Applications, Licences and Permits

Find how to get your dog tags/license on our animal control page.

A backyard chickens license allows property owners to keep a maximum of four hens. Applicants are required to renew their license annually. Licensing fees apply.

Apply for a Backyard Chickens License

Auctioneers require a licence to sell goods to bidders at a public auction. One-time or annual licences are available. Licensing fees apply.

Apply for an Auctioneer Licence

A campground licence allows the siting of recreational vehicles, trailers or tents on permitted lands. Licensing fees apply.

Apply for a Campground Licence

If you want to open a kennel or renew your kennel licence in the Township of Springwater, we can help you with the application process.

Applying for a kennel licence

When applying to operate a kennel in Springwater, be sure to:

• Contact the Township's Planning Department to see if your property is correctly zoned. Visit in-person at municipal office, call the department at 705-728-4784 x2019 or email Planning and Development.
• Complete the Kennel Licence Application Form, or visit the municipal office for a physical copy.
• Submit all required documentation and fees.

Kennel inspections

We inspect kennels during licence renewal every year. Kennels found in violation of their approved application may have their licence revoked.

Our 2012-014 by-law amendment defines the businesses as:

1. Gun club: provincially-licensed organization whose activities include target practice or shooting competitions using restricted firearms or prohibited handguns at an approved shooting range.
2. Shooting range: provincially-licensed place intended for the safe discharge, on a regular and structured basis, of firearms for the purpose of target practice or target shooting competitions.

Licensing fees apply.

Apply for a Gun Club/Range Licence

Through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Township can issue lottery licences to eligible organizations for:

• bingo events with prize boards of up to $5,500;
• raffles with prizes of up to $50,000;
• break open ticket events with tickets sold in our municipality (cannot be combined with another licensed gaming event at the same time);
• bazaar gaming events; and
• media bingo.

Please contact the Licensing Officer at 705-728-4784 x2023 to discuss your organization's application.

Issuing a licence

Prior to the issuance of a license, the applicant must:

• Be an eligible organization and provide proof of eligibility as per AGCO regulations
• Submit a completed lottery licence application form
• Meet all AGCO terms and conditions, including financial reporting
• Provide any necessary documentation required by the Licensing Officer
• Pay the lottery license fee

Fees

A refreshment vehicle requires:

• an annual licence
• an annual inspection report from the Simcoe County District Health Unit
• a recent inspection for gas/propane installation
• an annual clearance from the road authority
• proof of minimum insurance

See our business by-law for full requirements. Temporary event refreshment vehicle licences are also available. Annual or temporary fees apply.

Apply for a Refreshment Vehicle Licence

Special Events are regulated by the Township of Springwater, on private and public property.

Special events can include:

• exhibitions
• concerts or festivals
• other organized events held for profit or otherwise

Submit an application for a special event with required documentation at least 60 days before the proposed event.

Alcohol

If the event involves the use or sale of alcohol, applicants shall provide proof of current liability insurance in the minimum amount of five million dollars. If applicable applicant may also need to provide a copy of the liquor license, AGCO Special Occasion Permit, and a list of trained servers for municipal facilities.

Apply for a Special Event Permit

Refreshment Vehicle Licence

If you are planning for a refreshment vehicle at your event, a temporary refreshment vehicle license is required.

Apply for a Refreshment Vehicle Licence

We require a temporary road occupancy permit for any activities within the municipality's right-of-way that may occupy or close a road, including:

• parades and events
• road construction
• landscaping and trench work
• driveway construction

There are two application forms depending on the reason:

1. Temporary road occupancy application for utilities
2. Temporary road occupancy application for events/constructions

See our temporary road closure and occupancy by-law for details.

Find building and septic permit applications and more information about the permit process on our building permits page.

Property owners must have the appropriate fire permit for their property type before burning. Find out how to get your annual fire permit on our burn permits page.

You will need an entrance permit for any new or revised entrance to a road. Depending on the road, you may need a permit from the Township, County of Simcoe or the Ministry of Transportation. Find information about entrance permits on our roads and sidewalks page.

An excess load permit allows companies to move oversized loads on Township of Springwater roads that exceed the Ministry of Transportation accepted limits by height, length, width or weight. Submit an excess load application form with the fee to the Public Works department.

Any work that alters the grading of a property, both through the removal or importing of materials, requires a fill and site alteration permit. Submit the fee and application to Public Works for approval.

Apply for a Fill and Site Alteration Permit

Our noise by-law regulates and prohibits noises likely to disturb the public. Council considers noise exemption requests during regular meetings. You must submit the completed application form, fee and other required information to the Clerk at least ten business days before the Council meeting that considers your request.

Apply for a Noise Exemption Permit

Sometimes there are situations where property restrictions affect the property owner's project goals. Find details on planning applications and fees on our planning applications page.

Our sign by-law prohibits people from displaying, repairing or altering a sign without a permit. See the by-law for the schedule of fees and other details.

Apply for a Sign Permit

Our Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law​​ 2024-068 stipulates that operators and owners of all Short-Term Accommodations within the Township are required to obtain an annual licence to operate. Explore the Township's application process and licensing requirements.

Apply for a Short-Term Rental Accommodation Licence

Property owners can request to turn the Townships water supply on or off for the following reasons (examples):

• to complete repairs or renovate a home or building
• to conduct work on a sprinkler system
• if they are going on an extended vacation

Visit the Water and Sewer page for application details.