Website Feedback

Event Applications (Special Events)

The municipality of Kawartha Lakes appreciates the importance of special events in enhancing the quality of life, tourism, culture, recreation and education and in providing economic benefits to the local economy.

The Municipal Event Application is intended to act as a strategic resource for individuals hosting an event within Kawartha Lakes.

It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Event Application Reference Guide prior to submitting their Municipal Event Application.

What is a Municipal Event Application?

The purpose of the Municipal Event Application is to:

  • establish guidelines for the allocation and management of special events within Kawartha Lakes;
  • inform all of the affected municipal departments about your proposed event;
  • ensure health and safety guidelines are provided based on information outlined in the submitted application;
  • provide organizers with information on necessary permits, permissions, insurance and approvals based upon information provided in the submitted application;
  • make reasonable efforts to ensure that municipal services are not negatively impacted as a result of your event.

Do I need to complete a Municipal Event Application?

Event organizers will be required to complete a Municipal Event Application if:

a.) They wish to hold their event on any outdoor property owned of operated by the municipality of Kawartha Lakes. This includes:

  • Parks/Open Spaces
  • Roads/Road allowances
  • Municipal Parking Lots
  • Walkways, Pathways and Trails
  • Waterfront areas and/or beaches

And, if your event includes any of the following:

  • Alcohol sale or service to the general public
  • Pyrotechnics or Fireworks
  • Food that will be sold or given to the general public
  • Sound amplification - including amplified live or recorded music
  • Open Fire/flame-producing devices or appliances
  • Tents (>60 m²) that possibly could require Building Permits/Fire Safety Plan
  • Stages (>225 m²) that possibly could require Building Permits/Fire Safety Plan
  • Public event that features amusement rides or inflatables
  • Projected attendance of over 350 people per day

or

b) The event is taking place on private property and has a significant impact on municipal services. The municipality may request you complete an application if your event significantly effects municipal services.  Affected services can include but are not limited to, Fire Services, Police Services, Public Works, Emergency Services.

or

c) You are hosting an event indoors at a municipal facility and it has been requested by City staff that organizers complete a Municipal Event Application.

You do NOT need to complete a Municipal Event Application if:

d.) You are holding an event on private property for invited guests only (i.e. wedding, birthday party, organization or family picnic) or you are holding an event on private property (i.e. your backyard) which will not significantly impact municipal services.

It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Event Application Reference Guide prior to submitting their Municipal Event Application.

Still unsure if your event requires a Municipal Event Application?

Contact the Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division to discuss.

Courtney Boyd, Community Development Coordinator

Telephone: 705-324-9411 extension 1306

E-Mail the Parks and Recreation Division

Municipal Event Application Process

The Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division will assist event organizers through the Municipal Event Application process.

Once event organizers submit their completed application, it is then distributed amongst a cross section of staff in various municipal departments, as well as to external contacts for their review.

The goal is to assist event organizers in planning safe and successful events. The Municipal Event Application simplifies the event planning process for organizers as key contacts include but are not limited to:

Upon receipt of a completed Municipal Event Application, staff will circulate the application to all applicable parties for review and recommendations.

Event organizers will then be notified if additional permits, inspections or further information is required. Event organizers will then be responsible to follow-up directly with the proper authorities regarding items within their jurisdiction relating to the event.

It is the obligation of the event organizer to remit applications directly to any external organizations or agencies as well as to appropriate departments within the municipality as it applies to their jurisdiction relating to the event.

The municipality reserves the right to request the coordination of a round-table meeting(s) which may be required before and/or after the event takes place.

Where to obtain a Municipal Event Application

The Municipal Event Application is available in an electronic format or can be downloaded on the Kawartha Lakes website.

It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Event Application Reference Guide prior to submitting their Municipal Event Application.

Complete a Municipal Event Application online

Should you require an alternate version of the Application, e-mail the Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division.

Submitting a Municipal Event Application & Timeline

Event Timelines:

Event organizers are advised to submit a Municipal Event Application a minimum of 4 months prior to their event. Larger scale events with attendance of more than 2,000 are advised to submit an application a minimum of 6 months prior to the event date.

Submitting a Municipal Event Application:

It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Event Application Reference Guide prior to submitting a Municipal Event Application.

Any Municipal Event Applications completed online are submitted immediately upon completion and submission. Staff will contact event organizers upon receipt of any online Municipal Event Application.

Please note: Submitted Municipal Event Applications must be completed in entirety and include a detailed Event Site Plan.

Applications submitted with missing documentation will not be considered.

For questions or assistance completing a Municipal Event Application contact:

Courtney Boyd, Community Development Coordinator

Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division

Telephone: 705-324-9411 extension 1306

E-Mail the Parks and Recreation Division

Municipal Event Application Reference Guide

It is strongly advised that event organizers review the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Event Application Reference Guide prior to submitting their Municipal Event Application.

The Kawartha Lakes Municipal Event Application Reference Guide will assist event organizers in working with the municipality to plan their event.

The Reference Guide document incorporates the By-laws, procedures and permit requirements used by various departments and external agencies.

The Reference Guide outlines and provides contact information for various key departments, agencies, and organizations. The Municipal Event Application Reference Guide assists event organizers when planning successful events in Kawartha Lakes. 

Organizers should be aware that additional requirements, conditions or permits may be required depending on the nature, size and scope of the event.

Download a copy of the Kawartha Lakes Municipal Event Application Reference Guide

E-mail the Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division to request a copy of the Municipal Event Application Reference Guide.

Contact Us