The City of North Battleford is waiving the $25 administration permit fee for people to hold block parties in the city for the rest of 2016.
The request is part of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design committee efforts to create more "eyes that care" in the community by promoting more community interaction.
Planner Devin MacAulay explained, "a large part of crime prevention comes through community building. One recommendation that we as a committee are making is to make it easier for residents of North Battleford to hold block parties. It's a great way to make a community safer, get to know your neighbours and have a sense of belonging to the community."
He encouraged people in neighbourhoods to begin to discuss the idea with their neighbours. It does not necessarily have to be a street-closure block party. MacAulay said it could be as simple as having people over for a barbecue.
Barricade fees are still in place, but the $25 deposit for the barricades would be returned if the barricades come back in working condition.
City Manager Jim Puffalt said it was a key part of a strategy to make sure there are numerous people watching what was happening in a neighbourhood.
"It's a good opportunity just to watch and make sure that we are aware of what's happening in our area."
Puffalt added it also makes criminals aware "this is not a good place to do business."
The recommendation before council to waive the permit fee carried unanimously.
