Street Entertainers

It is the intent of the City of Courtenay Recreation, Culture and Community Services department to restart the Street Entertainer program (pending PHO orders).

The City of Courtenay Street Entertained program restart date is planned for April 2, 2022.

 

We love to have talented performers entertain people on the streets of Downtown Courtenay!

There is a Street Entertainer Permit that must be applied for, at the City of Courtenay.  Here are the guidelines for busking downtown:

The City of Courtenay regulates the performances of street entertainers in the City. To request a street entertainer permit: Complete an application form (request this by emailing [email protected]) and submit your completed application with a video sample of your entertainment and a headshot to [email protected]. Paper applications are accepted at City Hall -830 Cliffe Avenue, however, video/headshot must be sent to the aforementioned email address.

There is a $25 nonrefundable permit fee that you will need to pay once you are approved.

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. Private property is not covered by the Street Entertainer Program.

Unrestricted location: allows amplification audible beyond 75 metres; no amplified vocals
• Sid Williams Theatre fountain plaza

Restricted Location: no amplification except non-acoustic instruments. No sound audible beyond 75 metres
• Comox Valley Centre for the Arts (Comox Valley Art Gallery) Plaza
• 5th and England – north west corner (near parking lot at 407 5th Street)
• 4th and Duncan – south west corner (near municipal parking lot)

Check out the map here:

Dos and Don’ts:

Do:
• Ensure your ID badge is clearly displayed during your performance
• Remove all litter and garbage generated by the performance
• Keep the sidewalk clear for pedestrians
• Feel free to have an open container for donations and/or sell recordings during your performance
• Vacate the premises if requested by a Peace Officer, i.e. Bylaw Enforcement or other City representative
• For groups: ensure all group members are included on your permit. Group performances must include at least two of the group members

Don’t:
• Use profanity
• Use dangerous props
• Use props in a way that could injure or cause damage to the public
• Consume, or perform under the influence of, alcohol or drugs
• Aggressively solicit for donations, verbally or otherwise
• Perform at a location that has already been booked for a special event, unless permitted by the City or event organizer

For more information, contact the City of Courtenay Recreation & Cultural Services Department at 250-334-4441 or email [email protected]