This application will start the approval process. A City staff person will connect with you if there are any concerns that
may hinder your event, such as road work that may be scheduled or other traffic disruption slated for that time.

Do not advertise or promote your event until you get preliminary approval from the special events office

Immediately prior to closing the street, you must call the non-emergency line 506-648-3333 to inform Police and Fire that the street is closed to traffic.

Your site plan indicates the location of your on-site liaison, event structures, hazards, the first-aid station, food vendors, etc. You can also include areas specific to your event, such as the children’s game area, rest stations, charging stations, designated areas for alcohol, and pyrotechnics.

The Site Plan will aid you and your organizing team in planning for the set up of the event and is a tool to be used throughout the event for organizers and the public.

Follow the link below to access an interactive map. You can use your mouse to scroll to the area of your event, and scroll in see it in more detail. This can be printed, or you can open it in a program to add details. If you’d like to use a map from another program, you may do that.

Interactive Map

Alcohol is not permitted on City property, including parks, without a permit from the province. Prior to applying for this permit, the City will review you request and approve or reject the application for alcohol. Most street events that serve alcohol operate under an extension of an existing licence obtained by a bar or restaurant. The province may also issue special event permits. This process involves an application to the province, as well as discussions with fire and police.

The on-site liaison has the authority to shut down the event immediately in case of emergency or contravention of the terms and conditions of the approval. With any public event, you must have someone who has this authority, and that person must be available and on site at all times. It is a good idea to have two on-site liaisons, so they can take breaks during the event. Please note that the on-site liaison should also refrain from consuming alcohol while working the event.

Public events require one portable toilet for every 100 attendees.

With any event, you must have a means to notify the attends in case of emergency. A P.A. System (or megaphone) is required for a street event or large event so the messaging can reach the attendees. If you are playing live music, a microphone hooked up to your sound system is suffice.

For street events, you will need to provide your own sources of power. Generators can be rented from local supply dealers. If you choose to use a generator, you must place barricades around it for safety purposes.

Garbage collection is the responsibility and the expense of the event organizer. The City may provide garbage receptacles is resources are available, or there may be receptacles already on site. It is your responsibility to empty them into a large dumpster or vehicle and have the waste removed at your expense. You are also responsible for supplying garbage bags. It is wise to have a garbage collection plan in place during your event, so that the waste doesn’t overflow into your event site.

Yes. Any temporary structure must be inspected by the Fire Department and/or Building Inspectors to ensure the safety of you and your guests.

Also, if you need to place stakes, fencing or other items into the ground, you must have the approval of the City AND you must call 1-866-DIG-LINE (1-866-344-5463).

There are a limited number of barricades, detour, and road closed signs available through the City. You can request them on the application form. If the City cannot provide them, you can rent them at local businesses. You will require a vehicle parked across each intersection IN ADDITION to barricades and signage.

Public street events are a wonderful means of community building, but you will need to make sure you are a good neighbor. Because the flow of traffic could be blocked, residents and customers may not be able to access their usual parking lots, and businesses may have deliveries scheduled during your event set up times. You will need to give all surrounding businesses and residents ample opportunity to reschedule or plan for alternate parking. A great idea is to arrange with a nearby parking lot owner to allow residents spaces to park while their streets are closed.

As the time of re-opening the street approaches, be sure to have everyone and everything ready to clear the street so that traffic can re-access the area.

The minimum insurance requirements for events or activities on City Streets and Public Property is a minimum coverage limit of $2,000,000 Commercial General Liability insurance against third party claims for bodily injury, death, property, and loss of use.

You will need a document from your insurance agent naming the City of Saint John as an additional insured. You can also purchase insurance directly from the City. Contact specialevents@saintjohn.ca to arrange this process.

This application will start the approval process. A City staff person will connect with you if there are any concerns that may hinder your event, such as road work that may be scheduled or other traffic disruption slated for that time.

The minimum insurance requirements for events or activities on City Streets and Public Property is a minimum coverage limit of $2,000,000 Commercial General Liability insurance against third party claims for bodily injury, death, property, and loss of use.

You will need a document from your insurance agent naming the City of Saint John as an additional insured. You can also purchase insurance directly from the City. Contact specialevents@saintjohn.ca to arrange this process.

Yes. Any temporary structure must be inspected by the Fire Department and/or Building Inspectors to ensure the safety of you and your guests.

Also, if you need to place stakes, fencing or other items into the ground, you must have the approval of the City AND you must call 1-866-DIG-LINE (1-866-344-5463).

Garbage collection is the responsibility and the expense of the event organizer. The City may provide garbage receptacles is resources are available, or there may be receptacles already on site. It is your responsibility to empty them into a large dumpster or vehicle and have the waste removed at your expense. You are also responsible for supplying garbage bags. It is wise to have a garbage collection plan in place during your event, so that the waste doesn’t overflow into your event site.

For street events, you will need to provide your own sources of power. Generators can be rented from local supply dealers. If you choose to use a generator, you must place barricades around it for safety purposes.

Public events require one portable toilet for every 100 attendees