This Canada Day, the Navigator’s Cove complex came together to host a Family Street Hockey and Ice Cream Party, a simple but impactful community celebration that brought neighbours out of their homes and into connection with each other.
We planned the event to take place right after the Canada Day parade, inviting everyone in the complex to come by for ice cream and a casual street hockey game. The idea was to create a space where families could gather, kids could play, and neighbours could connect, whether they were long-time residents or new to the area.
Planning was fairly straightforward and made possible through grant funding, which we used to purchase a brand-new hockey net and several hockey sticks. These items will remain available for the community to use anytime they’d like. We also sourced ice cream from two well-loved local businesses, Sally’s in Steveston and Earnest Ice Cream in Vancouver. The variety and quality were a hit with attendees of all ages.
The best part of the day was seeing so many families and individuals, many of whom hadn’t had the chance to properly meet before, come together in such a relaxed, friendly environment. Several families joined in for street hockey while others cheered from the sidelines or simply enjoyed their ice cream and good company. In our busy day-to-day lives, especially with kids and work, it’s rare to slow down and truly engage with those around us. This event reminded us how valuable those moments of connection can be.
Looking back, one of the key lessons we learned was that community-building doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple elements, a shared activity, some tasty treats, and a welcoming attitude, we were able to create an event that felt meaningful and fun for all ages. We’re already hearing suggestions to make it an annual tradition.
