The Town of Smiths Falls is a vibrant community that celebrates its culture and heritage, and is host to a number of events each year. 

Special events are essential to providing opportunities for social connection that contribute to a sense of identity, place, and community vibrancy.  The Smiths Falls Festival and Events Policy was adopted by Council in July 2022.  The policy sets out guidelines and provisions related to hosting outdoor events in the Town of Smiths Falls. 

What Is A Special Event?

A Special Event is defined as a one-time or reoccurring activity, which gathers people on Town owned lands such as parks, roads or sidewalks for the purposes of organized recreation, celebrations, or selling products and services. Events in the Town of Smiths Falls fall under two categories:

Major Event
These events require multiple approvals (i.e. road closure, building/fire inspections, health Unit, AGCO) and take longer to review and process.
  • Will Block or restrict the use of Town land.
  • Will have 250 or more participants/visitors.
  • Serves alcohol.
  • Held at multiple locations.
  • Requires road closures/traffic control.
  • Uses fireworks, open flame or inflatables.
General Event
Smaller community events have a separate streamlined process to reflect these types of events.
  • Will block or restrict the use Town land.
  • Will have less than 250 but more than 50 participants/visitors.
  • Does not serve alcohol.
  • Has minimal impact on municipal services.

Applying for an Event

Event organizers looking to host local outdoor events will need to obtain an Events Permit.   Permits are FREE and Town staff have created helpful information and documents and will assist event organizers through the approvals process.

Site maps below can be saved and used to layout your event area, and are required to be submitted with all applications.  you can use your own image or map if preferred.

Funding For Local Events

The Town of Smiths Falls and the Province of Ontario support events through various grant programs which assist with financial assists to offset the cost of hosting events.

Community Grant - Town of Smiths Falls

The Town of Smiths Falls recognizes the valuable contributions made by community organizations and volunteer groups to improve the well-being of the community and the quality of life for its residents. In recognition of these contributions, the Municipality is committed to providing modest financial assistance to such organizations through its Municipal Grants program. Support is provided each year from the Municipality’s operating budget to qualifying organizations through an annual application process.

This grant will provide up to $5000 in funding for local not-for-profit organizations planning to host a community event.

For more information or to submit your completed application, please contact Kerry Costello at kcostesllo@smithsfalls.ca  or 613-283-4124 x 1102 

On the Roll - Town of Smiths Falls

In 2017, the Town of Smiths Falls introduced the On the Roll Cultural Fund.  This grant provides financial support to local individuals, businesses and organizations hosting a program or event that showcase and supports local artists.

This grant will provide up to $2,500 in funding for an artist-based or cultural event.

Funding recipients are required to complete a Funding Report following their program or event. 

For more information or to submit your completed application please contact Julia Crowder at jcrowder@smithsfalls.ca or 613-283-4124 x 1107

Other Grants and Funding

Festivals and Event Ontario (FEO) provides information about grants and funding available to event organizers.

For more information or assistance regarding your Special Event Permit Application, please contact:

Julia Crowder
Manager of Economic Development and Tourism
613-283-4124 x 1107 or jcrowder@smithsfalls.ca 

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