Host a Community Event

If you're an event organizer, we have put together some FAQs to help you out in the planning and promotional phases. If you have further questions, please email Karen Fox or call her at 613-267-3311, extension 2279.

I want to host an event. How do I choose the right date?

Check the community events calendar for a complete listing of events happening in Perth. Once you see what's planned, you'll know if anything conflicts with your proposed event.

Do I need a permit?

If you wish to close the streets within Town of Perth limits or if your event will cause a disruption to traffic, you need a permit. If you require special parking or want to host a parade or road toll, you need a permit. Please contact Karen Fox at (613) 267-3311, extension 2279 to start the application process and obtain guidance. Please note that at least two months' notice is required.

View the Special Events Road Use Policy here.

Do I need a liquor licence? How do I go about getting one?

If you are renting a Town facility (e.g. Crystal Palace, Arena) and wish to serve alcohol, you need a liquor licence. You also need to provide a copy of that licence to the Town of Perth, as well as provide insurance and sign-off on the Town's Alcohol Management Policy.If you are using a facility not owned by the Town of Perth, you will have to speak to the owner of the facility about their liquor licensing guidelines. In some cases (e.g. for outdoor events) you will need to provide notification of the impending permit to various authorities (e.g. if you're hosting an event at the Fairgrounds, you must notify the Police Chief, Health Unit, Building Inspector, Fire Chief and Town Clerk in writing at least 60 days prior to the event).The application for a liquor licence can be downloaded from the province's website or you can pick up a paper copy at any LCBO. The website will also offer you tips on cost, how long it takes to process and what other documentation is required. Different agencies have different timing - please plan ahead and submit your applications early!

Will the Mayor or Council attend my event?

You can send an invitation by email to have the Mayor and/or Town Councillors attend your event. Please include the date, time, location, nature of the event, and indicate if you wish he/them to speak. Send the email to Susan Beckel, giving at least 60 days' notice of the event. The Mayor and Council make every attempt to attend community events as they are able to. Sufficient notice will ensure that at least a representative of Council can be in attendance.

How do I arrange to have the Town Crier open my event?

Brent McLaren, Perth's Town Crier, is one of Perth's busiest volunteers. He looks forward to helping individuals and groups with their events and can be reached at perthtowncrier@gmail.com. You may also reach him through Karen Fox, Special Events Coordinator of the Town of Perth, at (613) 267-3311, extension 2279. Please note than depending on the nature/location/ date of your event, an honorarium may be required.

I'm not sure how to promote my event, can you help with that?

Yes! The Town of Perth's Community Services Department keeps a database of ongoing events from year to year. Please email the details of your event to Karen Fox, Special Events Coordinator, for inclusion on the Town's website calendar of events, giving as much lead time as possible. The Town can also promote your event via the Perth Tourism Facebook page and Twitter.

Other ideas for promotion and marketing include paid ads in our local newspaper (The Perth Courier), posters distributed to local businesses, email distribution lists, press releases, flyers distributed to schools, emails to business organizations such as the Downtown Heritage Perth BIA and Perth & District Chamber of Commerce, as well as creating Facebook events and purchasing radio ads, to name a few.

Flyers or brochures can be delivered to the Tourism office at the Visitor Information Centre (11 Gore Street East) and distributed to the many visitors there or included in packages which are distributed to various delegations and tourism organizations. For further information on this option, please contact Kathryn Jamieson, Manager of Tourism and Culture, at (613) 267-1947.

Is there funding to help finance my event?

The Town of Perth has limited funding available for new or existing events through the Perth Community Grants Program. Please check the grants and opportunities page for details on how to apply and which groups are eligible.

Do I need insurance for my event?

When planning your event, insurance may be required to cover the facility owner, the participants, the spectators and the organizers. When renting/using a Town-owned facility, the municipality requires liability insurance from the renter in the amount of $2 million (no alcohol events) or $5 million (with alcohol or for high-risk activities). Proof of insurance is required 30 days prior to your event, so planning is important. Please contact Karen Fox, Special Events Coordinator, at (613) 267-3311, extension 2279 to get all the exciting ins-and-outs of insurance!