Special Event Permits

Special events are events that are open to the public that take place on City property, including sidewalks and roads. An application must be submitted to the Special Events Committee for events held on City property, including events held annually.

Where a special event is permitted on private property and may affect the pedestrian or traffic flow due to an increased volume of people or vehicles in a specific area, an application to the Special Events Committee must also be submitted.

Special events are generally not permitted on private property, except as an accessory use to a use permitted by Zoning By-Law 50-88. To inquire about zoning on any property, please contact the Planning and Building Services Department at 519-631-1680, ext. 4000 or email at planning@stthomas.ca.

Please review the City of St. Thomas Special Events Manual to determine whether your event is defined as a special event.

After reviewing the Manual, please complete the Special Events Permit Application Form, print it and submit it to the City by mail or in person to:

City Clerk’s Department
545 Talbot St
St. Thomas, ON N5P 3V7

After submission, the Committee Secretary will contact you with the time and date of the next meeting that you should attend. At this meeting, representatives will be in attendance from Police Services, Fire Services, Southwestern Public Health, Parks, Recreation, Property Management, Treasury, Public Works (Traffic and Parking), EMS, the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee, the Downtown Development Board, and the Tourism Office to discuss your plans.

Related Forms and Guides

• Current Year's Listing of Events
• Southwestern Public Health Special Event Notification Form
• Accessibility Directorate of Ontario – Planning Accessible Special Events
• AGCO – Special Occasion Permit Guide
• AGCO – Special Occasion Permits
• City of St. Thomas Municipal Alcohol Policy 
• Application for Temporary Exemption to Animal Control By-law
• Right of Way Occupancy Permit
• Tent Building Permit

Other Considerations

If your event requires traffic control, contact St. Thomas Police Services.

If you need a hydro inspection, contact Electrical Safety Authority.

If your event includes a temporary performance or event structure, review the safety guidelines for temporary structures.

When planning your event, consider this guide from the St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership on planning culturally inclusive events.