Event Permit

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Ottawa–Gatineau is renowned for the many outdoor festivals and events that take place there throughout the year. The NCC makes its lands available for festivals and events in order to make Canada’s Capital Region a meeting place for Canadians. To host an event on NCC lands, a event permit may be required.

Do I Need an NCC Event Permit?

You need a permit to hold an organized event on NCC lands, which include open green spaces, parks, parkways, recreational paths, trails, Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt. An event is a public or private attraction that imposes a demand in a specific location that is above and beyond normal use.

Examples of events include:

  • Music festivals
  • Sporting events
  • Weddings
  • Work or community picnics with tents or other structures
  • Parades
  • Fundraisers.

An event permit is not needed for picnics without tents and structures. You can, however, reserve a picnic area at Vincent Massey Park.

How Do I Get an NCC Event Permit? How Long Does it Take?

To get an NCC Event Permit, complete the Event Permit Application form.  Effective January 1, 2012, a non-refundable $35 (tax included) must be submitted with the application form, with the exception of picnic reservations at Vincent Massey Park and wedding reservations at the Rockcliffe Park Pavilion.

Once your complete application is received it is reviewed by NCC staff. The review period is 30 days for smaller events and 60 days for major events. If you receive preliminary approval you will then receive a list of requirements you need to meet before a permit is granted (insurance, payment, etc.).

When there are requests for two or more events to use the same property, NCC staff consider whether the two events are compatible. If they are not, priority may be assigned according to the following ranking:

  1. Events organized by the NCC or in partnership with the NCC (such as Canada Day or Winterlude events)
  2. Events of a national or international scope
  3. Events of a recreational, educational and/or social nature

How Much Does an NCC Event Permit Cost?

The cost of a permit varies depending on an event’s:

  • Size
  • Location (park, parkway, path, etc.)
  • Duration
  • Type (public, private, commercial, etc.)

See the Event/Activity Permits — Fee Structure for details. Information about wedding costs is available on the weddings page.

You may also need a buy a performance bond and/or liability insurance. The application form contains more details.

Why is an NCC Event Permit Needed?

The NCC uses event permits in order to:

  • safeguard public interest;
  • protect the land;
  • ensure that laws and regulations are respected;
  • ensure that the use and the actual event are compatible with the site’s purpose and nature.