Street events in the City of Toronto are regulated under Toronto Municipal Code, Article II, Section 743-7
If you are planning to temporarily close a street to hold an event, foot or bicycle race, you must apply for a street closure permit from the district Permits and Enforcement office. You must apply for the permit:
- At least eight weeks before any event on the municipal boulevard or local street;
- At least 12 weeks before any event on a collector road;
- At least 16 weeks before any event on an arterial road;
- At least 52 weeks before any event on an expressway.
Anyone can apply to close a City street temporarily for an event. However, it is best if the application is submitted by a person holding a responsible position in the organization sponsoring the event who is informed about all of the activities taking place during the event.
Applications
- Applicants must complete an application form and provide a drawing, detailing their plans for the street event.
- On the application form, applicants are advised that a) they may not charge for admission to any portion of the public right-of-way covered by their application; and that b) If alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed within the portion(s) of the public right of way covered by this application, approval must be received from City Council and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
- The fee for a street occupation permit is $89.42 per day. Applicants must provide proof of insurance in the amount of $2 million in third party liability and property damage insurance.
- Right-of-Way Management staff will circulate the information to various Divisions and ABCs such as Fire, EMS, Police, Road Operations, the TTC, etc. as well as to the City Councillor(s) for the area involved.
- If no objections are received, the applicant is asked to send out notices to the public in the community that will be affected by the closure.
- If objections are received - whether from City Divisions, ABCs, Councillors, or members of the public, a meeting is set up to try to resolve any concerns.
- In the event that more than one closure is slated for the same day at the same location, staff usually follow the "first come, first served" rule. If the applications are received at the same time, Permits and Enforcement Management usually has a meeting with both applicants to try to find a workable solution.
- In order to be fair to everybody, it may sometimes be necessary to change a road closure or to ask someone to use an alternate route for a race, etc.
- The applicant will be financially responsible for solid waste management costs, street cleaning and the proper barricading and traffic signage required to accommodate the event
Temporary structures
If the temporary structures are LESS than 3m from other structures and/or the total area of the structure is MORE than 60 square meters or 646 square feet: You must obtain a building permit from Toronto Building.
If the temporary structures are MORE than 3m from other structures and the total area of the structure is LESS than 60 square meters or 646 square feet: You may erect a temporary structure without requiring a building permit, however, you should still consult with your local Toronto Building Customer Service office to receive official approval.
Fees: You can pay by, certified cheque, money order, a verified Visa, MasterCard, American Express, cash or debit card. payments should be made payable to the Treasurer, City of Toronto
Further information and application forms can be found by visiting the City of Toronto website
Appeals: You have the right to appeal staff's written refusal of your application within seven days of the decision. Refer your appeal to the District office that issues the refusal.
For more detailed and specific information regarding your permit and how to appeal your refusal, please contact the Permit and Enforcement office where staff will be able to assist you in greater detail.
