Certain Bylaws may have an effect on your event. Please refer to these bylaws to ensure you are following regulations: 

Bylaw 1934-18 Traffic

Bylaw 1976-20 Noise Standard

Consider making local emergency services aware of your plans, especially if you plan to veer off the beaten path. Ensure there are people who know where you are and provide a map in case of emergency. Double check your municipal, provincial, and federal laws before you head out to your event.

Washrooms or Portable Toilets – Under the Public Health Act and the Alberta Building Code there are requirements for sufficient numbers of toilets. The number of toilets is dependent on the numbers of persons expected at the event (e.g. 200 persons – 4 male and 8 female water closets). There must be a sufficient number of hand washing stations.

Tents – The Alberta Fire Code and Alberta Building Code regulates tents. Tents need to be fire rated and may require the same safety features (exits and travel paths to exits, emergency lighting, exit lights and occupancy loads) as other structures. Contact your local Fire Department and County of Newell Planning & Development Department for more details.

Waste Collection & Recycling –  For easier cleanup after your event, please provide sufficient collection points. 

Clean Up – Remember to leave your event area the same, if not better, than you found it! It is your responsibility to remove all debris and waste. Our beautiful County is for everyone to share, please be considerate.

If you are planning a fire, you may require a Fire Permit. Fire Permits are free and can be obtained by contacting your local Fire Department or the County of Newell at 403-362-3266.

Fireworks are regulated by the Alberta Fire Code. This includes both Low Hazard (Family / Consumer class) and High Hazard (Display class) fireworks.

If you are serving or selling food at your event, please visit Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health to learn what requirements are necessary for safe food handling.

Consult your local Insurance Provider to see what type of insurance may be required prior to and during the event.

If your event is on land no owned by you, please speak to neigbouring landowners well in advance to avoid any potential conflict and contact us to ensure your event does not require development permit. 

Contact County of Newell Planning & Development Department [403-362-3266] with your inquiries. 

Things to consider before choosing your event location:

1. Is there enough parking?
2. Is it accessible?
3. Will pedestrians be safe accessing the site and leaving the site in the dark?

Public Roads and Highways – Please do not close off or restrict traffic use on the County Roads and Provincial Highways for your event. For more information on County road use, please consult County of Newell Bylaw 1934-18 Traffic Bylaw, and call a Community Peace Officer at 403-362-3266.

Click here to download an Application Form for a Special Events Permit for Use of County Roads or call Volker Stevin Highways Ltd. (1-888-877-6237).

For private roads, you will need to obtain permission to use the road.

By law, some events will require security (liquor events) and some will require security for general public safety (e.g. sporting events or large crowds). Security personnel and all other personnel will need to be in constant communication (e.g. need for two way radios, emergency sound warning devices). Please ensure the proper devices are obtained.

Depending on the event, please consider temporary fencing (e.g. beer gardens) to keep the event restricted from the public.

Signs may also be required for directions and locations of the event itself or specific aspects of the event.

Please plan a safe and enjoyable event for all and remember that "Safety is an Attitude"