Special Events

If you are planning an outdoor special event, please contact SpecialEvents@clarington.net at least 90 days in advance to learn more about what permits or applications you may need.

The Municipality of Clarington has three separate special events by-laws, one for events occurring on private property (By-law 2014-020), one for events that require the use and occupancy of municipal roads (By-law 2014-021), and another for on-farm special events (By-law 2021-049).

Both by-laws ensure that any necessary outside agencies, (Police, Fire, Ambulance) are aware of the event and steps have been taken to mitigate or remove potential risks or conflicts with the neighbours.

Special events on a roadway

A special event on the roadway means a demonstration, parade, procession, organized walk or run, bicycle ride or race, filming event, street dance, residential block party, rally, fair, sidewalk sale, festival, carnival, and any cultural, recreational, educational or similar event.

For events held on municipal highways, submit a Special Events Road Occupancy Permit Application. For more information, contact Public Works by email or by calling 905-623-3379 ext. 2315.

Please refer to the Special Event Signage Policy (PDF) for more information on signage for special events.

Special events on Municipal property

For events held on Municipal property, contact bookings@clarington.net call 905-623-3379.

Special events on private property

Special events can mean any cultural, recreational, educational or similar event, including fairs, festivals and carnivals that have an expected daily attendance of at least 500 persons at any time during the event when held on private property.

If you expect more than 500 people to attend your event, you must submit an application for a Special Events on Private Property Permit (PDF).

Exemptions

A Special Events on Private Property Permit is not required for special events held on or at:

Orono Fairgrounds
Property owned by a conservation authority, school (whether public or private), university, college or church
Property owned by the Region of Durham.

You do not need a Special Events on Private Property Permit for sporting events (including golf tournaments), or motor vehicle racing, provided the use is permitted in Clarington's zoning by-laws or has otherwise been authorized by the Municipality.

A Special Events on Private Property Permit is not required for the CP Holiday Train.

A Refreshment Vehicle License is still required for all trucks and trailers attending events.

If your event has an expected daily attendance of less than 500 daily attendees, you do not need to apply for a Special Events on Private Property Permit. However, if your event includes any of the following activities, you may need to obtain additional permits and approvals.

Licences and permits needed by activity

Licences and Permits needed by activity
Activity	Licence, Permit or Approval	Contact Information
Alcohol Sales	Liquor Licence	Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario 1-800-522-2876
Amusement Devices	Emergency and Fire Services; Technical Standards and Safety Authority approvals	Emergency and Fire Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2801Technical Standards & Safety Authority
Animals	Animal Entertainment Event Permit under By-law 2012-045 (Consolidated)	Animal Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2124
Combustible Fuel Powered Equipment(eg. generators; propane appliances; any other specialized equipment, including the type of fuel used to operate the equipment		Emergency and Fire Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2801
Electrical Work	Emergency and Fire Services Inspection and Approval; Electrical Safety Authority Approvals	Emergency and Fire Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2801Electrical Safety Authority
Fireworks	Fireworks Permit under the Fireworks By-law 2015-047	Emergency and Fire Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2801
Food Vendors	Refreshment Vehicles licence under By-law 2015-016	Durham Region Health Department 1-800-841-2729
Grading or Site Alterations	Permit under Site Alteration By-law 2008-114	Building Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2301
Non-Food Vendors	Peddler Licence per Peddler By-law 2005-206 (Consolidated)	Municipal Law Enforcement 905-623-3379 ext. 2105
Promotional Signage on Clarington Road Allowances	Clarington Road Occupancy Permit under the Road Occupancy By-law 2014-022 and the Special Events Signage Policy	Building Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2315
Promotional Signage on Regional Road Allowances	Regional Road Occupancy Permit	Region of Durham Works 1-800-372-1102
Promotional Signage on Private Property	Sign Permit under the Sign By-law 2009-123	Planning and Development Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2401
Sound / Amplification System	Noise Exemption under Noise By-law 2007-071	Municipal Law Enforcement 905-623-3379 ext. 2105
Tents - Larger than 30m2 (or 323 ft2)	Emergency and Fire Services Inspection and Approval	Emergency and Fire Services Inspection and Approval905-623-3379 ext. 2801
Tents - Larger than 60m2 (or 646 ft2)	Requires a Building Permit under the Ontario Building Code	Building Services 905-623-3379 ext. 2303
Water Hydrants	Hydrant Permit under Region of Durham's Water By-law 89-2003	Region of Durham Works 1-800-372-1102

On-Farm Special Events

Hosting on-farm special events in Clarington can offer farmers an opportunity to add to their income and support local tourism. However, it’s essential that these planned events are compatible with ongoing farm operations and don’t have an undue impact on neighbouring property owners. For more information, please see the On-Farm Special Events Guidelines (PDF).