Special Event Permit

A special event permit is required for events taking place on municipal property or events that use municipal services.

A special event is a festival or fair, a procession or march, a drill, a parade, a celebration or wedding, or other organized event that is hosted on municipal property and includes any of the following components:

• Rides/activities
• Street closures
• Fireworks or lasers
• Traffic control
• Need for security
• Use of elevated stages or other temporary structures
• Live entertainment
• Barbeques/Open flames
• Generators/electrical distribution
• Food or beverage sale
• Shooting of films, television commercials or videos
• Competitive or non-competitive operation of motorized and/or non-motorized vehicles

No. If your event is entirely on private property, you will not need a Special Event Permit. However, you may still need to apply for exemptions to the Noise Control By-law, temporary road closures, a tent permit, and/or a special occasion permit issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

Yes. If your event is partially or entirely held on municipal property, or uses municipal services and falls under the category of a special event you require a Special Event Permit and it must be submitted 90 days prior to the event date.

There are exclusions to the Special Event Permit including funeral processions, picketing and picnics.

Events that do not require a special event permit include funeral processions, picketing, and picnics. If your event is entirely on private property, you may not need a special event permit, but you may need to apply for exemptions for certain by-laws or permits.

The Township of Lake of Bays offers many charming locations to host events, including beaches, pavilions, and parks. You can also host an event by booking one of our community centres.

If you are planning on serving or selling alcohol at your event, you may need a special occasions permit issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).

For an event on municipal property that involves the selling or serving of alcohol, we will need a copy of your Host Liquor Liability insurance, in the amount not less than two million dollars, listing the Township as an additional insured and a copy of the issued special occasions permit prior to approving your special event permit with alcohol.

You should submit your application at least 90 days prior to your event.

• Special Event Permit application fee is $50.00
• Community Event Designated special events have an application fee of: 
  • $200.00 for events with an expected attendance of up to 1,000 people
  • $350.00 for events with an expected attendance of over 1,001 people

The Township accepts cash, cheque, debit and e-tranfers. Cheques are payable to the “Township of Lake of Bays”.

Please complete the Special Event Permit Application Form