Every application to the Festival and Events approval process is evaluated by a CPS Planner. This ensures events are carried out in a safe manner.

Depending on the size and scope of the event it may be necessary to request CPS Pay Duty Officers for an event. Scheduling and assigning these officers is arranged through the IET approval process as long as you have provided accurate information on the Security Plan page of the application package. The cost for this City service is added to other City services and included in the budget estimate.

Although it may feel comforting to have a police presence at your event, there is a limited number of CPS officers available to the City and if the CPS Planner does not deem these officers necessary to an event private security or other crowd control staffing will be required.

If you are a new event requesting CPS officers, be clear with your Event Liaison what the duties you would like the Pay Duty Officers to do. If you are a returning event and there is no change to the event site footprint or route, fill out the application package to fit the Pay Duty request from the previous year. If there is a change to your event, inform your Event Liaison of these changes.

Related topic

Security and crowd control

Event organizers are responsible for ensuring they are demonstrating due diligence in protecting City assets from theft or damage. Any damage or theft to City assets including turf, park features or electrical equipment as well as any additional clean up required by the City will be charged back to the event organizers.

Repair costs and expenses associated with additional clean up will be accessed and communicated to the event organizer by The City as soon as possible following the conclusion of the event.

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Parks conditions

Event organizers are responsible for scheduling site inspections as required. Schedule inspections through the online inspections booking system. Inspections can be booked up to ten business days in advance. This includes inspections for building, electrical and gas permits. If you require a fire inspection, please call 311 for a special events inspection. Temporary occupancy load cards (issued by Calgary Fire) may be required for, but are not limited to, any occupiable fenced area, tents, or temporary structures.

• Event organizers responsible to book the inspection through the online inspections booking system. Regular inspection hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional fees may apply for after hours inspections.
• Inspections need to occur once all structures are fully constructed with all components (tables, chairs, fencing, signage, etc.) in place, and prior to occupancy

If you have difficulties booking or managing your building or trade permit inspection, please call the Inspections Call Centre at 403-268-5311.

For information on inviting the Mayor or Councillors to your event or other protocol information like speaking order and/or proclamations, follow the guidelines here.

For information on flag raisings, as per The City of Calgary Flag Policy, read the guidelines and application details here.

Calgary Police Services, security and crowd control may be critical parts of planning your event. A written description of security measures may be required before the permit will be released, and a crowd management system should be put in place to ensure the safety of public during the event when:

• Areas are restricted to the public
• Crowding is expected (more than one person/m2 is projected in a given area)
• Fireworks are part of the event
• Admission is charged
• The event occurs at night
• Alcohol service areas are in operation

It may include one or more of the following components:

• Private security professionals or trained volunteers
• Designated security stations or roving personnel
• Communication network (cellular phones, two-way radios, etc)
• Signage
• Fencing of restricted areas

Staff, volunteers, and participants should understand your safety and security guidelines where necessary. This may include, but is not restricted to, communication and evacuation places, lost person procedures, locations for medical tents, and Emergency Response Plans.

Related topic

Calgary Police Service (CPS) Planners and Pay Duty Officers

Festivals and events generally increase traffic demands in or near the location of the event. As such, parking, alternate transportation methods, accessibility, and traffic congestion are all factors that should be incorporated in your plan. The following points should be incorporated in your transportation plan:

• All traffic control in the public right‐of‐way and/or at major intersections must be conducted by a representative of the Calgary Police Service or by Bylaw Services
• All proposed street closures must be included in your permit application. Roads Permits are required for street closures, The City will evaluate the shuttle stops and proposed transportation routes as part of its overall evaluation of your event plans.
• Your transportation plan must not incorporate the use of nearby shopping center parking lots or other private property without the express written permission from the affected property owner(s)
• You need to include accessible parking and/or access in your event plans
• Identify delivery plans related to event production and vendors
• Identify alternate modes of transportation and consider the infrastructure necessary to support those modes, such as bike racks, valet parking, bus routes and carpooling

Parking, shuttle plan and management

Event organizers are responsible for the management of parking for event attendees. Parking utilized for events may impact City of Calgary facilities both on and off streets. A parking plan and shuttle plan may be required in order to address how the impact by event attendees will be managed, and should include:

• Access to public transit and alternate methods of transportation for event attendees
• Availability of both on and off street parking in the immediate area of the event
• Assessment of need for additional off-site parking and shuttle plan
• Review and identification of fire access and designated disabled parking spaces
• Staff and/or volunteer support to provide parking information to event attendees
• How parking and shuttle plans will be communicated with event attendees

Vehicles are not permitted to be parked on turf, and some park roadways unless event organizers request and are granted permission to be in the City park or roadway.

Event organizers can request quotes for cost and availability of shuttle service through Calgary Transit. Charter Services are provided based on vehicle and manpower availability. Contact Charter Services or consult your Event Liaison.

Production Services has event bicycle racks in their inventory. Please speak with your Event Liaison for more information on booking equipment from Production Services.

Calgary Transit partnerships

Partnering with Calgary Transit can enhance the success of your festival or event by offering a convenient and affordable transportation option, helping reduce traffic congestion and easing parking challenges. If your event is publicly accessible and located near a CTrain station or bus terminal, a partnership can make your event more environmentally friendly, accessible, and enjoyable for all attendees.

Calgary Transit offers a few partnership opportunities including fare bundling, bulk fare purchase, and integrated transit tickets. For more on Partnership Opportunities visit the Calgary Transit website or speak to your Event Liaison.

Please note: Each opportunity may require you to allocate budget. Calgary Transit cannot cover the cost of complimentary transit fares for attendees.

Related topic

Road occupancy and parades