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What is a special event?
Loyalist Township recognizes that special events are an important part of life for residents which enhance culture, recreation, education, tourism and can provide an economic benefit to businesses in the Township.
A Special Event is an organized one time, annual or infrequently occurring community event or function being held outdoors on any Loyalist Township property (including roads) and open to the general public or to the general public by admittance. Indoor events on Township property do not require a permit but remain subject to the Conditions of Use of their Facility Rental Contract.
Loyalist Township requires a Special Event Permit if any one of the following items applies to a "Special Event" as defined above:
Special event items for outdoor events on Township property
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Private events and private property
Events held on private property do not require a permit unless the event is deemed to significantly affect municipal services. Affected services can include fire, emergency, or police services; road closures/traffic flow; public safety; utilities/utilities infrastructure; or use of Township equipment. This condition will also apply to a private event being held on Township property, a wedding in a park, for example.
Examples of events that do not require a permit include:
- Events organized by local schools, churches, the County or Township
- Events held on local school or church property
- Private social gatherings which will not use Township property other than for lawful parking
- Events held at licensed host venues/businesses (restaurants, bars, function rooms, etc)
- Events that are regular recurring normal business activities/promotions, or held as part of the normal operations of a business and provided the use is permitted in the Township zoning by-laws
Special events can include parades, races, walks, block parties, seasonal events, and major festivals. When well-conceived and planned, these celebrations can bring rewarding dividends to the organizers, participants, and the community.
All Special Events must have a valid Special Event Permit in accordance with Special Events By-law 2018-033. Application requirements for a permit vary depending on the scope and size of your event.
Special event permit application
Organizers planning on hosting a special event, whether it is a concert/festival/block party or parade should contact the Community Development Coordinator for help with planning and assistance in completing the Special Event Permit Application. Apply early as early applications will allow more time to resolve any issues relating to a planned event.
Your primary contact and assistance:
Community Development Coordinator (CDC)
W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, 322 Amherst Drive, Amherstview,Tel 613-389-3648 ext. 216
Special event application guide for event organizers
This guide is a resource for special event organizers in planning their activities, identifying requirements and assisting organizers in following those requirements set out by the Township and other organizations such as the KFL&A Health Unit, Emergency Services and OPP who may have input regarding the operations of the event. The information found in the guide will assist any organizer of an event, not just those who require a permit.
The Community Development Coordinator can provide more detailed handouts on topics such as alcohol, tents & stages, food service, traffic management, fireworks, entertainment, fire safety, security, etc.
General
Even if an event does not require a Special Event Permit, Loyalist Township reminds event organizers that all municipal by-laws and provincial/federal laws are in effect and organizers are responsible to comply any legislation.
| By-Law Name | By-Law Document |
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Special Events |
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Noise Control |
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Fireworks |
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Open Air Burning |
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Parks |
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Parking |
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Sign Regulation |
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Smoke-Free |
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Alcohol |
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Building By-law & Permit Application Changes |
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Zoning |
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Dog Control |
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Contact Us
W. J. Henderson Recreation Centre
322 Amherst Drive
Amherstview, ON K7N 1S9
T: 613-389-3648
recreation@loyalist.ca