Granville Island is a vibrant cultural district located in the unceded, ancestral, traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, in the centre of Vancouver, minutes from downtown, surrounded by ocean, cityscape and mountain views. Providing a haven for locals and tourists from around the world, Granville Island attracts millions of visitors each year, and is a favoured location for photographers, filmmakers, and event organizers. It is administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a federal crown agency of the Government of Canada, and is financially self-supporting. This event policy has been developed and is administered by the Public Affairs & Programming Department of CMHC-Granville Island.

Particularly in the summer months, Granville Island is a very busy place, with more than 300 businesses employing approximately 3,000 people, including theatres, restaurants, artists’ studios, a hotel, and its famous Public Market. The organization’s mission is “to steward this public land for meaningful urban and social experimentation among diverse, creative cultural and business models, engaging local First Nations, communities and welcoming the world.“

In keeping with this mission, there is no application fee to apply for an event permit. Additionally, Public Affairs and Programming may be able to provide additional benefits known as in-kind support, without charge, to approved public events. These benefits are offered to support cultural activities and artistic community building. In-kind support may include reserved parking (with fees waived), tables, chairs, and signage materials. All support is pending availability of supplies and nature of the event application.

(For the purpose of this policy, “events” encompasses performances, site activations, public awareness activities, sporting/athletic events, exhibits, celebrations/parties, educational events, outdoor receptions etc.)

Approval Criteria of outdoor events are based on:

1. Alignment with Granville Island as an artistic and cultural destination; and mandate to support innovative, unique and creative artistic events.
2. Accessibility and Engagement; event enhances social connection, encourages participation, and/or champions diversity and inclusion.
3. Availability of space and/or administrative support: approval of an event will also depend on capacity for CMHC to provide administrative support for the event.
4. Extent to which the event competes with or impacts existing tenants and day-to-day activity and business on Granville Island, and potential benefits to existing Granville Island businesses and community.
5. Capacity of event organizer to fulfill the Terms and Conditions for event planning. Applicant must be in good standing.

Outdoor Activations Not Permitted on Granville Island:

1. Sales of goods and services without a current leasing or licensing agreement with CMHC Granville Island. Exceptions may apply, if the proposed goods or services are needed as an essential component of the event proposal. (See our Leasing page for general information.)
2. Promotions, including sampling or sample distribution, coupon distribution, free services, gifts, and promotional materials (flyers, booklets, etc.) for corporate or commercial business interests.
3. Public spaces may not be used for events that are primarily retail or commercial focused, such as pop- up markets, promotional events, fundraisers, product launches etc.