Booking Special Events in Parks & Recreation Centres

As part of the City’s COVID-19 response, activities that do not allow for physical distancing of two-metres and team sports are not currently allowed.

When Toronto moves into Step 1 of the provincial opening framework, seasonal and training permits will be issued mid-June 2021.

Stay up-to-date on all changes to City services by visiting COVID-19: Changes to City Services.

Free permits are available for private businesses to offer outdoor fitness classes. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis; allow a maximum of 10 participants, including instructors; and are for open greenspaces in parks. Learn more on Seasonal and League Bookings.

Read the guidelines for the use of City facilities for indoor and outdoor events during COVID-19.

If your gathering or event includes:

  • the sale or service of alcohol;
  • serving food to the public;
  • amplified sound over 85 decibels;
  • structures or other more complicated elements;

your booking is a special event. Large, significant or complicated events that involve multiple City divisions may need the support and expertise of the City’s Special Event Support.

If your event doesn’t include any of the above, you can book one-time use of facilities. This includes photo shoots, meetings, kitchen, fire pit, BBQ or oven.

Non-Profit/Charitable Special Event Guidelines for Parks and Trails has everything you need to know about holding special events in parklands.

Your organization must:

  • be a registered non-profit organization to hold a special event in any city park or trail.
    • Exception: ten locations are approved for Commercial Special Events
  • provide your charitable donation number or ‘letters of patent’ showing your registered non-profit status

The event is required to be open to the public, non-profit and non-promotional.

An event is considered a special event if one or more of the following is true, regardless of expected attendance:

  1. The event will be selling or serving food to the public.
  2. The event will be using sound amplification (speakers, megaphone).
  3. The event will require the construction/installation of tents or stages.
  4. The event will be serving or selling alcohol.
  5. The event will use a hot air balloon.
  6. The event will have amusement type rides and games ie. bouncing castle.
  7. The event is accepting donations, fundraising, running a lottery, draw or raffle.
  8. The event will have Fireworks.
  9. The use of generator(s) in the park.

Insurance is required.

How to Apply

  1. Fill out the Special Event Application City Parklands application (this includes booking Mel Lastman Square)
  2. Once you’ve filled out the application,
    • Mail it to: City Hall
      Permits, Parks, Forestry & Recreation
      100 Queen St. W., Main Floor East Tower
      Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
    • or fax it to: 416-392-1551

Application Timelines

Renewal/Annual

  • Season: April to October
  • Deadline to submit: January 17, 2020
  • Permit issued: March – October, dependent on event date

New Events

New event requests will be considered as early as February 3, 2020 and up to 8 weeks prior to an event date.

Keep in Mind

  • If you are organizing a major event on City property, Event Support can assist.
  • During an election year, all events in the City of Toronto facilities are required to be non-partisan. Events will not be permitted to display and or hand out any political and/or campaign material(s) during events. This policy applies to all three orders of government.

To book a facility for an indoor event, please go to the facility listing and contact them directly. They’ll be able to assist you with the permit. Different deadlines/timelines may apply.

Commercial special events are allowed in designated parkland across Toronto.

How to Apply

  1. Fill out the Special Event Application City Parklands application.
  2. Once you’ve filled out the application,
    • Mail it to: City Hall
      Permits, Parks, Forestry & Recreation
      100 Queen St. W., Main Floor East Tower
      Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
    • or fax it to: 416-392-1551

Application timelines

  • Season: May to October
  • Application Deadline: January
  • Permit Issued: March

Pre-approved Locations

Pre-approval speeds up the application process, but any park may be considered for Commercial Special Events:

Rates

*Rates identified are 2020 daily permit rates. All rates are not including HST and rates are subject to increase as approved by Toronto City Council in 2021.

HTO, Sugar Beach, Sherbourne Common, Guild Inn Gardens
Event Attendance Rate*
Corporate 0-4500 $2,106.22
Festival/ Performances 0-4500 $4,212.43
Promotions 0-4500 $4,129.83
Sampling Weekday 0-4500 $1,002.95
Sampling Weekend 0-4500 $1,179.95
Roundhouse Park
Event Attendance Rate*
Corporate 0-4500 $6,318.64
Festival/ Performances 0-4500 $8,424.86
Promotions 0-4500 $4,129.83
Sampling Weekday 0-4500 $1,002.95
Sampling Weekend 0-4500 $1,179.95
Ashbridges Bay Park
Event Attendance Rate*
Corporate 4501-10,000 $8,424.86
Festival/ Performances 4501-10,000 $8,424.86
Promotions 4501-10,000 $4,129.83
Sampling Weekday 4501-10,000 $1,002.95
Sampling Weekend 4501-10,000 $1,179.95
Woodbine
Event Attendance Rate*
Corporate 4501-10,000 $10,531.06
Festival/ Performances 4501-10,000 $12,637.28
Promotions 4501-10,000 $4,129.83
Sampling Weekday 4501-10,000 $1,002.95
Sampling Weekend 4501-10,000 $1,179.95
Toronto Island
Event Attendance Rate*
Corporate > 10,000 $6,318.64
Festival/ Performances > 10,000 $8,424.86
Promotions > 10,000 $4,129.83
Sampling Weekday > 10,000 $1,002.95
Sampling Weekend > 10,000 $1,179.95
Ferry Docks
Event Attendance Rate*
Promotions < 4,500 $4,129.83
Sampling Weekday < 4,500 $1,002.95
Sampling Weekend < 4,500 $1,179.95