FAQs

No. Not for private events.

A wedding is considered a private event. If you are renting a County facility for a private function, you need to contact the County of Brant's Parks Department and sign a rental agreement. As part of the agreement, you may be asked to submit certificate of insurance, special occasion permit, building permit, noise exemption, etc. You will be informed by County staff what is needed. 

However, if you are using County property for purposes other than what was explained to the County, for example, closing the street for a wedding procession, you do need to go through the Special Event Advisory Team process. Similarly, it works for private events on a private property. 

It is the responsibility of the event organizer to obtain all the necessary permits for their event on a private property.

We strongly recommend obtaining event insurance to protect against potential incidents. Additionally, we advise that all vendors provide a certificate of insurance, listing the event organizer as an additional insured, to further safeguard the event. If your event takes place on County property, submitting a certificate of insurance is required to obtain a Special Event Advisory Team permit. The certificate must name the County of Brant as an additional insured. 

For higher-risk activities—such as foam parties, petting zoos, personal services, or fire entertainment—we may also require vendors to add the County as an additional insured to ensure proper liability coverage.

A Special Occasion Permit (SOP) is required if you plan to sell or serve alcohol at your event or in a space that does not already have a liquor license. The County of Brant does not issue SOPs; you will need to apply through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) via their website. As part of the application process, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario may ask you to notify County staff. You can do this by emailing the clerks at clerks@brant.ca, and they will ensure the County’s Emergency Services are informed. More information about Special Occasion Permits is available on the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario website: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

In some cases, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) may require a letter of municipal significance for your event, typically when you plan to serve alcohol at a public event. We recommend contacting the clerks at clerks@brant.ca at least 30 days in advance, as you may need to present your event to Council as a delegation. Once the event is approved, the clerks will issue the letter of municipal significance.

Applying for a noise exemption helps foster good relations with the community. Any equipment that produces amplified sound—such as speakers, microphones, or sound systems—should have a noise exemption to ensure compliance with local bylaws. Paris is a small, quiet community, and the noise bylaw recommends obtaining an exemption when amplified sound is used during events.

Submitting a noise exemption application allows residents in affected areas to provide feedback on potential noise levels, ensuring a transparent communication process. If concerns are raised, bylaw officers will work with the event organizer and residents to address them.

Events approved by Council are exempt from the noise bylaw and Peddler’s license requirements. This exemption applies only to certain long-standing events that provide clear community benefits.

While noise exemptions are not required for private property events, they are recommended. If a complaint is received, a bylaw officer may investigate and could issue fines or require the noise source to stop.

Ontario Building Code regulates any structures and provides requirements for a structures review to ensure public safety. You can learn more about it on the Building Permits Application Packages webpage.

The Special Event Advisory Team application fee covers the work of multiple County representatives who review your application, provide feedback, and collaborate to address any challenges. This process can be complex and time-consuming, ensuring your event runs smoothly and meets all requirements.

The park rental fee is separate and applies when you use County property for your event. This fee typically covers access to amenities like water, hydro, and basic staff support. Additional fees may apply if more extensive staff involvement or services are required.