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Special Events Permit

If you are planning to host a special event in the County of Brant, a completed Special Event Application is required. This page provides detailed information on the application process, requirements, and resources to support you every step of the way.

On this page:

  • How to Apply 
  • Fees 
  • Promotion 
  • Special Event Application Team Review

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in hosting a special event in the County of Brant.

Before submitting a Special Event Application, please review our Special Event Manual (PDF). This manual provides important information about requirements, policies, and procedures that may apply to your event.

To begin the application process, complete the Online Special Event Application and submit it along with proof of insurance. Applications will not be accepted without both a signed form and valid insurance documentation. Final approval is subject to review by the County of Brant Special Event Advisory Team. 

Special Event Online Application

What You Need to Know

  • Dedicated Support: The Special Events Coordinator will be your primary contact and will guide you through the entire application process.

  • Additional Permits: Depending on your event, you may be required to obtain extra approvals such as:

    • Building permits (example for large tents)

    • By-law exemptions (example for noise or refreshment sales)
      All required permits must be secured before your application can be approved.

  • Coordination Meetings: The Special Event Advisory Team (S.E.A.T.) may request one or more coordination meetings prior to your event to ensure all requirements are met.

  • Application Timeline: Completed applications must be submitted at least 90 days before your event date to allow sufficient time for review and approval.

Special Event Application Fees

The County of Brant’s special event application fees vary depending on the type and expected attendance of the event. The table below outlines the current fees for each category of special event. All fees are subject to change, and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) is additional where applicable.

Type of eventExpected Attendance Cost
Bicycle / Triathlon Event   $150.00 + HST
Fundraising Event hosted by a Registered not-for-profit organization    FREE
Special Event 0 to 500 $75.00 + HST
Special Event 500 to 1500 $125.00 + HST
Special Event 1500 + $150.00 + HST

Promote your event

The County of Brant Tourism team is pleased to support event organizers with free promotional opportunities. Visit our Special Events webpage to learn how you can promote your event at no cost.

Special Events Application Team (SEAT) Review Information

What is SEAT?
The main goals of SEAT are to ensure public safety, convenience, and proper course of the events taking place in the County of Brant. In addition, SEAT mandate includes interdepartmental communication for event purposes, single point of contact for event organizers, and support events in the community.

SEAT stands for Special Event Advisory Team. The team consists of 13 of County of Brant Departments:

  1. Accessibility Department
  2. Paramedic Service
  3. Brant County Health Unit
  4. Building Department
  5. Bylaw Department
  6. Economic Development and Tourism Department
  7. Fire Department
  8. Legal Department
  9. Marketing and Communications Department
  10. OPP Brant County Detachment
  11. Facilities Division
  12. Parks Division
  13. Public Works Department
When is SEAT triggered? 
  1.  If County’s property is not used for it’s designed purposes. Example, road closure.
  2. If three or more County Departments or services are involved/requested on a private property and the event is open to public. Exceptions apply: designated event space.
  3. If an event is considered to have a significant risk to public safety and will have a significant impact to public passageways. In this case, the event might go through a SEAT review, but not require permit.
Twelve Steps in SEAT process:  
Step 1: Contact Special Events and Filming Coordinator if unsure you need to submit a SEAT application.

Step 2: Submit SEAT application and initial documents. We also ask for a certificate of insurance, however, many insurance companies do not issue a certificate of insurance earlier than 30 days before the event. It is okay to submit your insurance 30 days before the event.

Step 3: The event application is received by the Special Event and Filming Coordinator and the Applicant is notified their application has been received. Please expect to hear back from the special events and filming coordinator within 2 weeks of submitting your application.

Step 4: The application is assigned an application number, reviewed for critical information and forwarded to SEAT. Special event and filming coordinator may request additional documents, applications, licenses, permits. You will receive a list of additional requirements based on the application submitted.

Step 5: The application is reviewed by the SEAT Committee. Should SEAT need to meet with event organizers, a committee meeting will take place.

Step 6: If a member of the committee has an issue, it is sent to the SE and F Coordinator and shared with organizer. Once an answer is given, it is shared with the group.

Step 7: Each individual member “signs off” on the application if they have no issues and when the necessary documentation and applications are submitted.

Step 8: Once all departments have signed off, the event is “approved”, and a letter is sent to the organizer. (If the event is denied, organizer is notified).

Step 9: Let businesses and residents know about your event if required

Step 10: Pay the fees. You will receive an invoice for SEAT permit. Additional licenses, applications or rentals are paid separately.

Step 11: If any road closures are needed, they are shared with service providers. Public notice is issued.

Step 12: The Event takes place, any issues or feedback are collected and shared at the next SEAT meeting

Insurance Requirements: 
A Valid Certificate of Insurance naming the ‘Event Organizer” listed on application as the “named insured”, and evidencing liability insurance coverage for all activities listed in application, issued by an insurer licensed to do  business in Ontario, with limits of not less than:

$2,000,000.00 per occurrence; OR

$5.000,000.00 per occurrence if your event includes any of the following activities:

  • Sale of alcoholic beverages (beer garden, etc.)
  • Activities involving licensed motor vehicles (demolition derby, etc.)
  • Activities on the water
  • Fireworks
  • Inflatables (including “zorbs” or “sumo suits”)
  • Amusement rides
  • Activities involving animals (petting zoo, dog agility, etc.)
  • Activities where the renter brings in a stage or production equipment
  • Activities where the renter brings in a large tent or canopy

And naming “The Corporation of the County of Brant” as an additional insured with respect to any liability arising from your event. Address: The Corporation of the County of Brant, 26 Park Ave, Burford, Ontario, N0E 1A0.

Additional Permits and Licenses that might be needed: 
 90 Days Out
  • SEAT Application
  • Noise exemption
  • Emergency plan
  • Road Closure plan
  • Parking lots
  • *Park rental (recommend months in advance – start booking in April)
  • *Facility rental (recommend months in advance)
  • Council-approved event
  • Zoning review (2-3 months)
  • If event needs Council approval

Minimum 30 Days Out

  • Insurance (flex)
  • Building Permit
  • BCHU Event organizer forms
  • Mobile refreshment sales license
  • Special Occasion Permit
  • Letter of Municipal Significance
  • Peddler’s License
  • TSSA license for review
  • Lottery Licensing (all types)
  • Permission from the private property owner to use their property if applicable
  • Tent engineer certification

Minimum 2 Weeks Out

  • Insurance
  • BCHU Event Vendor forms
  • Fire Inspection + fire evacuation plan if applicable
  • Building Inspector Sign off (after tent is set-up)
 Potential Special Events Related Fees
  • SEAT Application (Admin Fee) - $75.00-150.00 (Free for non-profits fundraising for a cause)
  • Building Permit - from 175.00 
  • Noise Exemption - $164.80
  • Park Rental - from $67.50
  • Facility Rental - from $26.25
  • Mobile Refreshment Sales License - from $56.65
  • Peddler's License - from $56.65
  • Lottery License - 1.5% of total prizes value
  • Tent Engineer Certification - from $600.00
  • Special Occasion Permit - from $50.00

Useful Links and Resources

  1. Bazaar Lottery Licensing (at least 30 days)
  2. BCHU applications
  3. Bingo Lottery Licensing (at least 30 days)
  4. Blanket raffle Lottery Licensing (at least 30 days)
  5. Break Open Ticket Lottery Licensing (at least 30 days) 
  6. Building permit: at least 30 days Tent Permits - County of Brant
    1. Event organizer: 30 days
    2. Event vendor: 14 days 
  7. Fire evacuation plan: at the discretion of the event organizer and if requested by the Emergency Services (available in the fire inspection application)
  8. Fire inspection application: contact Fire Department or Olga Denisova
  9. Letter of Municipal Significance: at least 30 days (in case you need to go to Council). Please email the Clerks Department or the Special Events Coordinator.
  10. Media Bingo Lottery Licensing (at least 30 days)
  11. Mobile Refreshment Sales license (at least 30 days)
  12. Noise exemption (apply 90 days in advance, publish at least 45 days in advance) 
  13. Parking lots – can be used by community group events and on first-come first-serve basis. No commercial rentals available yet.
  14. Peddler’s license (at least 30 days)
  15. Raffle Lottery Licensing (at least 30 days)
  16. Rental of the facility:  (recommend a year in advance, start booking in April for the year)
  17. Rental of the park: Picnic Areas - County of Brant (recommend a year in advance, start booking in April for the year)
  18. Road closure: cones, barricades, signage, no parking: Public Works Permit - County of Brant – no application for a road closure or rental.
  19. SOP (at least 30 days) 
  20. Special Event Application: Special Event Application - Brant County
  21. Table Board Bingo Lottery Licensing (at least 30 days)

     

 

 

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