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Hosting Special Events

The Town of Bracebridge recognizes the benefits of special events in enhancing our community and in providing economic benefits to the business community.  To ensure the health, safety and protection of the community, certain events require special event permits.

Please review the Town of Bracebridge Special Event Policy and all of the details below prior to submitting an application.

You may need a permit if you are hosting the following Events:
  • Parade/procession
  • Ceremony
  • Exhibition
  • Fair
  • Street festival/carnival
  • Beer garden
  • Sidewalk/street sale
  • Race/ walk-a-thon

Also included are any similar events that require a lane or road closure that could interfere with the normal road traffic flow.

You do not need a Special Event Permit for the following types of events:

  • Weddings on private property;
  • Funeral processions;
  • Picketing;
  • Any event entirely on private property; or
  • Activities that the Town entered into a Filming Event Agreement or issued a Work Permit.
Applications for a Special Event Permit must be completed in full and submitted to the Corporate Services Department Administrative Assistant by email or in person at 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6. Any updates/changes to an application or event must also be submitted.

Incomplete applications will be returned to the event organizer for amendments.

Permit Fee: $75.00 (2025 rate)

The application fee is payable by debit at the Municipal Office or by Cheque made payable to the Town of Bracebridge. If you require an invoice for payment, please contact the Corporate Services Department Administrative Assistant.

If your event is outdoors or on municipally owned and maintained property, you must notify the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk in writing 30 days prior to your event.

Event Requirements

Mandatory Public Liability Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $2 million dollars naming The Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge as additional insured.

If alcohol is being served, Alcohol Liability Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $5 million dollars naming The Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge as additional insured is required.

A detailed site sketch identifying key locations for your event is required.

Including the following additional details on your site sketch:

  • Alcohol and food serving locations
  • Electricity
  • Location of Signs
  • Locations of Tents
  • Parking
  • Road closures
  • Traffic routes
  • Washrooms
  • Water sources
  • Other (e.g. First Aid Station, entrance, etc.)

Elements of an Event

Please review the list of event elements and take them into consideration when completing your special event permit application.

All animal participation in events must be in accordance with the Town of Bracebridge Exotic and Wild Animal Control By-law.

Alcohol Liability Insurance (if applicable) in the amount of $5 million dollars is required if you are serving and/or selling alcohol on Town property.

The Certificate of Insurance must specifically name The Corporation of the Town of Bracebridge as an additional insured and have our address listed as 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge ON, P1L 1R6.

Application for Special Occasion Permit (if applicable), for information, visit the AGCO's website.

In the event of a municipal fire ban and/or Ministry of Natural Resources imposed restricted fire zone, fireworks will not be permitted.

Proof of valid pyrotechnic license and pyrotechnic fireworks event approval form.

Please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 1-877-721-7520 for information regarding food safety and public health guidance.

Food trucks that produce grease laden vapours during cooking operations should have a properly installed and maintained kitchen hood suppression system and portable K class fire extinguisher.

It is recommended that multi-purpose fire extinguisher be on hand for all other cooking operations.

(e.g.: raffle, 50/50 draw, etc.)

For more information on lottery licensing, contact By-law Enforcement.

Any amplified sound requires an exemption to the Noise By-law.

* Request for Noise Exemption is included with your Special Event Permit as long as it is properly identified on the application.

Event parking must be in accordance with Town By-laws. If an exemption is required for your event, please include complete details in your application including parking lot location, duration, etc.

If materials (barricades) or services are required for restricted parking zones the event organizer must contact the Town of Bracebridge Public Works department at least 10 business days prior to the event to request/coordinate.

Town of Bracebridge Road Closure
If a full or partial road closure is requested for your event, you must list complete details in your application including road(s) names, start and end point of closure, duration, etc.

Access is required for any potential emergency services. Any vehicles used for blocking roadways must have keys readily available for moving by event staff.

If materials (barricades) or services are required for road closures the event organizer must contact the Town of Bracebridge Public Works department at least 10 business days prior to the event to request/coordinate.

District of Muskoka Road Closures
Visit the District of Muskoka Website for more information.
Temporary Road Closure/Usage Application

Signs cannot be erected more than ten (10) days prior to the event and must be removed within two (2) days following the event.

A maximum number of thirty (30) signs may be erected at intervals of 50 metres (164 feet) at least 1 metre from the lot line/street.

Signs shall not exceed a maximum height from the ground of 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) or be greater than 0.6 square metres (6.5 square feet) in area.

All Events must be in compliance with the Smoke Free Ontario Act.

Smoking is prohibited within 20 metres of children’s playgrounds and public sports fields and surfaces at all times. Smoking is also prohibited in and around any area where food or beverages are served.

Please contact Tobacco Enforcement Officer, Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit, at 705-309-2599 if you have any questions.

Any tent greater than 60 square meters in size will require a building permit. Tents must be at least 3 meters from any structure. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Although some events do not require a permit, they may require a temporary road closing or an exemption to the noise control By-Law. Please review the details on this page and contact the Corporate Services Department if you have any questions. 

A special event permit applications must be submitted 90 days prior to your event date.

Your application is circulated and reviewed by several departments to provide comments and ensure safety and compliance. Once comments are received, additional time is factored in for approval. 

Completed Special Event Permit application forms can be dropped off to the Municipal Office at 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge during regular business hours or emailed to the Corporate Services Department.

The Town accepts cheques payable to "Town of Bracebridge", or by debit or exact cash.

Significant Event Status Requests

If you are planning to sell alcohol at a public event and your group is NOT a registered charity organization or NOT using a caterer's endorsement, then Town Council must provide a Resolution declaring that your event is an "Event of Municipal Significance". The Resolution needs to be submitted with your AGCO Special Occasions Permit (SOP) Application to the LCBO.

To obtain a Resolution from Town Council, write to the Director of Corporate Services/Clerk, by mail or in person at 1000 Taylor Court, Bracebridge, ON  P1L 1R6.

Send your request along with the fee of $45, at least 90 days (3 months) prior to the event in order to obtain the Town Council Resolution.

 

 

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