All public events held on municipal property are required to have a Special Event Permit and meet City requirements to ensure a safe and successful event for all involved.
Organizers who would like to plan a public event must first contact the City's Special Events Office at 705-739-4285 or events@barrie.ca. Staff are happy to provide information about the permit process and what may be required to host an event on municipal property.
Event proposals are vetted by Barrie's Event Action Team (BEAT), which includes representatives from Recreation & Culture Services, Operations (Parks & Roads), Parks Planning, Enforcement Services, and the Barrie Police Service. Events are considered on a case-by-case basis and are permitted upon approval from BEAT and completion of all permit requirements.
Event Application Timelines
Due to the complex nature of special events and festivals, Special Event Permits require a minimum of three months to process. New events require submittance of a detailed proposal to the Special Events Office a minimum of seven months in advance of the event date. Major events that anticipate large crowds, road or parking lot closures, licensed areas, and/or take place over multiple days may take longer to review, approve, and process and could require approval from the City's Executive Management Team or City Council. Organizers are asked to factor this into their timelines in order to plan a safe and successful event and have enough time to meet all permit requirements.