Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Examples
There are literally thousands of events, festivals, celebrations, games and gatherings that occur in Toronto
which could easily be classified as Special Events.
Activities that are part of a regular series or subscription are not deemed special events, unless they are an
atypical activity outside the ordinary (e.g. A regular scheduled baseball game is not a special event, but the
Championship Series is a special event). Also excluded are construction-related permitting and film
permits.
Length and frequency of activity: How many days and how often the event occurs.
Number of venues, roads or sites: Single site/venue or multiple
Attendance: Number of participants and spectators expected
Out-of-town Attendance: Number of participants and/or spectators drawn from outside an 80km radius of
Toronto
Quantity of City permits and/or approvals required
City coordination required: Number of services, divisions required and complexity of the event
Value of City services required: Includes paid and in-kind services, does not include grant programs
Measured Benefits: Economic, Tourism, Hotel Rooms, Media, Exposure
The City of Toronto uses five categories - Category A, B, C, D and Local Street and Community Event.
CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS
Mega Event
Length: A minimum of two weeks, to up to six months
Number of venues, roads or sites: Unlimited (usually many across City and/or region)
Bidding Process: Bid takes place on global scale, with significant international support and promotion
required to be successful.
City Coordination Required: Production of event led by external organization or other order of government.
City leads local event coordination, including venues and logistics.
Measured Benefits: Significant economic and business benefit, utilizes hotels City-wide, provides the City
of Toronto with international media/branding opportunities via live broadcasting, and television, radio, or
print advertising
Examples: Olympic Games (Winter or Summer), World Expo, FIFA World Cup
Category A
A "Category A" event applies the following criteria:
Measured Benefits: High economic and business benefit, utilizes 3 or more hotels, provides the City of
Toronto with media/branding opportunities via television, radio, or print advertising
Examples: World Youth Days and Papal Visit, 100th Grey Cup Festival
Example:
Toronto has been chosen to play host to a World Youth Days attracting over 100,000 people to our City.
Events will be held across the city over a week period and involve major dignitaries, a parade of thousands
and an open air mass.
Contact the City of Toronto Event Support Unit to discuss your event design and requirements at least 2 years
from the proposed date(s) of the event as these events can require a multitude of City services
In some cases a dedicated staff person(s) or Secretariat will be established to liaise with the event
Category B
The following criteria defines a "Category B" special event:
Length: Up to 1 month
Measured Benefits: International, national and local media coverage, economic and business benefit,
promotes the City of Toronto within the event's marketing campaign
Examples: Honda Indy, Luminato, Pride Festival, Taste of the Danforth, Toronto Caribbean Carnival,
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Example 1:
An annual arts festival takes place over a two week period at interior and exterior venues throughout the
city drawing participants and audience from around the world. The event has the support of corporate and
government sponsors and portions are broadcast. Part of the festival involves closure of roads throughout
the city for several days.
Contact the City of Toronto Special Events, Event Support unit to discuss your event design and
requirements at least 1 year from the proposed date(s) of the event
Contact Tourism Toronto to discuss hotel blockings, promotion and marketing of the event
Establish an internal working group / committee to meet frequently and address operational needs and
potential City Services requirements, suggest monthly meetings until two months from the event and then
Weekly or Bi-Weekly meetings until event date(s)
When securing private venues / properties for the event secure supporting documentation from Property
owners or Management companies along with appropriate insurance requirements
Apply for Transportation Road Closure – Temporary Street Closure Permits well in advance to allow for
proper vetting by City staff, in some cases multiple meeting with Transportation services will be required to
address operational concerns
Provide a Certificate of Insurance to facilitate any Street Closure(s)
Notify impacted residents and business of any street closure(s)
Discuss buyout of Metered parking with Toronto Parking Authority anywhere that the event disrupts this
service
Contact the TTC and discuss rerouting of Buses on any routes that may be disrupted due to the event or
road closures associated with it (fees may apply)
Provide potential street closure signs and road barricades, depending on the nature of the street(s)
Submit a Toronto Fire Application to ensure emergency access through all road closures
Consult with Toronto EMS on emergency service coverage for all event dates
Submit Public Health Temporary Food Establishment Application for anywhere food will be served to the
general public for purchase or otherwise
Ensure BBQ's are operated within safety standards if being used
Create a Site map of the proposed venue(s) for submission with your application(s)
Apply for Building Permit (s) through Toronto Building Services for any structures that may be erected
If Alcohol is to be served contact the City of Toronto Clerks office in writing and have the process to have
your event declared an event of Municipal Significance prior to applying to the AGCO for a Special
Occasion's Permit
If Alcohol is to be served contact the AGCO and apply for a Special Occasion's Permit (SOP)
Contact and consult with the Toronto Police Paid Duty office and discuss any requirements needed
throughout the event for beer gardens, road closures, public safety, etc.
If using amplified sound, contact Municipal Licensing and Standards and apply for a Noise By-law
exemption (if required, based on hours of operations)
Develop a Solid Waste Management Plan for the duration of the event, Solid Waste staff can assist you in
developing requirements
Contact the Toronto film and Television office and secure any permits required for filming or live broadcast
of the event
Category C
The following criteria defines a "Category C" special event:
Length: Up to 5 days
Frequency: can be annual
Measured Benefits: Local media coverage, economic and business benefit, promotes the City of Toronto
within the event's marketing campaign
Examples: Canada Day Events, Khalsa Day, Sporting Life 10K, Toronto Ribfest, Woofstock, Ride for Heart
Example:
An organization wants to hold a 5KM Charitable Run to benefit a local charity on a Sunday morning using
several City Streets to facilitate the run and require these roads to be closure for a period of time . The race
would start and finish at a Festival Site located on a Civic Square close to the race route. The 5KM
Charitable Run has the support of corporate sponsors and portions of it will be broadcast on television.