Adam Bramburger
Beaver Staff
On Monday, Loyalist Township passed a new special events bylaw amid concern shared by one councillor that it may have a chilling effect on some participants and organizers.
The bylaw regulates events public events on or partially on township property as well as events on private property that can be significantly expected to impact municipal services.
Events on township property requiring permits include those that expect an attendance of more than 50 people, those including traffic control measures, those involving fireworks, those with sound amplification before 8 a.m. or after 11 p.m., those involving tent groupings or temporary stages or offering amusement or inflatable rides or petting zoos. Events where food is sold to the public or liquor is sold or consumed are also included.
Events on private property qualify if they have the potential to strain police, fire, and emergency services; impact the flow of traffic, ; pose an elevated health and safety risk to participants or the general public; or present elevated risks to municipal utilities infrastructure.
There’s a $50 fee for each application — unless a not-for-profit or charity is proposing the event, in which case the fee is waived — and a requirement of 30 days for notice and review.