The City of London supports neighbourhood events that build community and foster neighbourhood-based relationships by offering resources to make event planning easy and successful. The City of London can provide funding, support and equipment to neighbourhood groups and London residents for neighbourhood events.
Before filling out the application, please ensure your event meets the following criteria:
- Led and operated by neighbourhood residents or groups
- Held in an accessible public space
- Free to attend and open to the neighbourhood
- Attendance is no more than 300 people
- Non-revenue generating and non-fundraising
- Event must have the purpose of building community and fostering neighbourhood-based relationships.
Please note businesses, not-for-profit (including home and school groups), charitable organizations and government institutions such as schools and hospitals are not eligible to receive support or funding. Find all the supports we can provide below.
Neighbourhood Events Application Form
Who is and isn’t eligible for support?
The supports listed on this page are available to neighbourhood groups and resident-led events.
Groups and activities not eligible for neighbourhood funding and resources include businesses; not-for-profit and charitable organizations; government institutions such as schools and hospitals; Municipal Agencies, Boards and Commissions; fundraising events or campaigns; lobbying, partisan political or religious activities; and activities that support violence or terrorism.
Booking your neighbourhood event
The Neighbourhood Event Booking Process is an easy way for neighbourhood groups and London residents to organize events in neighbourhood parks. Neighbourhood events are smaller than Special Events and must fit the following criteria:
- Led and operated by neighbourhood residents or groups
- Held in an accessible public space
- Free to attend and open to the neighbourhood
- Attendance is no more than 300 people
- Non-revenue generating and non-fundraising
- Event must have the purpose of building community and fostering neighbourhood-based relationships.
Event booking process
- Complete the Neighbourhood Events Application Form
- Once the Neighbourhood Events Application Form has been completed, we will contact you to confirm availability of the park and suitability of event.
- Prior to the event, we will follow-up to finalize the contract. Staff will provide assistance with information regarding insurance and food preparation requirements if needed.
Event insurance
A City of London Certificate of Insurance is required if the event is approved. Once approved, a contract will be generated with a condition that this form is completed by the insurance broker indicating event coverage for $2,000,000.
Only this form will be accepted by the City of London and it must show the same organization/individual name as on the contract.
Food
Food preparation
- It is mandatory to adhere to Provincial Regulations (O. Reg 493/17: Food Premises Regulation)if you are selling or giving away hazardous foods.
- Hazardous foods are any foods that allow growth of pathogenic bacteria that typically require refrigeration (i.e. meats)
- Whether the food is considered hazardous or not hazardous (for example popcorn, cookies, cake), there is still a requirement to provide safe food. Speak to a public health inspector to find out what rules need to be followed.
- Potlucks, or any event in which majority of participants are providing food, is considered a private event. Private events, whether at home or in public spaces, do not need to adhere to the by-laws.
- Hazardous food preparation must take place in an approved certified kitchen or on-site at the event location. Connect with your local Community Centre, Resource Centre or Family Centre to find out if they have certified kitchens
- Community groups who wish to sell or give out food must complete a Special Events Food Vendor Form at least 14 days before the event
Food Handler Certification
If preparing and serving hazardous foods at a neighbourhood event, you must have a food handler certification. Certifications must be renewed every five years.
The most affordable options to become a certified food handler are:
- Coordinating a group session (minimum 15 people). Training provided by the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
- Study on your own! Download the FREE safe food handling manual and take a test at the London Training Centre.
For more information on food handler certification including the cost to take the exam and coordinating a group session, visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit website.
Food trucks
Residents interested in having food trucks at their event can request them by e-mailing the London Food Truck Association at londonfoodtrucks@hotmail.com. All trucks in the London Food Truck Association are fully licensed with the City and carry their own insurance.
Neighbourhood Small Events Fund
The Neighbourhood Small Events Fund provides a one time grant of up to $500 to community and neighbourhood groups hosting free, accessible, small-scale neighbourhood events on public property to assist with event expenses.
Event equipment lending
The Equipment Lending program is available between April to October each year.
We know buying, borrowing or renting event equipment can be difficult for some resident groups. This program provides neighbourhood and resident groups event equipment free of charge.
Upon completion of the application, approved groups are required to sign out their equipment (website login will be provided). Residents are responsible to pick up and return the equipment to the NeighbourGood Storage Facility (656 Elizabeth Street).
Available equipment
- Folding tables (5 maximum)
- Folding chairs (10 maximum)
- A-frame sign boards (2 maximum)
- Giant outdoor games (5 maximum) Examples include:
- Giant Jenga
- Giant Chess
- Giant Checkers
- Giant Connect 4
- Giant Snakes and Ladders
- Giant Bananagrams
- Beanbag Toss
- Tug O War Rope
- Lacrosse
- Play Tunnels
- Potato Sack Kit
- Badminton Kit
- Volleyball Kit
- Soccer Kit
Request to borrow equipment
Complete the Neighbourhood Events Application Form to request equipment for the event.
Some restrictions may apply and availability is not guaranteed.
Neighbourhood block parties
Thinking of hosting a local neighbourhood block party but not sure how to start planning for one? Contact us for a Block Party Guide! The guide will help you complete the paperwork and make sure that everyone on your block will be included and safe.
For the purpose of accessing City resources, neighbourhood street parties must adhere to the following criteria:
- Hosted and organized by residents of the street
- Held in an accessible public space
- Attended by neighbours
- Attendance is no more than 300 people
- Low cost
- Non-revenue generating and non-fundraising
- Free to attend and open to the neighbourhood
- Not intended for a city-wide audience
- Event must have the purpose of building community and fostering neighbourhood-based relationships.
