an aerial image of a large white event tent with cars parked around it

Special Events


East Hants is host to a wide variety of events each year, organized by community groups and volunteers. Browse the information below to ensure your event is a success.

The Land Use Bylaw divides Special Events into two different categories, small-scale special events and a large-scale special events.

Special Event, Small-Scale means an event held outside an enclosed permanent structure where there is an assembly of less than 500 persons at any given point in time during the event. It is a temporary, short-term use of land for the purpose of fundraising, promotional activities, celebrations, or for entertainment or amusement. This use does not include Municipal or Provincial events, parades and firework displays.

Special Event, Large-Scale means an event held outside an enclosed permanent structure where there is an assembly of 500 persons or more at any given point in time during the event. It is a temporary, short-term use of land for the purpose of fundraising, promotional activities, celebrations, or for entertainment or amusement. This use does not include Municipal or Provincial events, sports tournaments, Remembrance Day ceremonies, religious ceremonies or services, parades, and firework displays.

A large-scale special event also includes any event where there is an assembly of 200 persons or more at any given point in time during the event that is intended to be semi-private, but is accessible to the general public via a ticket, admission fee, or similar where music, noise or sound of any kind or source, including but not limited to amplified, recorded or computer-generated music and sounds, live music, sound or band music is performed or played.

The Municipality does not issue permits for organizations or individuals hosting a small-scale special event; however, the host of such an event is still required to obtain all necessary permits and approvals from the Provincial and Federal Government and must adhere to all Municipal Bylaws.

Organizations and individuals looking to host a large-scale special event require a development permit, in addition to receiving all necessary permits and approvals from the Provincial and Federal Government.

 

All National Building Code and National Fire Code Requirements must be compiled with when hosting either a small-scale special event or a large-scale special event.

Please contact the Municipal Fire Inspector or Municipal Building Inspector by calling the Municipality of East Hants to discuss your event details.

A Temporary Event Food Permit is required for the sale of foods at Special Events.  Temporary event food services include a booth or structure erected to provide a food service at exhibitions, fairs, community festivals, or similar organized community activities to a maximum of 15 consecutive days or less per year.

It does not include mobile eating establishments which require a separate permit under the Nova Scotia Food Safety Regulations.

The Food Safety Specialists are available for consultation and welcome the opportunity to provide food handling courses for those involved with food service at temporary events. Contact Information: 1-800-279-0825.

The Guidelines for Food Service at Temporary Events and Temporary Event Food Permit application form can be found here: www.gov.ns.ca/agri.

Anyone who wishes to provide liquor service at a small or large scale special event must apply for a Special Occasion Liquor License from Service NS: Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division. For further information contact, 1-877-565-0556.

A letter is required from the Municipal Fire Inspector when applying to serve liquor at a special event. Please contact the Fire Inspector at least 2 weeks prior to the even to ensure your request can be completed.