Review of special event by-laws

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Whether for celebration, recreation, or expression, special events bring us together.

Ottawa hosts a great variety of festivals, charity runs, and cultural and community events throughout the year.

As Canada’s capital and host to both the federal government and 128 diplomatic missions, we are also a place for political expression.

These activities are regulated through the Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232) and Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260). The City of Ottawa is currently reviewing these by-laws to ensure that they effectively support festival and event organizers, and ensure that all participants can have a safe, enjoyable experience.

During these reviews, the City will consider the unique nature of festivals and major events, community events and parades and demonstrations.

Key questions to be addressed in this review include:

  • Are application processes for special events permits efficient?
  • Do permit requirements and existing regulations effectively support the diverse array of special events hosted in the City?
  • Do regulations help ensure the safety and security of event patrons, staff, and volunteers?
  • Do regulations effectively manage community nuisance for neighbouring residents and businesses?
  • How can the City help organizers minimize the environmental footprint and reduce waste of their events?
  • How can the City foster equity, diversity, and inclusion with special event regulations?
  • Can regulations support continuing growth in the number of special events held annually?

Festivals and outdoor events with more than 500 people

City staff will be consulting with Ottawa Tourism, the Ottawa Festival Network, event organizers, suppliers, workers and the public to explore opportunities to improve application processes and permit requirements, review user fees, and otherwise improve support for these community building activities.

Economic and environmental sustainability will also be key considerations as part of these by-law reviews.

Outdoor events with less than 500 people

The current Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232) only applies to events with more than 500 participants. However, the Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260) applies to events of any size, if they use City rights-of-way (streets and sidewalks). Many community organizations have also come to rely on the City to support more than 500 smaller community events each year. This by-law review will consider if a permit should be required for certain smaller events, and what that system might look like.

Events on City Streets

The Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260) regulates parades, races, sidewalks sales, block parties , and other events that occur, in whole or in part, on City Rights-of-Way (streets and/or sidewalks). This by-law will be reviewed in concert with the review of the Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232) to enable staff from both departments to coordinate stakeholder and public engagement, research and other activities more efficiently and will further provide the opportunity to consider a comprehensive and integrated solution to managing large gatherings.

Stay informed

Register with the Stay Tuned feature to be notified about project updates and consultation opportunities.

Get engaged

If you represent an organization or business and would like to register as a stakeholder for this review, please email bylawreviews@ottawa.ca. Please note that by registering as a stakeholder, your name and contact information will be collected and used by City staff for the purposes of this by-law review project, including contacting you providing regular updates, in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information Act. Any questions regarding this collection of information can be addressed to Bylawreviews@ottawa.ca, or (613) 580-2424, ext. 29529.



Whether for celebration, recreation, or expression, special events bring us together.

Ottawa hosts a great variety of festivals, charity runs, and cultural and community events throughout the year.

As Canada’s capital and host to both the federal government and 128 diplomatic missions, we are also a place for political expression.

These activities are regulated through the Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232) and Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260). The City of Ottawa is currently reviewing these by-laws to ensure that they effectively support festival and event organizers, and ensure that all participants can have a safe, enjoyable experience.

During these reviews, the City will consider the unique nature of festivals and major events, community events and parades and demonstrations.

Key questions to be addressed in this review include:

  • Are application processes for special events permits efficient?
  • Do permit requirements and existing regulations effectively support the diverse array of special events hosted in the City?
  • Do regulations help ensure the safety and security of event patrons, staff, and volunteers?
  • Do regulations effectively manage community nuisance for neighbouring residents and businesses?
  • How can the City help organizers minimize the environmental footprint and reduce waste of their events?
  • How can the City foster equity, diversity, and inclusion with special event regulations?
  • Can regulations support continuing growth in the number of special events held annually?

Festivals and outdoor events with more than 500 people

City staff will be consulting with Ottawa Tourism, the Ottawa Festival Network, event organizers, suppliers, workers and the public to explore opportunities to improve application processes and permit requirements, review user fees, and otherwise improve support for these community building activities.

Economic and environmental sustainability will also be key considerations as part of these by-law reviews.

Outdoor events with less than 500 people

The current Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232) only applies to events with more than 500 participants. However, the Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260) applies to events of any size, if they use City rights-of-way (streets and sidewalks). Many community organizations have also come to rely on the City to support more than 500 smaller community events each year. This by-law review will consider if a permit should be required for certain smaller events, and what that system might look like.

Events on City Streets

The Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260) regulates parades, races, sidewalks sales, block parties , and other events that occur, in whole or in part, on City Rights-of-Way (streets and/or sidewalks). This by-law will be reviewed in concert with the review of the Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232) to enable staff from both departments to coordinate stakeholder and public engagement, research and other activities more efficiently and will further provide the opportunity to consider a comprehensive and integrated solution to managing large gatherings.

Stay informed

Register with the Stay Tuned feature to be notified about project updates and consultation opportunities.

Get engaged

If you represent an organization or business and would like to register as a stakeholder for this review, please email bylawreviews@ottawa.ca. Please note that by registering as a stakeholder, your name and contact information will be collected and used by City staff for the purposes of this by-law review project, including contacting you providing regular updates, in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information Act. Any questions regarding this collection of information can be addressed to Bylawreviews@ottawa.ca, or (613) 580-2424, ext. 29529.



  • Options for new special event regulations

    Introduction  

    The City of Ottawa is considering updates to how we regulate and support outdoor special events, including a review of both the Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260) and the Special Events on Private and Public Property By-law (No. 2013-232). These regulate outdoor special events that occur on City roadways or that have expected attendance of 500 or more people at a time. Indoor special events are not regulated through these by-laws. 


    For the past few months we have been meeting with interested parties, including festival and event organizers, community associations, the business community, and federal and provincial agencies. 


    We have also conducted 5 public surveys on the following topics: 

    • General public input 

    • Creating accessible, safe and inclusive events 

    • Waste reduction and environmental sustainability 

    • Events on City Streets 

    • Demonstrations  


    After considering all of the input thus far, staff are now looking for comments from the public on some specific recommendations under consideration. Your input will help to determine which recommendations will be presented to Council for approval, which need more consideration, and which should not be included. This survey should take between five to ten minutes to complete.  


    Collection of Information   

    All information provided is completely optional and voluntary. Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly.  If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact BylawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.   


    Accessibility  

    If you need assistance to complete this survey, require an accessible format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.   

    Take Survey
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey on special events and the economy

    The City of Ottawa is currently conducting a review of our special event by-laws:


    As part of this review, we are seeking greater understanding of the importance of special events to the local economy and the impacts (good and bad) that events can have on small businesses. To help with this we are inviting entrepreneurs to complete a short survey. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete.


    We also welcome direct discussions and invite you to contact us at bylawreviews@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424 ext 29529.

    Collection of Information  

    All information provided is completely optional and voluntary. Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly.  If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact By-lawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.  

    Accessibility 

    If you need assistance to complete this survey, require it in an accessible format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.  

     

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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey 5 – Review of special event by-laws: Demonstrations

    Introduction  

    As Canada’s capital city, Ottawa is host to the federal government and 128 diplomatic missions. We are also a place for special events, parades, marches and demonstrations.  


    The right to demonstrate 

    Demonstrations are a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, allowing citizens to voice their concerns and advocate for change. Their impact on a city offers both challenges and opportunities. 

    Demonstrations are a reality in the City of Ottawa and it is recognized that this is a sensitive subject for many.  

    The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees certain rights and fundamental freedoms. This includes the freedoms of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly. But it also recognizes that applicable federal laws, provincial statutes and municipal by-laws must be respected.  


    By-law review 

    The City’s Special Events on City Streets By-law (No.2001-260) describes the City’s regulations on events on City streets, including demonstrations.   The City of Ottawa is reviewing this By-law. This review will explore potential changes to the City’s By-law. Our goal is to make sure the By-law allows for peaceful demonstrations and protects safety, while making sure that the City can still provide services to all residents, in alignment with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and all applicable laws. 


    Getting your perspective 

    City staff are consulting with a variety of people and groups to find opportunities to improve City services associated with demonstrations.   

    The consultation process includes several surveys on a variety of topics. To date, they have focused on:   

    1. General questions about special events (March 2024) 

    1. Safety and inclusivity of events (April 2024) 

    1. Sustainable environmental practices (May 2024) 

    1. Special events that take place on City streets (June 2024) 


    We want to hear from you 

    The current survey is focused on demonstrations held in the City of Ottawa. This survey aims to strike a balance between the individual’s experience as a citizen and the democratic right to peacefully protest. The survey includes questions that may prompt an emotional response for some individuals.  

    This survey should take between five to seven minutes to complete.  


    Collection of Information   

    All information provided is completely optional and voluntary. Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly.  If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact BylawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.   


    Accessibility  

    If you need assistance to complete this survey, require an accessible format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.   

    Share Survey 5 – Review of special event by-laws: Demonstrations on Facebook Share Survey 5 – Review of special event by-laws: Demonstrations on Twitter Share Survey 5 – Review of special event by-laws: Demonstrations on Linkedin Email Survey 5 – Review of special event by-laws: Demonstrations link
  • Our fourth survey, which explored regulations for events on city streets, has now closed. Results from this survey will be reported on this site once we have reviewed all submissions. Please check back or follow this project to see the survey results once all submissions have been reviewed and analyzed.

    Survey 4: Events on City Streets

    Introduction  

    Thank you for your interest in the review of special events regulations in the City of Ottawa.  

     Our first survey, conducted in March, asked general questions about special events in Ottawa. The second survey considered the safety and inclusivity of special events. A third survey concentrated on sustainable environmental practices at special events. This fourth survey focuses on special events that take place on city streets. It should take between three to five minutes to complete. Additional surveys on specific topics related to special events will follow in the coming months.  

     Just as a reminder, this survey is regarding outdoor events that occur on City roadways and sidewalks. It does not include indoor events.  

     

    Collection of Information   

    Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly.  If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact By-lawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.   

     

    Accessibility   

    If you need assistance to complete this survey, require an accessible format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.   

    Share Survey 4: Events on City Streets on Facebook Share Survey 4: Events on City Streets on Twitter Share Survey 4: Events on City Streets on Linkedin Email Survey 4: Events on City Streets link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey 3 – Greener special events

    Introduction

    Thank you for your interest in the review of special events regulations in the City of Ottawa.


    Our first survey, conducted in March, asked general questions about special events in Ottawa. The second survey considered safety and inclusivity of events. This third survey focuses on sustainable environmental practices. It should take between two to five minutes to complete. Additional surveys on specific topics related to special events will follow in the coming months.


    Just as a reminder, this survey is regarding outdoor events with more than 500 people and events that occur on City roadways. It does not include indoor events.


    Collection of Information

    Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly.  If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact By-lawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.


    Accessibility

    If you need assistance to complete this survey, require an accessible format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.

    Share Survey 3 – Greener special events on Facebook Share Survey 3 – Greener special events on Twitter Share Survey 3 – Greener special events on Linkedin Email Survey 3 – Greener special events link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey 2: Safe and inclusive events

    Introduction

    Thank you for your interest in the review of special events regulations in the City of Ottawa.


    Our first survey, conducted in March, asked general questions about special events in Ottawa. This second survey focuses on safety, accessibility, and inclusivity. It should take between three to five minutes to complete. Additional surveys on specific topics related to special events will follow in the coming months.


    Just as a reminder, this survey is regarding outdoor events with more than 500 people and events that occur on City roadways. It does not include indoor events.


    Collection of Information

    Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly.  If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact By-lawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.


    Accessibility

    If you need assistance to complete this survey, require an accessible format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.

    Share Survey 2: Safe and inclusive events on Facebook Share Survey 2: Safe and inclusive events on Twitter Share Survey 2: Safe and inclusive events on Linkedin Email Survey 2: Safe and inclusive events link
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey 1: Special events in Ottawa

    Introduction

    Thank you for your interest in the review of special events regulations in the City of Ottawa. Please take a few moments to let us know how we are doing overall. This survey should take between three to five minutes to complete. Additional surveys on specific topics related to special events will follow in the coming months.

     

    Collection of Information

    Information collected through this survey will be used to inform policy options and development throughout this by-law review project. Individual survey responses will be kept confidential pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Only aggregate results will be reported publicly.   If you have questions about how information will be collected and used for this project, please contact By-lawReviews@ottawa.ca or the Public Policy Development Service at 613-580-2424, ext. 29529.

     

    Accessibility

    If you require assistance to complete this survey, require an accessible format, or have general questions or comments about this project, please contact us at the coordinates noted above.


    Note

    If you already have a registered account with Engage Ottawa, please save this page and sign in before continuing.

     

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Page last updated: 20 Nov 2024, 08:54 AM