Types of Neighbourhood Events
Need some assistance? Find the Neighbourhood Resource Coordinator in your district. Call 311.
Driveways, living rooms, garages, yards and condo buildings are perfect for small neighbourhood gatherings.
You must get all applicable permits for certain activities and obey all laws and bylaws. We recommend contacting your home insurance provider before the event. If you do not wish to use your own home insurance policy, connect with other insured organizations for an "event policy" and discuss liability coverage.
Insurance
Activities taking place exclusively on private property are generally covered by the homeowner or renter insurance policy. The City recommends contacting your home insurance provider or other insured organization for an "event policy" if the organizer does not wish to use their own home insurance policy to discuss liability coverage as required.
You can get a Temporary Road Closure Permit (OSCAM) for a Block Party to build connections and relationships, celebrate or play together. Events or residential roadways are intended for people living on the same street or neighbourhood. It is not for larger events inviting the general public to attend.
Block Parties and Play Streets
Note:
- A residential block can be closed once per season and will only be considered on residential roadways
- The City can support a maximum of 10 Block Parties on any given date
- Check the Permit Reference Map to ensure your location is considered residential
Insurance
The City encourages gathering organizers to obtain $2 million in General Liability insurance to respond to any bodily injury and/or property damages to the 3rd party for activities occurring on a City of Edmonton roadway.
Submit Permit Application
Temporary Road Closure applications must be submitted at least 14 days before your gathering date.
You don’t need a permit or license to have a picnic or throw a frisbee with some friends. Open parkland can be used for drop-in and casual activities for groups of up to 50 people.
Responsibilities for Casual Use
- Leave the area in good condition (as good or better than found).
- While on open parkland, no person shall do anything reasonably likely to disturb the peace or enjoyment of other persons. You must follow the requirements of the Parkland Bylaw 2202.
- Place all refuse, such as garbage and decorations, in a receptacle on site or take it with you if none is available.
- Dogs must always be on a leash on an improved or unimproved trail when on open parkland. Dogs are not allowed on school grounds, sports fields, playgrounds and golf courses.
- Commercial activities or vending are not permitted on parkland without prior approval.
- Using or consuming liquor on parkland is prohibited (except in designated areas).
- Report any concerns or maintenance issues to 311.
Most public and private events on Neighbourhood Parks require a parkland license before proceeding, including any event with 51+ people.
From birthday parties, picnics and weddings to niche events or festivals organized for the entire neighbourhood or district-wide audience, events held within district, community or pocket parks are considered neighbourhood events and require a license.
Events For Up To 1000 And More Attendees
A $22/hour booking fee will be applied for niche festivals and events with up to 1000 attendees. For events with more than 1000 attendees, additional fees may apply.
Understanding neighbourhood events' important role in creating strong and vibrant communities, this fee will be waived for
- Community League events
- Free public events and fundraisers with a direct neighbourhood connection
Note: Use of parkland must be in accordance with Parkland Bylaw 2202. Parkland is for public use, and a license does not grant exclusive use.
Event Requirements and Liabilities
- All groups and organizations, at your own expense, must obtain and maintain general liability insurance throughout the duration of the event in an amount not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000.00) per occurrence for death, bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. This insurance policy must be endorsed to add the City of Edmonton as a third party additionally insured.
- Any damage to parkland and/or amenities is the responsibility of the licensee.
- The City conducts its operations in accordance with Environmental Policy C512. All parkland users are required to conduct their operations and activities per Environmental Policy C512 and all applicable provincial and federal legislation.
- A Neighbourhood Event Vendor Declaration must be completed by service providers, suppliers and merchants when they are part of a neighbourhood event.
- Depending on the scope of the event, additional event requirements may be identified.
Applications take 4-6 weeks to process. For larger neighbourhood events, we recommend submitting your application at least 8 weeks prior to your start date.
