Special Events

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

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 (PDF). For more information, contact Engineering Services 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 the Operations Department by email or by calling 905-263-2291.

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:

• The 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.

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