In an effort to enhance safety for children during Halloween, a Vancouver city councillor is proposing a new program aimed at reducing traffic accidents. The motion, set to be discussed by the city council, suggests implementing a free block party permit for Halloween. This initiative would allow residents to temporarily close off sections of their neighborhoods to traffic, creating a safer environment for trick-or-treaters.

City councillor Lucy Maloney introduced the motion, emphasizing the importance of Halloween for children. "Halloween is the one night of the year when kids get to take over their neighbourhoods for a few hours of fun," she stated. However, she also highlighted the serious risks associated with the holiday, noting that it is the day with the highest number of child pedestrian fatalities and injuries. According to the motion, children aged four to eight are ten times more likely to be killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day, particularly between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m.

Maloney pointed out that the city already has a framework in place that could be adapted for Halloween festivities. The existing block party permit process could be modified to facilitate easier organization of neighborhood events. The proposal includes waiving the permit fee and reducing the current requirement for 65 percent local approval to host a block party.

The motion also calls for city staff to report on how to establish a Halloween permit based on the current block party guidelines. This would empower residents to close off parts of their neighborhoods for Halloween celebrations, with the goal of having the option available by 2026. Additionally, the proposal suggests exploring the possibility of providing free street barricade rentals, including delivery and pickup, as well as free basic event insurance for block parties.

Maloney further recommends that the city engage with drivers to encourage them to limit non-essential travel on Halloween night, promoting safer streets for the community's annual celebrations starting in October 2026.