This information is subject to change due to current COVID-19 Public Health circumstances. Visit our COVID-19 for full details.
Public Events have a very positive impact on the community, bringing residents together to get active, socialize and celebrate. We thank you for the continued effort and hard work that goes into planning and executing local events, contributing to the spirit of the community. Town of Halton Hills is excited to support and guide you through the planning process of your Public Event.
Halton Hills event planning process
Planning an event, large or small, can be complex and even a little intimidating. To help steer you through the process, the Public Events Manual has been revised and updated to provide helpful information including procedures, contact information, tips, links and resources.
- Ready to get started! Please complete and submit the Public Events Application Form. Ensure that your application as well as supporting documents are completed and submitted by the submission deadlines below for review by the Public Event Committee.
- Confused about the process? View the Public Events flow chart (part of the Public Events Manual) to see the process outlined step by step including deliverables, expectations and approvals. A handy public event application checklist has been developed to assist you through the process.
- Will your event take place on a road allowance? If your event will take place on a road and/or sidewalk, please complete a Street and/or Sidewalk Event Request Form along with the Public Events Application Form.
- Do you require equipment for your public event? The Town makes available limited quantities of equipment and materials for public events with our Loan of Town Equipment Program.
- Looking for ways to make your event more inclusive and accessible? A booklet has been developed by the Province of Ontario called Planning Accessible Events that will provide quick tips and suggestions so guests with disabilities feel welcome at the event.
Public event planning submission deadlines
| Public Event Date | Application Deadline |
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May - August |
February |
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September - December |
April |
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January - April |
September |
Banners on Town property |
Policy statementBanner installations are permitted for the promotion of civic, charitable or community-oriented events which are held to benefit the community at large, affiliated community groups, registered charities, or other similar not-for-profit groups. PurposeBanner installations are not intended to be used as commercial advertising devices. This policy provides specific criteria which must be met to ensure that banner installations meet the Town of Halton Hills expectations regarding the purpose and nature of the banner, and public safety. ProcedureCommunity organizations interested in displaying a banner may apply for a banner permit with the Town through the Transportation and Public Works department. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis, and should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the installation. ProcessApplicants can call the Town of Halton Hills Transportation and Public Works department at 905-873-2600 ext. 2436 to confirm the availability of the banner. Staff will review the banner scheduling calendar to confirm availability. If the banner is available, the applicant will complete and submit the Banner on Town Property Permit Application Form along with a Certificate of Insurance and $500 Refundable Security. The applicant should have their insurance company complete the Town's Certificate of Insurance form. Once the application form, insurance and refundable security is received, a letter will be sent to the organization granting the approval to place the banner as stipulated on the application. Banner contentBanners which convey a religious or political message, promote a political party or election candidate, promote tobacco use, present demeaning or derogatory portrayals of individuals or groups or contain anything which, in light of generally prevailing community standards, is likely to cause deep or widespread offence, will not be permitted. Installation requirementsAll installations, maintenance and removals are the responsibility of the applicant. Banner installations must not obstruct the view of any pedestrian or motor vehicle driver or interfere with vehicular movement to a degree as to endanger any person, and must not interfere with any traffic sign or signal. Banners are to be removed at the end of the permit period, failing which the Town of Halton Hills may remove the banner at the applicant's expense. Damaged or deteriorating banners must be removed or replaced within two working days following notification from the Town of Halton Hills. If at any time a banner causes a safety hazard, the banner will be removed immediately by Town staff without notice at the applicant's expense. Maximum three (3) banners at a time. Permit feesThere are no permit fees for applying for a banner on Town property. Refundable securityApplicant will be required to provide a $500 refundable security which would be released once the banner has been removed. ComplianceBanners installed without a permit from the Town, and banner installations which fail to meet the requirements of this policy and procedures or any other stated requirements of the Town, will be removed immediately by Town staff without notice, at the applicant's expense. |
Special event tents |
General requirements"Tent" refers to a temporary shelter that is used at an open-air event such as a fair or exhibition, and includes a canopy, marquee, sunshade, etc., subject to the following: A tent or a group of tents is exempt from the requirement to obtain a building permit provided that the tent or group of tents are:
All other tents must conform to the requirements of the 2006 Building Code (OBC), Div B., Section 3.14. Tents and Air Supported Structures. Accordingly, tents which:
need only comply with the requirements for Clearances to Other Structures and to Flammable Material, Flame Resistance and Provision for Fire Fighting (see sentences 2., 3. and 4., below). All other tents must comply with all of the following provisions (OBC, Div. B, s 3.14) Clearances to other structures and to flammable materialTents shall not be erected closer than 3 m (9'-10”) to the property line. The ground enclosed by the tent, and for a distance of 3 m (9'-10”) around the tent, shall be cleared of all flammable or combustible material or vegetation that will carry fire. Tents shall not be erected closer than 3 m (9'-10”) to other tents or structures on the same property except:
Flame resistanceTent material must bear a label confirming compliance with the provisions of CAN/ULC S-109, Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films, or NFPA 701, Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films Provision for fire fightingAccess must be provided to all tents for fire fighting purposes. Means of egressTents must conform to the requirements of OBC Section 3.3. Safety Requirements Within Floor Areas and Section 3.4. Requirements for Exits. Adequate exits and access to exits must be provided to ensure public safety in case of emergency. Design of framing and supportThe supporting framing structure and anchorage system for all tents (see conditions listed in General Requirements, above) must be designed and reviewed by a professional engineer, licensed to practice in the province of Ontario. BleachersWhere bleachers are provided in tents, they shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of the OBC, Div. B, (Articles 3.3.2.8., 3.3.2.10 and Subsection 4.1.5). Sanitary facilitiesSubject to the conditions listed in the General Requirements above, sanitary facilities for tents must be determined in accordance with OBC, Div. B, Table 3.7.4.3.E. If portable privies are used, they must comply with the requirements of Div. B, Part 8 of the OBC. Installation and maintenanceIt is the responsibility of the applicant/owner to ensure that the tent supporting structure and anchorage system are installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions; it is the ongoing responsibility of the applicant/owner to ensure that said supporting system and anchoring system are maintained accordingly. Fire department requirementsWhere required, provide portable fire extinguishers, exit signs, smoking prohibited signs, etc., to the satisfaction of the Halton Hills Fire Department. OccupancyPrior to allowing occupancy, the applicant must arrange for occupancy inspections by the Engineering, Public Works and Building Services Department and by the Fire Department, to review compliance with all applicable codes and standards. Fire Services: 905-877-1133 Tent Permit Inquiries: 905-873-2600 Ext. 2925 |
Planning a neighbourhood block party |
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Please note: Due to the physical distancing requirements of COVID-19, neighbourhood block parties are currently not permitted. For the latest developments of COVID-19 impact and restrictions, visit our COVID-19 page. A neighbourhood block party is the opportunity for neighbours to get together, meet each other, have fun and work together on a common activity. Why should I have a neighbourhood block party?
Step 1: Ideas for a partyReview the following fun tips and ideas to host a Neighbourhood Block/Street Party. Which type of Neighbourhood Block Party will work best in your neighbourhood? Listed below are some examples:
Try not to go overboard; it can make people feel the event is too much work. Keep it simple! Step 2: Application processComplete a Neighbourhood Block Party Street Closure Request form and submit it to the Parks and Recreation Department. Step 3: Tips for success
Things to keep in mind
Some final thoughts to consider
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