Proposed Special Event Permit By-law

Thank you for joining the conversation about Special Event Permits in the Township of Puslinch!

The Township currently issues special events for private properties where zoning does not provide permissions for event. The Township is seeking to formalize this permitting process through a Special Event By-law.

Primary goals of the proposed Special Event Permit By-law:

• Formalize the application process and create a framework to review Special Event Permit requests
• Coordinate municipal review of events (e.g. traffic control, parking, waste management) and ensure public safety
• Minimize nuisance impacts such as noise, parking, signs and fireworks

Highlights of the proposed Special Event Permit By-law include:

• The proposed permitting process is a formalization of the current Township permitting process
• 3 Types of Special Event Permits
  • Private Special Event Permit - Invitational events on private property with more than 50 guests
  • Public Special Event Permit - Event where members of the public are invited to attend a private property for the event
  • Public Road Special Event Permit - For events taking place on public roads within the Township
• Number of Permits Permitted Annually
  • Two (2) private special event permits per year
  • One (1) public special event permit per year
  • Events beyond the permitted number would be subject to Council approval on case by case basis
• Notification for Special Events to neighbouring properties
  • Private Special Event Permits - notification to properties within 60 metres of event
  • Public Special Event Permits - notification to properties within 120 metres of event
• Exemptions
  • Special Event Permits are not required for private invitational events with less than 50 attendees
  • Special Event Permits are not required where a property has appropriate zoning permissions
• Fees
  • The fees for special event permits will be consistent with what is currently being charged for special event permits by the Township, with the exception of the expedited fee.

Staff presented an initial draft of the proposed Special Event Permit By-law at the October 29, 2025 Council meeting and will present the next draft of the proposed by-law at the December 17, 2025 Council meeting. The proposed Special Event Permit By-law survey will close on December 1, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.