Starting January 1, 2025, a $150 application fee will apply to all Special Event Permits to support administrative costs. A review of the Special Events program is ongoing, with recommendations expected later in 2025.

Application Process:

1. Submit your request online via "Special Event Application Request."
2. Complete the $150 payment upon submission.
3. Complete the fillable PDF application form, which will be sent to your email. 
   • Alternatively, print and submit the form in person at Town Hall (1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil) during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).

Applications must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the event date for events where fewer than 500 attendees are expected and no road closures or restricted access to municipal parks are required. All other events must be submitted a minimum of 24 weeks prior to the event date. 

Special Event Application Request

As directed by Town Council, the application fee is waived for Special Events organized by registered charities. To be exempt from the Special Event application fee, charitable organizations must provide a valid charitable registration number at the time of application.

Applications must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the event date for events where fewer than 500 attendees are expected and no road closures or restricted access to municipal parks are required. All other events must be submitted a minimum of 24 weeks prior to the event date.

Charity Special Event Application Form

• Protests or other lawful exercises of the right to public assembly.
• Organized gatherings or events occurring entirely on provincial or federal lands
  • The Town does not have authority to regulate activities on provincial or federal lands.  It is the responsibility of all personsand event organizers to ensure they are aware of, and in compliance with, all applicable legislation and regulation respecting the use of provincial or federal lands and to seek permissions from the appropriate agencies.
  • The Town requests that event organizers ensure the Town is provided with notice and documentation of any planned events on provincial or federal lands within the Town's boundaries of more than 200 people or requiring the coordination of Town services or resources.

* This Policy does not supersede any other applicable by-laws, regulations, or legislation. It is the individual responsibility of all persons to ensure they comply with any and all applicable by-laws, regulations, or legislation, including but not limited to Building or Fire Code occupancy limits.

Please find below the links to the Special Events Policy and By-law, as well as the Parks By-law.

Special Events Policy

Special Events By-Law No. 2026-005

Special Events Fees and Charges By-Law No. 2025A-067

Parks By-law No. 5306-21

Please be advised that only one application is required for circulation to all Town departments.

An Special Event application must be submitted a minimum of:

• 8 weeks prior to the scheduled event date where fewer than 500 attendees are expected and no road closures or  restricted access to municipal parks are required. 

• 24 weeks prior to the scheduled start for all other events.

  * The Clerk may, at their sole discretion, choose to not accept, require a pre-event meeting with the Applicant, or require additional processing fees for any SEP applications not submitted within the above stated timeframes.

An applicant may submit their application by:

• E-mail: specialevents@notl.com
• Mail: Town Municipal Office - 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, PO Box 100, Virgil, Ontario L0S 1T0
• In-Person:  Customer Service counter located at the Town Municipal Office at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil

Council approval is required for events that meet any of the following criteria: 

• Requiring the closure of, or restricted access to, any of the following public spaces:
  • Queen Street
  • Queen’s Royal Park
  • Simcoe Park
• Occurring over three (3) or more consecutive calendar days
• Requiring exemptions or permissions beyond those delegated to staff under this Policy or other municipal by-laws

• Having resulted in by-law infractions and/or convictions under the Provincial Offences Act within the previous three (3) years

  * Staff will advise upon review of your application if your event needs to go to council 

An applicant should expect a response from the Clerk's Department within 8 weeks from the date of submission. Upon approval of the event, the applicant will receive an event package that includes:

• A Special Event Permit
• Special Occasion Permit and/or Building Permit (where applicable)

For additional information regarding Special Events within the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, please refer to the Town's Special Events Policy, Special Events By-Law No. 2026-005 and Parks By-law No. 5306-21 and/or contact the Special Event Coordinator at specialevents@notl.com.