Parks and Facilities By-law clarification
The City of Oshawa is clarifying the recent amendments to the Parks and Facilities By-law 83-2000.
Since 2000, the existing Parks and Facilities By-law (83-2000), has required organizers to obtain a facility booking permit for organized gatherings in City parks and facilities.
Permits, such as a Facility Booking Permit, are not meant to discourage park use. They are a tool used by most municipalities to provide groups and organizations the opportunity to book an allocated date and time for their event or gathering (to avoid scheduling issues), and to help ensure the successful hosting of events or gatherings safely while ensuring accountability.
In addition, the City supports event organizers through its waiving of fees program for non-profit organizations ensuring that fees do not hinder the ability for non-profit organizations to host an event while following proper process and due diligence.
The recent amendments to By-law 83-2000 included clarifications to address the responsibilities of event organizers and activities that require a permit, the definition of a permit and the criteria to issue a permit. Furthermore, the amendments to By-law 83-2000 and By-law 33-92 (Highway Vending By-law) specify that groups and organizations require a permit to disperse food or clothing in a park or on a sidewalk. Additionally, the City encourages community members who want to help vulnerable individuals by providing food or clothing to do so through opportunities at the existing hub in the downtown and existing service providers.
Memorial Park
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in issues related to mental health, addictions and unsheltered individuals, along with a rise in unlawful behaviour – particularly in parks and on trails in the core of the city, including Memorial Park.
Community members who would like to help vulnerable community members are encouraged to volunteer with or donate (clothing, food or monetary donations) to local service providers who provide full services (including assistance connecting with services including crisis and mental health supports, housing, social assistance connections, medical assistance, meals, washrooms, clothing, food pantry items). Visit durham.ca/CommunityResources for a list of local resources and information on how to donate or volunteer to help others. Visit www.backdoormission.ca to learn more about the Mission United hub, which is a collaborative and centralized service in downtown Oshawa that offers over 20 supports.
The City reminds community members that organized gatherings at Memorial Park or other City parks must adhere to government orders and follow health authority guidelines amid COVID-19 restrictions, as well as have a Permit. To request a Permit for an organized gathering, please email the Facility Booking Office or call 905-436-3888.
More information
More information is available in the amended Parks and Facilities By-law 83-2000. To request a permit for an organized gathering in a City park or facility, please email the Facility Booking Office or call 905-436-3888. To report violations or by-law related concerns, please call Service Oshawa at 905-436-3311.
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