Organizing Special Events

Norfolk County wants to provide its citizens and organizations with a venue for conducting special events and activities on designated County streets, roads, sidewalks, parks, facilities or other municipally owned property.

Special events include, but are not limited to parades, races, walks, block parties and major festivals. When well conceived and planned these celebrations can bring rewarding dividends to the organizers, participants and the community.

No person or organization shall hold or conduct any special event on municipal property or which requires municipal services without first having received a valid Special Event Permit in accordance with the Outdoor Special Events Policy:

Outdoor Special Event Policy

Completed Special Events Application Packages and supporting documents shall be forwarded to:

Corporate Support Generalist
Robinson Administration Building
185 Robinson Street, Suite 100
Simcoe, ON N3Y 5L6
*Front Counter located at the Provincial Offences Office on the Ground Floor

Forms can also be emailed to specialevents@norfolkcounty.ca

Exemption to Policy

When a proposed event takes place only on designated sports fields and/or faciltiies or when the proposed event would take place only in the picnic shelter (having a maximum of 200 participants), the fields and/or facilities are to be booked directly through the Community Services Department (without processing a Special Events Permit), with the exception of a beer garden event.

Special Events Application Process

Norfolk County recognizes that special events are an important part of life for residents which enhance tourism, culture, recreation, education and provide an economic benefit to businesses in Norfolk County.

Organizers planning on hosting a special event, whether it’s a concert/festival/block party or parade must submit an application to Norfolk County.

Outdoor Special Event Application Package

An Outdoor Special Event Application Package is available here:

Outdoor Special Event Resource Manual for Event Organizers

This resource manual is a guideline for special event organizers in planning their activities and identifying and assisting organizers in following the requirements set out by Norfolk County and other organizations such as the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and O.P.P. who may have input in regards to the operations of the event.

Following the requirements of this manual will ensure that all necessary permits and approvals will be in place well before the actual date of your event.

Special Events Manual

Use this chart to determine deadlines for submission of documents:

Accessibility

All Norfolk County Special Events should be planned with accessibility in mind, and event organizers should take into consideration the fact that people with various disabilities might attend their event. A Guide to Accessible Festivals and Outdoor Events can be found below:

Planning Accessible Events

Guide to Accessible Festivals and Outdoor Events

Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit Special Event Packages

If food and/or beverages are served, sold or offered, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit Special Event Application Package must be completed and returned with your package. Please visit the following link for more information:

Food Safety at Special Events – Instructions for Organizers, Food Providers and Exempt Groups

Fire Safety Requirements Forms

Organizers and vendors participating in special events are required to complete the following form:

Organizer Safety Requirements Sign Off Form

If you require a Tent Fire Safety Plan the following form is required to be completed:

Special Events Tent Fire Safety Plan Form

By-Laws

The following by-laws govern the activities of these events.

• Public Parks By-Law
• Sign By-Law
• Fireworks By-Law 2008-103
  • Amendment to Fireworks Regulating By-Law by 2010-111
  • Amendment to Fireworks Regulating By-Law by 2012-91
• Harmonized Business Licensing By-Law
• Noise By-Law
• Fire By-Law

By-Law Appeals Application

The mandate of the By-law Appeals Committee is to hear and make decisions regarding applications for appeals to the Noise and Fire Setting By-laws.

An application fee is required for the Exemption to Noise By-law. There is no application fee for an appeal to the By-law which Regulates the Setting of Fires.

By-Law Appeal Process and Application

Additional Application Forms

• Business License Application Form
• Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit Special Event Application Forms
• Display Fireworks Special Event Application Form

Additional Information

• TSSA Standards For Amusement Devices
• Electrical Safety Regulations
• Film Permit Application Process and Film Production Policy
• Municipal Alcohol Policy
• Petting Zoo Report
• Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

Application forms and manuals are also available at the following locations:

Customer Service Centres

Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday with the exception of statutory holidays.