Walks, Parades, Road Closures, Events
Special Event Applications & Permits
The Town of Fort Frances welcomes community events that promote culture, recreation, tourism, public awareness, business, and community engagement.
Certain events require approval, permits, insurance, or coordination with Town departments and external agencies to ensure public safety and minimize impacts on residents, traffic, parks, and municipal infrastructure.
When a Special Event Application is Required
A Special Event Application must be submitted for events including, but not limited to:
- Walks, runs, and races
- Parades
- Gatherings taking place on roads, sidewalks, and parks, which may include:
- Festivals/fairs
- Large celebrations
- Events involving temporary structures, tents, stages
- Events involving alcohol service or sales
- Any event requiring a full or partial road closure
Please be advised that full or partial road closures have historically not been permitted on King's Highway, and the Trans-Canada/MOM's Way highway exiting the Town of Fort Frances to the East.
The Town reserves the right to require an application for any event hat may affect public safety, municipal operations, or public property.
Application Timelines
Applications should be submitted as early as possible. Recommended minimum timelines:
| Standard events, requiring no insurance or road closures | 1 month/28-31 days |
| Events involving road closures, alcohol, or large attendance | 8 weeks/56 days |
| Major festivals or complex events | 12 weeks/84 days |
Late applications may not be approved or adjustments to the event may be requested.
Please note that the Office of the Clerk handles Special Event Permit letters. Due to legislative responsibilities of the office being first priority, when you have applied for your event for a minimum of 8 weeks in advance, please expect waiting times of up to 1-2 weeks for receipt of your application. If you require to be informed more urgently, please note that in your application.
What May be Required
Depending on the nature of your event, applicants may be required to provide:
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Detailed event description
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Site map or route map
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Road closure details
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Waste and recycling plan
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Proof of insurance
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Permissions from outside agencies
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Alcohol licensing documentation
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Tent or temporary structure information
The Process
Please utilize the below form to submit your application as this form ensures that the minimum requirements of a request are fulfilled. Please enter your most appropriate contacts, as if additional information is required, this will be used as the primary method to contact you.
Your request will go through the following agencies, hereby referred to as the Joint Permit Group:
- Infrastructure and Growth Department, Town of Fort Frances
- Chief Building Official, Town of Fort Frances
- By-Law Enforcement, Town of Fort Frances
- Fire and Rescue Services, Town of Fort Frances
- Community Services and Facilities, Town of Fort Frances
- Museum (as necessary), Town of Fort Frances
- Rainy River Detachment, Ontario Provincial Police
- Paramedics, District of Rainy River Services Board
- Agency One First Nations Land (walks/events which utilize both Town of Fort Frances and Agency One lands)
The personal information provided on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The information you provide will be used for contact purposes and distributed within the Joint Permit Group. Questions about the collection of personal information and its use can be directed to the Office of the Clerk 807-274-5323.
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