Planning a Community Event?
Food served or sold at community festivals, fundraising events and farmers' markets are an important part of local life in communities across Ontario. Before planning your event, take the time to do some careful food safety planning. Food safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Special Events
If you are planning to sell or offer food to people at a special event in the community, you must notify the Porcupine Health Unit no later than 15 days prior to the event. Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at your local health unit office.
As of July 1, 2018, the Food Premises Regulation requires that there is at least one food handler or supervisor onsite at special events that must follow the regulation who has completed food handler training. To view available options for obtaining food handler training, see our Becoming a Certified Food Handler page.
Special Event Operating Guidelines
Your public health inspector will review your application and explain the health regulations that are in place to help prevent food-borne illnesses caused by improper food handling, storage and preparation. We look forward to working with you toward a safe and successful event.
Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ Markets are a great way to encourage people to buy locally and to support their community. Food, however, can be a vehicle for many germs, some of which can cause foodborne illness and make people very sick.
Notification and applications forms from both market organizers and vendors must be made at least 15 days prior to the start of the market. Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or dropped off at your local health unit office.
Organizer Application or Vendor Application
Operating Guidelines for a Farmers' Markets
Organizer section only
Vendor section only
Your public health inspector will review your application and discuss the health regulations that are applicable to you. We look forward to working with you toward a safe and successful event.
If you have any questions or concerns about Special Events or Farmers' Markets, contact a Public Health Inspector at 705-267-1181 or 1-800-461-1818.