Street Entertainer Program

Welcome back!

The Street Entertainer Program has been reactivated effective April 2, 2022 following the easing of public health orders in B.C.

Street entertainers wishing to perform on public property in the City of Courtenay must apply for and receive a Street Entertainer Permit.

To request a permit, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete the application form:

Street Entertainer Program Application Form [PDF - 2 MB]
Street Entertainer Program Application Form - Fillable [PDF - 2 MB]

Step 2: Submit completed application with a video sample of your entertainment and headshot (used for permit – no sunglasses or hats please) to rcs@courtenay.ca. Paper applications accepted at City Hall - 830 Cliffe Avenue, however video/headshot must be sent to the aforementioned email address. Please be aware that it may take 2 to 3 weeks to process the permit. 

Step 3: City of Courtenay will send auditions to Downtown Business Improvement Association to be reviewed. If your audition is successful, you will be notified by the email address or phone number provided on your application.

Step 4: Once you have received notification, go to City Hall with a valid piece of ID and pay the $25.00 non-refundable permit fee (debit, cash, or cheque). The permit will be issued for a 12 month period. Please review the important details below before performing. The City of Courtenay does NOT accept email transfers (e-Transfers).

General Information:

Performances are permitted between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm, seven days a week

Performances are limited to a maximum of two hours in any one location. You cannot repeat a performance at the same location on the same day.

Locations: There are four designated locations, please review Orientation Map prior to performing. The Street Entertainer Program does not apply to private property.

Street Entertainer Program Orientation Map [PDF - 2 MB]

Unrestricted location: allows amplification audible beyond 75 metres; no amplified vocals1

  1. Randy Wiwchar Plaza – corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Avenue, in front of the Sid Williams Theatre

Restricted Location: no amplification except non-acoustic instruments. No sound audible beyond 75 metres

2.Comox Valley Centre for the Arts (Comox Valley Art Gallery) Plaza (6th Street and Duncan Ave)

3. 4th St and Duncan Ave – south west corner (near municipal parking lot)

4. 5th St and England Ave – north west corner (near parking lot at 407 5th Street)

Dos and Don'ts

Do:

1. Follow all provincial public health orders, recommendations, and protocols.
2. Ensure your ID badge is clearly displayed during your performance.

3. Remove all litter and garbage generated by the performance.

4. Keep the sidewalk clear for pedestrians and to allow physical distancing.

5. Feel free to have an open container for donations and/or sell recordings during your performance. We recommend having hand sanitizer available for public use for those wishing to handle your recordings.

6. Vacate the premises if requested by a Peace Officer, Bylaw Enforcement or other City representatives
.
7. For groups: ensure all group members are included on your permit. Group performances must include at least two of the group members
.
8. Cooperate with facility operators at Sid Williams and Centre for the Arts if you are requested to adjust your position or volume due to the facility’s operations and programming.

Don’t:

9. Use profanity.
10. Use dangerous props
.
11. Use props in a way that could injure or cause damage to the public
.
12. Consume, or perform under the influence of, alcohol or drugs
.
13. Aggressively solicit for donations, verbally or otherwise
.
14. Perform at a location that has already been booked for a special event, unless permitted by the event organizer.

Failure to comply with the above restrictions could result in a fine and/or suspension or cancellation of your permit.

Questions?

Contact the Recreation & Cultural Services Department at 250-334-4441 ext. 7231 or email rcs@courtenay.ca

For further details, read the City’s Street Entertainer Bylaw No. 2749, 2013 [PDF - 47 KB].