Special Events Permit

Special Events

A Special Event is an event that may occupy all or part of Town-owned property or may result in the disruption of the local flow of traffic. A special event may be defined as, but not limited to, a parade, festival, filming, bicycle race/tour, running event, procession, walk-a-thon, and/or any other activity that may include the following component(s):

1. Street Closure(s)
2. Fireworks or pyrotechnics
3. Live entertainment
4. Temporary Structures/ Tents
5. Service of food or alcohol
6. Large volumes of vehicular or pedestrian traffic 
7. Picnic or Barbeque - with more than fifty (50) persons and/or use of a barbeque

Should you wish to hold a Special Event within the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, please complete and submit the Special Event Application Form attached below.

The Special Events Policy and Permit Application Form are being revised to incorporate new provisions, as identified in Parks By-law 5306-21 & 5306A-21, approved by Council on March 22, 2021. Please contact the Clerks Department at 905-468-3266 or specialevents@notl.com if you have questions about the Special Event Application process.

Where a discrepancy between the Special Event Policy and Parks By-law occurs, Parks By-law 5306-21 & 5306A-21 takes precedence.

*New in 2022 - the Fire Department fee has been increased to 69.54/hour - the fee will be invoiced and payment must be received prior to issuing the permit

Special Event Application Form - Applications need to be submitted a minimum of 8 weeks prior to the event date. 

 Additional Information: 

• Please be advised that only one application is required for circulation to all Town departments.
• An applicant may submit their application by:
  • Mail: Town Municipal Office - 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, PO Box 100, Virgil, Ontario L0S 1T0
  • Fax: 905-468-2959
  • E-mail: specialevents@notl.com
  • In-Person:  Customer Service counter located at the Town Municipal Office at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, PO Box 100, Virgil
• Please be advised, should the event include one or more of the following, Council approval may be required:
  • Expected attendance of 250 or more
  • Road closures exceeding 12 hours
  • Service of alcohol on public property
  • Food Trucks
• An applicant should expect a response from the Clerk's Department within 8 weeks from the date of submission. Upon approval of the event, the applicant will receive an event package which includes:
  • A Special Event Permit
  • Letter from the Town Clerk
  • Special Occasion Permit and/or Building Permit (where applicable)

For additional information regarding Special Events within the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, please refer to the Town's Special Events Policy, Parks By-law No. 5306-21 and/or contact the Special Event Coordinator at specialevents@notl.com