Busker Permit

Apply now for a Busker Permit

• Steps to Apply

  1. Visit APLI, the City's online application portal
  2. Register for an account with APLI. A registration email will be sent to complete the process. If you have registered for APLI before, you should be able to sign in with that account.
  3. Once registered, log in, then click the "Submit an Application".
  4. Click the "Busker Permit" tab, then the “Busker Permit” heading.
  5. Read and accept the disclaimer, then click “Continue Application”.
  6. Under Applicant, click “Select from Account”.
  7. Select your artform from the drop-down menu (fire and sharp objects are not permitted in performances).
  8. If you already have a certificate of insurance for $2+ million liability naming the Corporation of the City of Barrie as additional insured, upload a copy where it says, “Provide proof of Insurance” and click “Save”.
  9. If you do not have insurance and would like to purchase coverage from one of the City’s third-party insurance providers, leave the proof of insurance section empty.
  10. Type your name as your attestation (signature) and hit “Continue Application”.
  11. Thoroughly review your information and the full Terms and Conditions for receipt of a Busker Permit and check the box agreeing to the Terms and Conditions, then hit “Continue Application”.
  12. You will see a message saying, “Your application has been successfully submitted.” and receive a confirmation email that your application was submitted.
  13. If you uploaded a copy of your insurance, staff will review your application, and if all information is correct, will issue a Busker Permit. You will receive an email with a note to download your permit.
  14. If you require insurance, your confirmation email from APLI will contain two links to third-party insurance providers. Buskers who are looking to obtain a busker permit for less than a week can apply to the provider Instant Risk Coverage. Buskers looking to obtain a busker permit for longer than a week or for the full season can apply for Event Liability Insurance from Marsh Canada Limited.
  15. Once the insurance certificate is received, log back into APLI, click “My Records”, click on “Busker Permit” then click the application number. This will open your application record. From there, click “Record Info”, then “Attachments”, then “Add”. Upload the certificate and hit “Save”. Staff will then review the insurance certificate, and if all information is correct, will issue a Busker Permit. You will receive an email notifying you of your successful permit application, including your permit number and a note to visit APLI to download your permit.
  16. Download your permit by logging into APLI, clicking on “My Records”, then “Busker Permit”, then click the application number. This will open your application record. From there, click “Record Info”, then “Attachments”. Click the bottom link that says “Busker Permit” to open the permit.
  17. You can save the permit to your phone, and/or print a copy. You must have a copy of your permit easily available while busking so that By-Law officers and Police can see it if they request it.
• Busker Permit Terms and Conditions

  1. Permit holders are permitted to perform for up to two hours at a time between 9am and 9pm at the designated Busk Stop during the dates for which their insurance is valid. Amplified performances are not permitted at the Busk Stop.
  2. Permit holders are considered ambassadors for the City of Barrie and will therefore conduct themselves appropriately. Permit holders will be pleasant and mannerly and always treat their audience with respect and consideration. Coarse language, rude gestures or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. 
  3. The Permit holder agrees to use the designated Busk Stop only to carry out the performance of their artform. Any breach of the terms or conditions of this Permit and/or provision of false or incorrect information by the Permit holder to the City will result in the immediate revocation of this Permit. The Permit holder shall refrain from conducting the Performance while under the influence of alcohol and/or illicit substances. Alcohol and/or illicit substances shall not be brought onto any park or street allowance. The Permit holder shall ensure the Performance is suitable for all audiences, including those with children and does not contain discriminatory content. Solicitation of religious or political membership is not permitted. 
  4. Permit holders are permitted to perform at the designated Busk Stop, provided that there is not conflicting programming or events taking place on that site. The Busk Stop is available for use by Permit holders on a first come, first serve basis. Permit holders are to share the Busk Stop with other Permit holders by performing for no more than two hours at a time. 
  5. Permit holders will be expected to display or have easy access to their permit while busking to ensure that it is easily read by any Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and any member of the Barrie Police Service. 
  6. Permit holders must ensure that no aspect of their performance or any of the equipment/props used, pose any danger or risk to the public or the environment. Performances involving fire or sharp objects are not permitted.
  7. Permit holders must behave in a manner that minimizes the risk of pavement or installation within the street allowance being damaged, permanently marked or in any way rendered unsafe for pedestrian use.
  8. Permit holders must comply with all other statutory requirements, rules, regulations, and by-laws of the City of Barrie and/or authority which in any manner affect or relate to the use of the sidewalk, boulevard or public highway including, without limitation the by-laws of the City of Barrie.
  9. Permit holders are to immediately cease any activity and remove any performance equipment or materials which are located within the public street allowance at the request of a member of the Barrie Police Service or any person designated by the City for reasons of public safety.
  10. Permits are non-transferable. 
  11. Permit holders shall never openly solicit funds, but are welcome to open their guitar case, hat or other receptacle for those that wish to support them. The sale of Permit holders’ merchandise specific to their music, including but not limited to CDs, records, cassette tapes, stickers, t-shirts, and buttons, is permitted provided the display is maintained within the Permit holder’s existing performance setup.
  12. Permit holders who encounter unsafe or dangerous conditions when busking should remove themselves from the situation if it is safe to do so and contact Barrie Police Service. For non-emergencies, please call 705-725-7025. In case of emergency, please dial 9-1-1.