Summer Safety Plan

Community Event Kit: Safety Planning Ahead of Your Event

Summer is the perfect time to connect, celebrate and build stronger communities! Whether you are organizing a block party, a youth gathering, a cultural celebration or a community safety event, this guide offers tips and considerations to help you navigate the process smoothly.  

Planning A Local Event

Before you start:

• What is the goal of this event? (Fun, awareness, fundraising, engagement?) 

• Who is your audience? (Youth, families, the whole neighborhood?) 

• What space do you need? (Park, community centre, closed street?) 

• Do you need partnerships and/or funding? (Local businesses, City agencies, non-profits?) 

• How will you make the event enjoyable and accessible for everyone? (Accessible spaces, low or no cost activities, multiple languages?) 

Use these answers to shape your event plan and ensure a smooth process. 

Permits & Approvals

Some events may require permits from the City.  Event organizers are encouraged to visit Guidance for Planning Events in Toronto, to assist with planning your special event in Toronto and link to relevant contacts, checklists, required forms and guides.

Safety Planning

Ensuring a safe environment is key to a successful event. It is important to understand the policy and procedures for the setting that your event is in, including the relevant fire safety and emergency protocols.  

The Toronto Police Service can also be a resource for community safety planning and advice.  To find and contact your local police division, visit: My Neighbourhood.

For help connecting to local community organizations, safety networks, resources and funding opportunities, reach out to the City’s Community Development Officers to support your planning and ensure your summer gatherings are safe and successful.

Event Examples

Example 1:

A group of residents is organizing a local block party to get to know their neighbours. They wish to close a side street, put up some inflatable bouncy castles, have a BBQ and perhaps invite police and fire to provide community information.

Based on this information, the group would be required to take the following steps.

Step 1: Obtain Street Event Permit

• Obtain a Transportation – Temporary Street Closure Permit
• Create a site map of the proposed street and activities to submit with your application.
• If required by Toronto Transportation, submit a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for closure that may impact vehicular traffic or building access.
• Submit an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), which is required by the City’s Office of Emergency Management.
• Provide a Certificate of Insurance to facilitate the street closure.

Step 2: Notify impacted residents and business of the street closure

• Provide potential street closure signs and road barricades, depending on the nature of the street.

Step 3: Complete an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

• Submit the information using the Toronto Emergency Management online portal

Step 4: Obtain Street Event Permit

• Submit a Public Health Temporary Food Establishment Package
• Ensure BBQs are operated within safety standards.

Step 5: Contact your local Toronto Police Division – Community Response Unit or Neighbourhood Community Office about an appearance.

• Contact the Toronto Police Paid Duty office to book any Paid Duty officers that may be required for road closures.

Note: Opening a new client account usually requires a minimum of 2 weeks, and full payment must be made in advance.

Find which Toronto Police Services Division serves your neighborhood at: My Neighbourhood

 

Example 2:

A local soccer club wishes to host a tournament and end of season party in their local park. They wish to erect a small stage for entertainment and serve food.

Based on this information, the group would be required to take the following steps.

Step 1: Obtain Special Event Permit in Parks & Recreation Centres

• Obtain a Special Events Permit for a City of Toronto Park
• Create a site map of the park, noting activities and structures, for submission with your application 
• Potentially apply for a Building Permit if tent is over 60 sqm/600 sqf 
• Provide a Certificate of Insurance to facilitate the Parks & Recreation permit and Toronto Building Services Permit 

Step 2: Contact the Toronto Police

• Contact the Toronto Police Paid Duty office once you have received your Special Event Permit and consulted with Parks and Recreation to book any Paid Duty officers that may be required.
• Be sure to also contact your local Toronto Police Division for their awareness. 

Step 3: Sound

• If using amplified sound, contact Municipal Licensing and Standards and apply for a Noise By-law exemption (if required, based on hours of operations) 

Step 4: Obtain Street Event Permit

• Submit a Public Health Temporary Food Establishment Package
• Ensure BBQs are operated within safety standards
• Develop a Solid Waste Management Plan for your event 

For general questions, please contact Event Support at eventsupport@toronto.ca or 416-395-0490. 

Tip: Start your permit applications early! Some approvals take a few weeks. 

Example 3:

A group of Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) residents are planning to celebrate their neighbour’s birthday. They wish to invite everyone to their building’s community room for cake and refreshments.

Based on this information, the group would be required to take the following steps.

Step 1: Complete Form

• Submit the “One-Time Use of Space Application” Form.
• Follow all instructions outlined on the “One-Time Use of Space Application” Form on the day of your event.

For questions about one-time use of space for community events, please contact the Use of Space team by emailing useofspace@torontohousing.ca or calling 416-981-5051.