NEW GUIDANCE as of May 2025 - Please review carefully
- NEW resources: This page contains NEW guidance documents and NEW notification forms as updated in May 2025.
- Online notification only: The notification forms for organizers, food vendors and pesonal services vendors are only avaiable online.
- Certified food handlers: At least one certified food handler must be present during every hour in which the food premised is operation. See page 10 of the Special Events: Guidelines for Organizers and Vendors document for more information.
Special events play an important role in communities across the Thunder Bay District by fostering connection and belonging, promoting health and well-being, celebrating diversity, supporting local art and culture and enhancing community safety.
TBDHU defines a special event as a temporary one-time event (charity barbeque, fundraising dinner), a time-limited series (Live on the Waterfront, Thunder City Speedway) or an annual event (Festa Italia, Live From the Rock Folk Festival) that invites the public to attend.
Special events could include any or all of the following:
- Food/drinks (offered or sold)
- Personal services (hair services, face/body paint, tattoo, manicure/pedicure)
- Wild game dinners
- Interactive animal exhibits (petting zoo, animal rides)
TBDHU supports these events by assisting organizers and vendors with provincial requirements that are in place to protect the health of the public and reduce the risk of illness or infection.
See the sections below for next steps:
- REVIEW important guidance documents for organizers and vendors
- USE THE LINKS PROVIDED TO SUBMIT the notification forms that are required for all organizers and all vendors
For Further Information
Call a Public Health Inspector: (807) 625-5900
or toll-free 1-888-294-6630