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POLICY
1. Introduction
The Town of Shelburne values community connection and cultural expression and actively
encourages events and festivals that enhance the vibrancy and public life of our town. With a
unique and picturesque network of streets, laneways, and public spaces, Shelburne offers an
ideal setting for a wide range of activities that bring people together.
For the purposes of this policy, "Street Activity" is defined as any organized activity taking place
in a public space, including but not limited to parades, fundraisers, demonstrations, community
celebrations, and festivals. This Street Activity Policy provides a clear and consistent framework
for the safe and responsible use of public streets and spaces. It ensures that such activities are
planned and carried out in a way that supports community engagement while prioritizing public
safety, accessibility, and operational coordination.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to promote and regulate street activities, such as community
events, festivals, and public gatherings, that contribute to the social, cultural, and economic
vitality of the Town of Shelburne. These activities are intended to complement existing
community, retail, and commercial functions while maintaining a respectful balance between
public enjoyment and the needs of local residents and businesses.
By clearly outlining roles, responsibilities, and expectations, this policy aims to support the safe
and effective use of public streets and spaces. It is designed to enhance safety, minimize
disruption, and enrich the overall experience for participants, spectators, and the broader
community.
3. Definitions
"Block Party" - an event organized by individuals in a neighbourhood which involves closing off
a section of their street to vehicular traffic for a set amount of time.
"Event" and/or "Festival" - any activity, private or community, organized for a particular
location or series of places at a particular time with a considerable number of persons attending.
"Fun Runs and Walkathons" - a run or walk that involves a number of participants walking or
running along a prescribed route via public thoroughfares.
"Fundraising Activity" - refers to any activity that aims to collect money for, or on behalf of a
Registered Charity Organization.
TOWN OF SHELBURNE
Street Activity Policy
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"Parades, Processions, Demonstrations, and Marches" - usually involve a number of participants
walking along a prescribed route via public thoroughfares. These events may involve oversized
vehicles, non-registered vehicles, floats, and a large number of participants.
4. Scope
This policy applies to:
a) All requests for permission to hold a Street Activity within the Town of Shelburne
boundaries, including Street Activities that do not require an official Street Closure;
b) All Town-organized Street Activities occurring within the Town of Shelburne.
5. Responsibilities
5.1
This policy will be provided online and at Town Hall to any Street Activity
organizers and must be adhered to.
5.2
Event organizers must meet with Town Staff to review event details and
complete a "Temporary Street Closure / Street Activity Application Form". The
form must include a map identifying the proposed activity area, barricade
locations, and route (if applicable).
5.3
The completed application must be submitted to the Executive Coordinator and
approved by the Public Works Supervisor. Once approved, the Executive
Coordinator will distribute the approved application to the local RCMP
detachment, EHS, and the Fire Department for information purposes.
5.4
Organizers, Town or Individual, will ensure that all participants comply with this
policy and any rules or regulations outlined for the Street Activity. Street
Activities must also comply with all other applicable municipal, provincial, and
federal regulations.
5.5
Organizers, Town or Individual, will ensure that the event is advertised to the
public at least one (1) week in advance of the Street Activity.
5.6
Organizers, Town or Individual, will make arrangements with the Executive
Coordinator to have barricades available, when needed, prior to submitting their
application for the Street Activity.
5.6.1
For all Street Activities requiring a street closure, the Event Organizer shall
be responsible for the setup, takedown, and active manning of all barricades
for the duration of the event. The Town may provide barricades upon
request and subject to availability; however, Town staff will not be
responsible for onsite deployment or staffing unless otherwise approved.
5.6.2
A Barricade Staffing Plan must be submitted as part of the Temporary Street
Closure / Street Activity Application. This plan must clearly outline how
barricades will be managed and staffed throughout the event, and by whom.
All barricades must be staffed by an accredited Traffic Control Person (TCP),
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in accordance with the Nova Scotia Temporary Workplace Traffic Control
Manual.
5.7
Organizers, Town or Individual, should consider operational matters such as but
not limited to, safety, traffic, noise, and waste.
5.8
The host/organizer must provide advance notice of any planned street closure or
event to neighbouring properties to ensure residents and businesses are
informed and to help minimize disruption.
6. Criteria
6.1
Those wishing to obtain permission for a Street Activity, road closure or
otherwise, must complete the "Temporary Street Closure / Street Activity
Application Form" available online at www.shelburnens.ca and/or in person at
the Town Office located at 162 Mowatt St, 2nd Floor, Shelburne, NS.
6.2
Applications must be submitted to the Executive Coordinator at least fourteen
(14) days prior to the scheduled event and must include all required
documentation.
6.3
Applicants are responsible for the clean-up and removal of all equipment and
materials related to the Street Activity. If the Town is required to intervene for
cleanup or removal, the applicant will be invoiced for the associated costs.
7. General Standards and Regulations
7.1
The Town of Shelburne assumes no responsibility for claims, damages, or injuries
that may arise from the planning, execution, or outcomes of a Street Activity.
7.1.1
The Town's liability coverage related to Street Activities is strictly conditional
upon full compliance with all provisions of this policy. This includes, but is
not limited to, the requirement for event organizers to manage barricades in
accordance with Sections 5.6.1 and 5.6.2, and to ensure appropriate
supervision by certified personnel.
7.2
The Town of Shelburne reserves the right to decline any application for a Street
Activity if, in the opinion of the Town, the activity presents undue risk, lacks
sufficient planning, or does not align with the intent of this policy.
7.3
Eligibility for approval will not be granted to Street Activities that:
a) Are discriminatory in nature or incite hatred toward any individual or group;
b) Are unlawful or in contravention of any municipal, provincial, or federal
legislation;
c) Are contrary to the Policies and/or By-Laws of the Town of Shelburne;
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d) Have previously failed to meet policy obligations, including but not limited to
cleanup, safety compliance, or notification requirements.
7.4
Block Party
a) All residents of the street area to be blocked off must be informed of the
party and in agreement with the closure.
b) Barricades must be put up to prevent motorized vehicles from entering the
activity space.
c) Alcoholic beverages and other controlled substances are forbidden on any
public space during a Street Activity.
7.5
Event or Festival
a) Where the street becomes part of the festival or event grounds, the street
must be blocked off to vehicle traffic using barricades.
b) Due to safety considerations, barricades may also be used to block off areas
of Town due to an event with heavy pedestrian traffic.
c) There must be an unobstructed route for emergency services vehicles.
d) Alcoholic beverages are forbidden on any public space during a Street
Activity unless the Event has the appropriate licenses and insurance.
7.6
Fun Runs and Walkathons
a) If Street Activity requires street closures, barricades must be in place for the
duration of the run or walk.
b) If street closure is unnecessary and participants are using sidewalks or bike
lanes, advertisement of event should still take place and participants must
follow regular traffic regulations.
c) Proper use of crossings is a must. If large groups are using a crossing, it is
the responsibility of the organizer to arrange for crossing guards to help with
visibility for drivers.
7.7
Fundraising Activity
a) If Street Activity requires street closures, barricades must be in place for the
duration of the activity.
b) If Street Activity does not require street closures but will slow down the
regular flow of traffic, it is advised that the applicant arrange a police escort
and advertise diligently (e.g. big bike).
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c) Any collected money or goods must be delivered hand-to-hand and not
thrown into vehicles or the street.
7.8
Parades, Processions, Demonstrations, and Marches
a) Due to safety considerations, the throwing of any item, including candy or
promotional items, from floats is not allowed during a Parade. Individuals
may walk alongside the float to distribute these items person-to-person.
b) Alcoholic beverages and other controlled substances are forbidden on any
public space during a parade, procession, demonstration, or march.
c) Barricades must be in place on any street that intersects the parade route
for the duration of the parade.
d) Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all
times.
e) Due to safety considerations, those who are riding on a float must remain on
the float for the duration of the parade, unless there is an emergency
situation.
f) It is recommended that drivers leave a minimum of 2 car-lengths between
themselves and the float, or persons, ahead of them for safety.
g) Failure to abide by these regulations will result in the violator being advised
that they will not be permitted to participate in future parades.
Passed by Motion of Council: October 6th, 2025
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Chief Administrative Officer, Sarah Mattatall