Hosting an Event in Squamish

Depending on the size and location of your event, you may be required to provide a site map that indicates the location of your event in Squamish and the placement of fencing, washrooms, seating, stages, vendors, public access points, entertainment, and other infrastructure. If you are required to provide a detailed Traffic Management Plan or a Fire Safety Plan, you will be required to provide a map.

See Site Maps and Floor Plans in the Planning Tools section below.

If you are planning to hold your event on District property, please contact [email protected] to confirm if the space needs to be booked and if it’s available. District property includes parks, fields and rooms at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Fees may apply and must be paid at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Bookings should be made no more than one year in advance of your event. For all events held in District parks, you may also be required to attend a site walk with a District staff member (you will be contacted if this is required).

Event organizers play a key role in helping the District achieve waste reduction goals. The Solid Waste Utility Bylaw encourages everyone to reduce their waste by keeping organics and recyclables out of the landfill. The Zero Waste Events Guide has been designed to assist event organizers in achieving compliance with our bylaws.

As per the District of Squamish Wildlife Attractant Bylaw, you are responsible for keeping all refuse generated by the event in containers that are sufficient in size and number for your event. Containers must be emptied into a wildlife resistant container by midnight on each day of the event. As a general rule, we recommend at least 1 x 95 gallon tote per 200 people.

Depending on the location and number of attendees of your event, you may need to provide portable washrooms.  Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) requires 12 units per 1000 people, although this may vary depending on the length of the event, number of people and availability of other facilities nearby.  A sanitation schedule may also be requested from VCH.

If a Special Events Waste Management Plan is required (you will be notified following the submission of your online Event Application Form), it should include the following:

• Number of garbage, recycling and composting containers on-site and when pick-up is scheduled
• Number of washrooms
• Plan to ensure site is returned to its original condition following your event
• Any additional information to help clarify your plans for managing waste during your event

Find waste management information and resources in the Events Planning Tools section below. 

If you are planning to prepare, serve, provide and/or offer food and/or drinks to the public, and/or you are introducing new water systems, dispensing units or extensions to existing water systems, you must comply with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) guidelines. You may be required to apply for permits that are submitted to the Squamish VCH office at least 14 days in advance of your event.

For more information, visit www.vch.ca.

Where alcohol service is planned as part of your event, a Special Event Permit (Liquor Licence) is required. Please apply through the Provincial Government for this permit.

You may also require Vancouver Coastal Health approval depending on the type of service and any beverage preparation. For more information visit the Vancouver Coastal Health website.

You are responsible for ensuring that there is sufficient parking for your event, for arranging off-site parking if there is no available parking on-site, and for advising attendees of parking arrangements for the event.  If relevant, you are also responsible for providing signage, barricades, parking or traffic control for your event, and for notifying BC Transit (Ph: 604.892.5559) of any potential bus route impacts. If a Traffic Management Plan is required (you will be notified following the submission of your online Event Application Form), it should include the following:

• location of traffic management personnel (if applicable, e.g. for road closures, parades)*
• location on parking, signage and barricades (if applicable)
• details of other efforts you are taking to ensure safe traffic management at your event
• copy of your Site Plan (see 2. Site Plan)

*If you require RCMP assistance with traffic control, please contact Squamish RCMP (Ph: 604.892.6100) for availability and an estimate.

If you are planning to use District roads and/or trails for your event, you are required to apply for a Traffic Work Permit. No fees apply.

Read the Traffic Regulation Bylaw.

Find a sample Traffic Management Plan in the Event Planning Tools section below.

Depending on the logistics of your event, you may be required to provide Squamish Fire Rescue with an Event Fire Safety Plan for approval. Events that may require a plan include those with fireworks, motorized stunts, road closures, fenced/enclosed exits, cooking facilities, and alcohol service. You will be notified following the submission of your online Event Application Form if an Event Fire Safety Plan is required.

Find the Event Fire Safety Plan application in the Event Planning Tools below.

Please contact Technical Safety BC to ensure you have the necessary permits to ensure electrical, gas and propane safety for your event.

Amusement Devices - The Safety Standards Act applies to everyone who installs, alters, maintains or operates amusement devices including bouncy castles. It’s essential that you are familiar with the Technical Safety BC regulations and ensure that all operators of amusement devices at your event are permitted. 

Hours of events within the District are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. If you are planning any event activities outside of these hours, you must apply for a Noise Exemption Permit (approval is not guaranteed). Permit fees apply.

Please notify the [email protected] if you would like to apply for a Noise Exemption Permit.

You are required to obtain and maintain, during the term of the event, a Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance policy providing coverage for $2M or $5M (depending on the type of event and level of risk) naming the District of Squamish as additional insured. After you have submitted your online Event Application Form, you will be notified of which amount of coverage is required for your event. 

A copy of the insurance policy must be provided to the District prior to the issuance of your Special Event Permit.

The District of Squamish Liability Insurance Program miabc.eventpolicy.ca is offered to rental users for District facilities (i.e. ice, fields, rooms and parks) who do not carry their own, or  do not have adequate insurance when renting a District facility.

If you are holding your event on District property, you are required to hold an approved Special Event Permit prior to your event. Fees apply and must be paid at Municipal Hall prior to your event. 

Special Event means an organized occasion, whether of a public or private nature, including a festival, parade, musical attractions, community celebration, sporting event, wedding, and charity event held in a facility or on land that is owned, operated, or otherwise held by the District and where the impact on the public space or access to it is significant or for exclusive use.

Community Event means a Special Event held where there is no fee charged for attendance and that is not held for the purpose of business or profit, but is held for the enjoyment of the community at large.

Commercial Event means a Special Event held where a fee is charged for
attendance or that is held for the purpose of business or otherwise for profit or gain. 

Neighbourhood Event means a Special Event that is organized by the residents
within the District, to which residents of the community generally are invited or
expected to attend; where expected attendance is fewer than two-hundred and fifty (250) individuals per day; no alcohol is being served; and no substantial impacts on local or other traffic are expected.

Registered Charity means a charity that is registered under the Income Tax Act in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements. Special Event Permit Fees apply to all non-profit, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations that are not registered as a charity.

Required for each special event (unless part of a series) in addition to the Special Event fee. 

The Manager of Financial Operations has the authority to approve a full or partial refund of the deposit to the applicant, following inspection of the Special Event site(s) and review of any outstanding costs or charges (e.g. RCMP services).

Here is the fillable special events waste management plan that every event organizer is required to complete. Depending on the type, size and location of your event, you may be required to provide a more comprehensive WMP. The Film & Events Department will discuss with you what type of plan is required during the Special Event Permit process.

• Background and Requirements
• Special Events Waste Management Plan
• SLRD Sustainable Events: Waste Guide

Here is a sample of an Event Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for a small to medium-sized event. Depending on the type, size and location of your event, you may be required to provide a more comprehensive TMP. The Film & Events Department will discuss with you what type of plan is required during the Special Event Permit process.

Traffic Management Plan - SAMPLE ONLY

Complete and submit an Event Fire Safety Plan (FSP) Application Form for your small to medium-size event. Depending on the type, size and location of your event, you may be required to provide a more comprehensive FSP. The Film & Events Department and an inspector from Squamish Fire Rescue will discuss with you what type of plan is required during the Special Event Permit process.

Event Fire Safety Plan - APPLICATION FORM FOR USE

• Junction Park & U Siyam Pavilion Site Map
• Brennan Park Stawamus Chief Activity Room Floor Plan
• Brennan Park Arena Floor Plan
• Brennan Park Lobby Floor Plan
• For additional floor plans at Brennan Park Recreation Centre, contact [email protected]

Yes. This aids us in planning and processing other special event requests and you will have first opportunity with booking.

Yes, this will aid us in planning with other special events; however you will not have to go through the formal process. Traffic management plans, parking plans and other governmental permits may be required.

Depending on the type, location and size of your event, the requirements for your event can vary. Please read Things To Know When Hosting An Event In Squamish to learn more about the different types of requirements for a Special Event Permit. 

Yes, please complete a Work Permit to request a street closure or the use of any District streets and roads for your event. All requests are considered on an event by event basis.  

Yes, this allows us to book the park for you and prevents double booking or conflict with other events.

Yes. Commercial events from out of town businesses are required to have a business licence. 

No. There are numerous rental companies within the Sea to Sky corridor that can meet your needs.

No. Food permits are issued through Vancouver Coast Health Authority.

Yes; but you must obtain a Special Occasions Liquor Licence from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch.

Yes. This is an annual process. You are welcome to apply for next year's date(s) as your event is complete.

The earlier the better, as it allows us time to process your application. All event locations are on a first come first served basis.

Not unless you have requested them.

Yes, please go to Event Planning Tools for available site maps and floor plans.

Yes, we have provided you with samples of waste and traffic management plans on our Event Planning Tools section, as well as an Event Fire Safety Plan for your use. 

Yes, you can view aerials on our GIS System.

Most of the areas within Brennan Park Recreation Centre are accessible. However, the Mezzanine and arena bleachers/stands are not easily wheelchair accessible.

The pool is 25m in length & 6 lane wide.

The arena is 85' by 200'.

The auditorium is 64' by 105'.

The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada is a not-for-profit organization that represents the Canadian performing rights of music creators and publishers. If you are planning on having live music at your event. You could be required to pay a SOCAN license fee.  Please visit www.socan.ca more or information.