Special Event Permits

A special event permit is required to hold an event on municipal property in the Municipality of Meaford. Be sure to review the following to understand what steps and information are required to secure a special event permit, prior to completing your application.

Permit Timeline & Process

Special Event Applications must be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to your event. 

The supports review of the application by the following departments: Transportation Services; Planning; Municipal Enforcement; Clerk Department; Tourism; Parks and Recreation; Cultural Services Department; Fire Services; and OPP.

Certificate of Insurance

Special Event Permit Applications will not be processed until a Certificate of Insurance is provided to the Municipality.

The Municipality requires a Certificate of Insurance from the event organizer’s insurance provider that outlines the following:

• Names The Corporation of The Municipality of Meaford as additionally insured
• References the name and date of the event
• Provides a limit of liability of no less than $5,000,000.00 per occurrence
• References the name of the Applicant/Organization

Traffic Control & Road Closure Requirements

If road closures are required, they must be approved by the CAO and Director of Infrastructure and Public Works. Please submit this in writing with your event application. Road closures must be supervised by OPP to protect the health and safety of the community.

Food Trucks

For information on food trucks at special events, visit the food truck page.

Alcohol

If you will be serving alcohol at your event, you will require the appropriate permits. Learn more through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). 

We are still working through the BYO process in Meaford and have been monitoring the decisions of other municipalities as well as recommendations from the local health unit.

We have not reached out to the health unit but anticipate a report will be presented to Council in the coming months. We have not received any special event requests asking for this yet, but this timeline will still work based on the timing that a special event application is supposed to be submitted to us in advance of any event.

Alcohol consumption is not permitted on streets, sidewalks, parks, or other unlicensed public spaces. Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed areas, such as restaurants and patios, or at approved, permitted events.

A Special Occasion Permit (SOP) from the AGCO is required to serve alcohol at events. Attendees are not permitted to bring their own alcohol.

The sale of alcohol that is being consumed is only permitted in certain locations on municipal property, as outlined in the Municipal Alcohol Policy.  

FAQ