The Town of Georgina appreciates the importance of community events in enhancing the quality of life, tourism, culture, recreation and education and in providing economic benefits to the local economy.
If you are hosting an event within the Town of Georgina you can use the festival and event permit application as a planning resource.
What is a Festival and Event Permit?
The purpose of the festival and event permit application is to:
- Establish guidelines for the allocation and management of events within Georgina
- Inform all of the affected municipal divisions about your proposed event
- Ensure health and safety guidelines are provided based on information outlined in the submitted application
- Provide organizers with information on necessary permits, permissions, insurances and approvals based upon information provided in the submitted application
- Make reasonable efforts to ensure that municipal services are not negatively impacted by the event
Complete a Festival and Event Permit Application online
When is a Festival and Event Permit required?
Event organizers must submit a festival and event permit application under the following condition:
Outdoor spaces
If you wish to hold your event on any outdoor property owned or operated by the Town of Georgina. This includes:
- Parks/Open Spaces
- Roads/Road Allowances
- Municipal Parking Lots
- Walkways, Pathways and Trails
- Waterfront Areas and/or Beaches
and if your event includes any of the following:
- Alcohol sale or service to the general public
- Pyrotechnics or fireworks (Display Fireworks License)
- Food that will be sold or given to the general public
- Sound amplification - including amplified live or recorded music
- Open fire/flame-producing devices or appliances
- Tents, marquees, pavilions, tiered seating or stages could require Building Permits/Fire Safety Plans. Tents and Stages are subject to size and height. (Building Permit Application)
- Public event that features animals, amusements, inflatables and rides
- Projected attendance of over 250 people per day
Indoor spaces
If you are hosting an event indoors at a municipal facility and it has been requested by municipal staff that organizers complete a festival and event permit application.
Private spaces
If you are hosting an event on private property that has a significant impact on municipal services. The municipality may request you complete a festival and event permit application. Affected services can include but are not limited to Fire Services, Police Services, Public Works and Emergency Services.
When don't I need to complete a Festival and Event Permit Application?
If you are holding an event on municipal property or in a municipal facility for invited guests only (i.e. wedding, birthday party, organization or family picnic), or you are holding an event on private property (i.e. your backyard) which will not significantly impact municipal services.
It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Festival and Event Reference Guide prior to submitting their festival and event permit application.
Still unsure if your event requires a festival and event permit application? Contact Client Services to discuss.
Telephone: 905-476-4301
E-Mail: events@georgina.ca
Festival and Event Reference Guide
The Festival and Event Reference Guide will assist event organizers in working with the municipality to plan their event.
The document incorporates the By-laws, procedures and permit requirements used by various departments and external agencies. The guide also outlines and provides contact information for various key departments, agencies, and organizations.
Organizers should be aware that additional requirements, conditions or permits may be required depending on the nature, size and scope of the event.
Download a copy of the Festival and Event Reference Guide or E-mail at events@georgina.ca to request a copy of the Festival and Event Reference Guide.
Application process
Community Services will assist event organizers through the festival and event permit application process. Upon receipt of a completed application, it is the obligation of the event organizers to remit applications directly to any external organizations or agencies, as well as, to appropriate divisions within the Town of Georgina as it applies to their jurisdiction relating to the event.
Importance of application
The goal is to assist event organizers in planning safe and successful events. The festival and event permit application simplifies the event planning process for organizers as key contacts include but are not limited to:
- York Region Paramedic Services
- York Regional Police (YRP)
- Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.)
- Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
- Georgina Fire and Rescue Services
- Georgina Operations and Infrastructure
- Georgina Development Services - Building Division
- Georgina Community Services
- Georgina Economic Development
- Georgina Legislative Services – Municipal Law Enforcement and Clerks Division
Event organizers will be notified if additional permits, inspections or further information is required. Event organizers will then be responsible to follow-up up directly with the proper authorities regarding items within their jurisdiction relating to the event.
The municipality reserves the right to request the coordination of a round-table meeting(s) which may be required before and/or after the event takes place.
Where to obtain a Festival and Event Permit Application
The Festival and event permit application is available through the online portal. No hard copy will be provided, if you require assistance in accessing the application form, please contact Community Services, Clients and Events Coordinator: events@georgina.ca.
It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Festival and Event Reference Guide prior to submitting their Festival and event permit application.
Submitting the Festival and Event Permit Application
Please note: Submitted festival and event permit applications must be completed in entirety and include a detailed Event Site Plan.
Any festival and event application can be saved for future edits until completion and submission. Once submitted, an automatic email will be sent to event organizers upon receipt of any online festival and event permit application. No hard copy will be accepted.
Application submitted with missing documentation will be returned to the applicant and not be considered. It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Festival and Event Reference Guide prior to submitting their festival and event permit application.
For questions or assistance in completing a festival and event permit application, please contact:
Community Services – Client Services Division
House of Operation: Mon. to Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: 905-476-4301
E-Mail: events@georgina.ca
Application timelines
We encourage you to follow the timelines below when applying to host a special event:
|
Minimum Application Timeline |
Events with …. |
|---|---|
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6 months before event date |
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3 months before the event date |
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1 month prior to event date |
Events will be considered based on the level of requirements |
*Some items are subject to a longer period of processing time.
Permits, licensing, insurance, grants and approvals
Permits, licensing, insurance, grants and approvals ensure that all events protect the health, safety, and welfare of event organizers and volunteers, attendees and participants, visitors, residents and stakeholders. Certain events may require multiple permits depending on the nature, size and scope of the event.
Permit and Licensing
|
Permit Types and Licensing |
Department Contact |
|---|---|
|
Rental Permit |
Georgina Community Services – Client Services |
|
Georgina Legislative Services – Clerks Division |
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|
Georgina Operations and Infrastructure – Roads Division |
|
|
Building Permit (Stages and Tents) |
Georgina Development Services - Building Division |
|
Special Occasion Permit/ Liquor License |
Georgina Community Services – Client Services |
|
Lottery Permit |
|
|
Noise Exemption Permit |
Georgina Legislative Services – Clerks Division |
|
Sign Permit |
Georgina Legislative Services - Municipal Law Enforcement Division |
|
Georgina Legislative Services - Clerks Division |
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|
Parking Exemption |
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|
Georgina Legislative Services - Clerks Division |
Additional municipal, regional, provincial and/or federal permits, licenses and approvals may be required for various event elements. More details about applicable permits, licenses and approvals are outlined in the Municipal Reference Guide (hyperlink).
Insurance
- Events hosted on town property have the option to enroll in the Town Facility User Insurance program for event and vendor insurance.
- Events hosted on private property, the Town of Georgina strongly recommends contacting your insurance provider for more information.
Grants and approvals
The Town of Georgina offers an Economic, Culture and Community Betterment Grant Program, which provides funds to support events, festivals and other programs that increase awareness of opportunities within Georgina promote community betterment and create an economic impact within the community.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organizations that reside or provide services within the Town of Georgina and wish to inquire and submit a request for eligibility criteria may apply. Registered charities and businesses or business organizations (informal or formal) that promote overnight stays and have a significant impact on the local economy may also apply.
What is the process to apply for the Grant?
Applicants must submit a completed online application, along with relevant supporting documentation. In order to take full advantage of collaborative marketing efforts, applications must be submitted four (4) months prior to the event date. The applications will be evaluated by the Economic Development Committee (EDC).
What is required to apply?
The applicant should include business or marketing plans directly relevant to the program/event. The application shall include a detailed account of the proposed revenue and expenses or a formal budget. For any expenses that exceed $500 and for which funding is being requested, a quote must be provided with the grant application.
Eligible expenses include items or services directly required to provide the program or project to the public: equipment fees, entertainment fees, facility rentals, marketing costs, promotional products, permit fees.
Learn more about Economic Development and Community Building Grant Program