Getting approved
GVHA welcomes applications that create a vibrant waterfront. However, we don’t approve every application. Apply early. Provide as much detail as possible. Be prepared to comply with all applicable permit requirements.
Insurance
Your event needs insurance coverage of at least $2 million. You must name ‘Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’ as a third-party insured on your insurance certificate. For major events or high-risk events, we may ask for coverage greater than $2 million.
Deposit
For certain events, GVHA may ask for a deposit in advance of the event.
Permits
GVHA requires copies of all applicable permits at least 20 business days before we issue an event permit.
- If you plan to serve alcohol, GVHA will require a copy of your special occasions license for alcohol sales.
- If you plan to have amplified sound, GVHA will require a copy of your City of Victoria noise bylaw exemption permit.
- If you plan to serve food, GVHA will require a copy of your caterer’s VIHA permit and City of Victoria business license. If you plan to have food vendors, your vendors will need the same documents.
- If you plan to use a drone(s), GVHA will require a copy of your Nav Can permit.
- If your event has activities on water, GVHA will require a copy of your Transport Canada permit.
Site plan
GVHA requires a preliminary site plan to be submitted with your application. You can provide an updated version later. A site plan diagram should include fencing, tents, stages, washrooms, food vendors, ticket booths, traffic control areas, first aid stations, and event management locations.
Safety plan
GVHA requires a safety plan to be submitted at least 120 days before your event. It should include load-in and load-out protocols, security presence, first aid presence, emergency contacts, and a detailed description of your traffic control points (ie entrances blocked for vehicle access).
Environmental plan
GVHA requires an environmental plan to be submitted at least 120 days before your event. It should include plans for washrooms, garbage collection and disposal, recycling collection and disposal, disposal of grey water, and the clean-up plan for the site after the event.
The process
Research and plan your event, including preferred dates. We recommend having an initial discussion with GVHA before applying for event space.
Read our event terms and conditions. When you apply for event space, you agree to comply with them.
Complete our online form to submit your application.
In most cases, we will ask for a meeting to learn more about the event. If approved, you will receive a quote for the cost and a list of required documents.
We have a site visit before the weeks leading up to the event.
GVHA issues the event permit after receiving the required documents.