When well planned, special events can bring rewarding dividends to the organizers and our community. Successful events require:
- Responsible leadership
- Careful planning
- Good organization
- Provisions against the unexpected
- Methodical “follow through” and evaluation
The online application has been designed as your one stop shop to ensure permit details comply with local, provincial, and federal policies and regulations governing activities associated with the production of events.
When do I complete an application?
A special event application is required for events taking place on City property. Special events may be civic, provincial, or national celebrations, cultural performances or gatherings, sporting tournaments and a wide range of commercial or corporate functions.
If you are unsure whether your event is required to complete a Special Event Application, email [email protected] or call 519-837-5678.
Application process
The City of Guelph is committed to assisting event organizers in hosting a successful event. The process consists of two steps that are outlined below.
To be considered for your historical dates and times, your application must be submitted by January 30.
Effective January 31, applications for special events and tournaments are accepted throughout the season and will only be permitted if requested space is available.
How to apply
Step 1 – Reserve the space
Complete Step one of the application – the special event team will confirm the availability of your requested date/time/location and a rental agreement will be started. We will ask you some high-level preliminary questions to get a sense of your event and what it will include. Once you have a confirmed rental agreement, and your special event application fee has been paid, you will be prompted to continue with step 2.
Step 2 – Provide the details
Step two of the application will include detailed questions about your event and the activities involved. City departments will review this information and may provide input, ask questions, and request changes before approving your application. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the information, timelines are outlined, and you will have the ability to upload supporting documents throughout the event planning process.
You will be able to save your work along the way, return to complete it, and log back in to check the status of your application.
Submit an application
Resources
- Contact information for special event organizers
- Hosting a special event (Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health)
- Building permits and inspections
- Business licensing
- Water Wagon
- Special Events Waste Diversion Handbook
- Guidelines for electricity at special events
- Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
- Alcohol Risk Management Policy
- Fire Safety Requirements for Special Events
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
- Lottery licences
- Noise Control Bylaw
- Animal Control Bylaw
- Drone Safety (Government of Canada)
- Emergency Management Plan: Guidelines for event organizers
- Special Events Map Goldie Mill Park
- Special Events Map Riverside Park West
- Special Events Map Market Square
- Special Events Map St Georges Square
- Special Events Map Margaret Greene Park
- Special Events Map Riverside Park Overall
- Special Events Map Royal City Park
- Special Events Map Eastview Community Park
- Special Events Map Exhibition Park
- Special Events Map Centennial Park
- Special Events Map South End Community Park
- Special Events Map Riverside Park South
- Special Events Map York Road Park
- Special Events Map Riverside Park North
For more information
If you have any questions or concerns we would be very pleased to address them.
Facility Booking and Special Events Coordinators
[email protected]
519-837-5678