Event Permits

You will need a special event permit if:

• Your event requires use of public land in an organized fashion
• Your event will experience limited obstacles on public land, including road barricades, regular mowing and watering schedules, etc.

Examples of a special event are: weddings, festivals, parades, fundraisers, races, etc.

• A liability insurance policy of no less than two million dollars that includes a “Cross Liability Clause” naming the City of Lethbridge as an additional insured
• Obtain your insurance from an insurance broker of your choosing, or through Instant Risk Coverage or 1-800-517-1390

• A permit is issued by contacting Recreation & Culture
• Application form submissions are recommended at least one month prior to the event
• The application form will start the approval process.  Submitting application does not guarantee that a permit will be issued

• The application form will be checked for date and location availability
• More complex applications may require approval from multiple departments and could take 2 – 4 weeks
• Once approved a copy of the permit will be sent to the applicant. If more details are required; the applicant will be contacted and a meeting will be set up with all parties involved

• Depending upon the complexity of the event approvals can take a minimum of 1 – 10 business days
• For major events the planning process can take several months for all parties involved
• Ensure you allow enough time when submitting your application form

• A review and approval process will begin
• Recreation & Culture and other City business units will review the request depending upon the event requests
• The Facility Programmer will be responsible for booking the event and will be the person through whom all additional requests, approvals, permissions and requirements will be communicated
• Ensure the Recreation & Culture Department is informed of any changes as the event develops
• Although initial approval for an event may be given, additional details may be required
• Program activities
• Production schedule
• Site layout
• Food and merchandise sales
• Vehicle access/use 
• Public health and safety services
• Organizers may also be asked to supply additional documentation
• Licensing insurance
• Indemnification
• Other legal requirements

• The peak season for outdoor events is typically mid-May until mid-October
• Space is typically available for programmed activity between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Requests for earlier or later times may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Only one event is allowed in any given space at the same time
• Priority will be given to events that have taken place in previous years

• Priority is placed on requests for space for special events which are open to the public and which have a recreational, cultural, environmental or community wellness mandate
• Private functions, commercial functions and/or events that are primarily religious or political in nature may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Applicants are to identify all activities they wish to include as part of their event
• As the event develops and planned activities change, the applicant must keep their liaison informed of these changes
• All activities of an event are subject to prior approval before the event
• Each space may have amenities or be located within a community that makes it distinct from other spaces and will determine what activities are appropriate or inappropriate
•  Activities that may be approved in one site may not be appropriate in another
• Condition of the space and availability of staff may be factors 
• Event activities will determine many of the conditions that will be put into place and which other regulating bodies will be contacted
• Most restrictions that will be put into place are to ensure public safety and preservation of the space setting
•  Activities not generally permitted include those which: 
• May cause significant damage to the space or environment 
• Are against bylaw and/or law 
• Are not compatible with natural open space
• Involve risk to individuals or the City of Lethbridge

• Depending upon the complexity of the event approvals can take a minimum of 2 weeks
• For major events the planning process can take several months for all parties involved
• Ensure you allow enough time when submitting your application form

• Most liquor permits can be obtained through any liquor store or online with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Agency
• Special event liquor permits (beer gardens) are obtained from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Agency

• Events that happened previously take priority for date and location
• If both events are new a meeting will be set up with all parties involved to try to accommodate all needs
• At this time only one event will be approved in a specific location at the same date/time

• Special event onsite staff 403-315-4215 or 403-393-7983