Public Use of Grounds

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Public Use of Grounds

​​​​​​​The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia may grant permission for use of the grounds of the Parliament Buildings to the public for non-commercial events.​​​

​To improve safety into the Parliament Buildings, a construction project on the front steps will start on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 and is expected to conclude by the end of August, 2023. During this period, the front steps and driveway will be unavailable for any public events. We apologize for the inconvenience that this important safety work may cause, and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact PEO@leg.bc.ca

How to Apply

Please complete the attached application form and send it to PEO@leg.bc.ca. 

You must submit the form and comply with the regulations as set out in the Legislative Precinct Regulation​​ and the guidelines outlined below. Events must also comply with the advice and guidance issued by the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. Please check the COVID-19 Updates page for further information. 

The Legislative Assembly requests a minimum of 2 weeks notice in order to assist you in securing the date and time for your proposed event. Be sure to include all of your requirements on the application form.

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Once an application is received, you will be contacted about your tentative event. A meeting may be required to review the application and confirm details. Please note that whoever attends this meeting on behalf of the sponsoring organization must be the same individual who is the on-site contact for the day of your event. A letter authorizing use of the area requested will be sent to you upon approval and is not transferable.

Guidelines

All events must abide by the Legislative Precinct Regulation, the Public Use of Grounds policy, the Filming policy, and the following guidelines:

  • The interior of the Parliament Building is only for use by the Legislative Assembly and Provincial Government. Choirs may be permitted to perform in the Memorial Rotunda at certain times.
  • Commercial advertising is not permitted on the grounds.
  • The sale of goods or services are not permitted on the grounds.
  • Solicitation of donations or memberships are not permitted on the grounds.
  • Objects, such as signs, posters or banners, may not be attached to the grounds, buildings, trees or other property.
  • To protect the sprinkler system, poles or stakes cannot be driven into the ground or lawns.
  • Events must not interfere with public tours. Public tours of the Parliament Buildings are offered on weekdays in the winter and seven days a week in the summer.
  • Approval for use of the grounds is not transferable.
  • Liability insurance may be required.
  • The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia reserves the right to cancel a booking without advance notice.

Choirs

​​​Interior Performances

  • Choirs may perform in the Upper Rotunda on Fridays between 12:00 and 1:00 pm. Choirs are not permitted indoors during the summer season (May 1 to Labour Day).
  • Choirs are restricted to a maximum of 50 people.
  • Chairs are available upon request.
  • Choirs must request permission to perform with instrumental accompaniment.
  • During the month of December, choirs are invited to perform on weekdays as part of the Celebrate the Season concert series. Please email PEO@leg.bc.ca for more information.

Outdoor Performances

  • ​Chairs are available upon request.
  • ​Access to electricity is available upon request.
  • Choirs must provide their own equipment.

Bands

Outdoor Performances

  • Chairs are available upon request.
  • ​Access to electricity is available upon request
  • Bands must provide their own equipment.



Band Performing



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Photographs

  • Wedding photographs are restricted to a 1.5 hour time allotments to accommodate the many requests received. Please note that  each wedding party is limited to one vehicle on the driveway.
  • Wedding ceremonies are not permitted on the grounds.
  • Consumption of alcohol is not permitted on the grounds.
  • Photographers are not granted exclusive use of the grounds.

Lighting Requests

  • Requests for coloured lighting are accepted for non-political community, provincial, national and international awareness causes, cultural celebrations, and events.
  • Multicolour LED lights are placed along the Ceremonial Entrance, front Centre Fountain, and the back Library Fountain at the Parliament Buildings, and along the Confederation Garden Park Fountain and Waterfall adjacent to the Buildings. The lights are turned on each evening from sunset to 1:00 am.
  • Please note the outline lights of the Parliament Buildings or the lights outlining any monuments located on the grounds cannot be changed. The use of spotlights or projections onto the Buildings is not permitted.

Please complete the application form and email it to PEO@leg.bc.ca.

General Information​

Areas of the grounds are granted permission for such events as band performances on the front steps of the Legislature, choirs in the Upper Rotunda of the Parliament Buildings and photographic sessions on the rear steps of the Legislative Library or in the Premier’s Rose Garden behind the West Annex. Many large public events are held on the front lawns and driveway of the Legislature.

Maps and photographs of areas of the grounds can be found in the Image Gallery for reference. A printable map​ is also available.

Planning your Event​​

Please note that approval to use the grounds does not constitute exclusive use. Event organizers must cooperate with all other persons using the grounds.

NOTE: It is very important to remember that the Parliament Buildings are a place of work and events must not interfere with the normal functioning of the Legislative Assembly and other offices in the Parliament Buildings.

Event Set-Up

Time: We recommend a two hour period for public events. If events are longer, you may be required to provide portable toilets.​

Equip​m​ent: Choirs and bands may request access to chairs which are available in a limited number. You are responsible for their set-up and return to the Parliament Buildings.​

Electricity: Access to electricity is limited with only 15 amperage service.

Vehicles: Vehicle access, if approved, is limited to only unloading/loading equipment for events. There is no parking available at the Parliament Buildings.

Garbage: It is important to note that garbage facilities are not provided by the Legislative Assembly for your event. You are required to clean up after your event and remove the litter when you leave.

We look forward to helping you with your proposed event. Please contact us​ with any questions you may have at PEO@leg.bc.ca​ or 250-387-8669.
Parliament Buildings, Victoria BC V8V 1X4 Canada
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