense of belonging. She clearly remembers the first Hopewell block party that took place in 2007 in Chris and Heather Barrett's driveway and backyard.

"In addition to my husband and four year old, I arrived with my youngest as a babe in arms. We had only been living on the block for about one year and I was feeling a bit apprehensive about crossing the street to attend this social occasion. At that first block party I met neighbours who I’d only encountered in passing and came away feeling more connected," said Karen. 

Since that first backyard/driveway gathering the block party has come a long way. 

Now in its 20th year the annual party continues to become more and more popular.

"The net enjoyment of living in an neighbourhood goes up when we actually know our neighbours and spend some time with them. We really value that", said Chris Barrett.

For Guy Souliere one of the key benefits of the block party is that neighbours who connect over food and conversation are much more likely to help each other in a pinch, such as sharing tools during a power outage or snow storm, picking up mail, or watching kids.

And the event is more and more important as many continue to deal with isolation and loneliness", adds Heather Barrett.

What truly makes the annual event an on-going success is the dedication and efforts by all the volunteers and the many residents who participate and contribute to the annual event.

Photos from previous block parties can be found on the Highlights page.