Special Events - Public Health Requirements
Special Events - Public Health Requirements
About the program
Halton Region Public Health supports special event coordinators and vendors who provide food, beverages or offer personal services to the public (such as tattooing and/or body piercing). This is achieved by providing education and inspecting special events to ensure compliance with the Food Premises Regulation 493/17 (external link) and the Personal Services Settings Regulation 136/18 (external link) under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (external link).
Types of special events
Special events accessible to the general public that require vendor approval from Halton Region Public Health include, but are not limited to:
- carnivals
- festivals
- farmers' markets
- fall fairs
- sporting events
- concerts
- petting zoos, animal rides or animal exhibits
- events with recreational water activities (for example, pools, cold plunge, dunk tanks)
How to apply
- Review the Requirements for Coordinators of Special Events.
- Fill out the online Coordinators Application form at least 8 weeks prior to the event; or download and submit the Coordinators Application form (PDF file) via email (accesshalton@halton.ca) or fax (905-825-8797).
- Ensure that you have the vendor registration list, site plan (if requested) and animal exhibit Information (if applicable).
- Coordinators of special events must ensure that all food, personal service and animal exhibit vendors are aware of their responsibilities and complete the applicable application forms within the stated deadlines
- Coordinator applications received beyond the deadlines may not be processed or approved prior to the event
Municipalities may require special event permits and/or transient trader licensing. Please contact the local municipality where your event is being held for any additional requirements and timelines:
- Review the Requirements for Food Vendors at Special Events
- Complete the online Food Vendor Application form at least 4 weeks prior to the event; or download and submit the Food Vendor Application form (PDF file) via email (accesshalton@halton.ca) or fax (905-825-8797).
- Food vendor applications received beyond the deadlines may not be processed or approved prior to the event
- Ensure at least one certified food handler is present during all hours of operation.
- Food vendors must ensure all food is from an inspected source and safe for consumption. An inspection report and/or documentation of pH and/or water activity to determine shelf stability of specific foods may be requested (such as canned or jarred products)
- All personal services vendors must have approval from Halton Region Public Health prior to participating in an event.
- Call 311 and ask to speak to a public health inspector to discuss infection control requirements at special events.
- Review Operator's requirements package (PDF file).
- Complete the online Animal Exhibit Application form at least 4 weeks prior to the event; or download and submit an Animal Exhibit Application form (PDF file) via email (accesshalton@halton.ca) or fax (905-825-8797).