Have you ever sat on your porch outside in the summertime, looking out at your neighbourhood — the homes surrounding you, the trees and gardens, kids playing outside, people walking their dogs — and thought, “There’s no place I’d rather be than right here”?
Or, have you ever found yourself in a jam after a serious snowstorm, unable to dig your way out of the driveway, only for a neighbour to show up with a snow blower or a shovel, ready to help out?
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake would love to hear all about what makes where you live the best.
The town is inviting residents to showcase their community spirit through the launch of NOTL’s Neighbourhood of the Year contest in celebration of Neighbour Day on Saturday, June 20.
In a media release, the town shared that this initiative is designed to foster community pride, increase resident engagement and celebrate the unique character of neighbourhoods across NOTL.
Residents are encouraged to nominate their neighbourhood for a chance to win a town-sponsored neighbourhood celebration on June 20. The contest is open from now until June 9.
Anyone interested can submit nominations through an online form available on the town’s website sharing what makes where they live special.
Participants are also encouraged to upload photos or a short video highlighting their neighbourhood’s spirit and sense of connection.
Submissions will be evaluated based on community spirit, creativity, storytelling and alignment with NOTL’s values of belonging and connection, the town said.
The winning neighbourhood will receive a town-supported neighbourhood party hosted at their nearby municipal park. The celebration will feature the town’s “Play in the Park” trailer, light refreshments and snacks, decorations and co-ordination support from parks and recreation staff as part of June’s Parks and Recreation Month programs.
“The Neighbourhood of the Year contest is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the people and places that make Niagara-on-the-Lake such a special community,” said Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa.
“We know there is incredible pride across our neighbourhoods, and we’re excited to recognize the connections, stories and community spirit that residents create every day.”
The online form for nominations is available at notl.com/form/neighbourhood-of-the-year.
