Using the Grounds

Planning an activity or an event on the Plains

You will find on this page all the information related to the use of the grounds for holding an activity or an event on the Plains, including shooting. Prior authorization is required, so you must submit a request by completing the form.

Aerial view of the Plains of Abraham in autumn

Park Management

The National Battlefields Commission (NBC) is responsible for managing the Battlefields Park (Plains of Abraham), Des Braves Park, and Pierre-Dugua-de-Mons Terrace. Each year, it receives numerous requests from organizations wishing to hold a variety of activities on the site.

As the manager of a historic urban park, the NBC strives to maintain a balance between hosting events and preserving the site’s public and peaceful character. It therefore prioritizes activities that are open to the general public over those restricted to private groups.

This policy is intended to inform organizations of the requirements related to the use of the Battlefields Park.

The National Battlefields Commission

Policy for Using the Grounds

This policy is currently under review.

Paysage des plaines d'Abraham avec vue sur l'hôtel Le Concorde de Québec en arrìère-plan. Plains of Abraham with Hotel Concorde in the background, view of Quebec City.

Types of Activity

Major activity

Any activity that has the potential to attract more than 10,000 persons, that requires the installation of one or more pieces of infrastructure, and that exclusively occupies part of the park.

Important activity

Any activity that has the potential to attract fewer than 10,000 persons, that requires the installation of at least one piece of infrastructure and that exclusively occupies part of the park.

Minor activity

All other activities not covered by previous subsections are considered minor.

Activities Permitted

Cultural activities

Festivals, concerts and other performances with the exception of regular program at the Edwin Bélanger Bandstand. Holding such activities requires installing infrastructure, and sometimes the exclusive occupation of part of the park or more.

Education and Community activities

These activities, generally organized by educational institutions, community groups or charitable organizations, include picnics, outdoor classes and fundraising activities, as well as non-competitive activities, such as treasure hunts. 

 

These activities do not require the installation of any infrastructure nor the exclusive occupation of a part of the park.

Sport activities

All sports activities, such as championships, competitions and recreational activities (cross-country, marathons, etc). These activities may require the installation of infrastructure and sometimes the exclusive occupation of part of the park.

Activities WITH admission fees

These activities encompass all activities, including those described above in previous subsections, for which admission in any form is charged, including a ticket, pass, or stamp, for an exclusive part of the park.

Public gatherings

Public demonstrations that can take place in certain parts of the park, as well as any activity involving a gathering that starts in the park and moves out of it (eg, a parade). These activities do not require the installation of any infrastructure.

Shooting and Filming

These activities sometimes require the occupation of a specific part of the park, and often occur on the same day. 

 

For more information: marketing@ccbn-nbc.gc.ca

Submit a Request

To facilitate the organization of your project, please complete the request form. This will help us better understand your needs and coordinate your visit while respecting the site's rules and access schedule.

Please read the following information carefully:

This form must be completed to submit a request for authorization to hold an activity on the Plains of Abraham. Please note that completing this form does not constitute approval.
The Commission reserves the right to review each request, assess its impact on the sites, and decide whether or not to authorize the event.
A non-refundable administrative fee of $44.50 (plus taxes) must be paid at the final step of the form. Once payment has been processed, you must enter the transaction confirmation number in the designated field.
The National Battlefields Commission’s fees may be revised annually, on April 1 or August 1, in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or other factors.
A minimum processing time of 30 days is required to review your request, starting from the receipt of a completed form and payment of the administrative fee.
If your activity takes place in part on the streets of Québec City, you must also provide authorization from the City.
Please ensure that all required information, as well as any supporting documents or permits, are submitted, where applicable.
Is this a non-profit organization?

If yes, you must provide a copy of your charitable organization or non-profit status.

Accepted file types: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, PNG, and compressed folder. Maximum file size: 5 MB

Is this a new event?

Please provide a map illustrating the location where you wish to hold your activity on the Plains of Abraham. Accepted file types: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, PNG, and compressed folder. Maximum file size: 5 MB

Start date & time of the activity
End date & time of the event

ACCESSIBILITY

Does your activity involve an entrance fee?

MOBILIZATION / DEMOBILIZATION

Please indicate the dates of equipment delivery and full removal.
Start date of equipment mobilization
End date of equipment mobilization
Start date of equipment demobilization
End date of demobilization of the equipment

EQUIPMENTS AND RESSOURCES

Event Security
Will your activity require the installation of a stage?

You must attach a plan indicating the location of volunteers and security personnel during the event in the next section of this form. Accepted file formats: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, PNG, and ZIP files. Maximum file size: 5 MB.

SOUND & LIGHTING

There is no power supply in certain areas of the park. Electricity use is only permitted for major events intended for the general public.
Will your activity involve the use of a sound system?

Please provide details regarding the hours of use, sound checks, etc.

Please attach the document(s) related to the sound tests.

TENTS, BIG TOPS & BOOTHS

These installations must be secured using counterweights, not stakes. No installation is permitted within the drip line.
These facilities must be clearly indicated on the site plan.
Will your activity involve the installation of tents or big tops?
Will your tents or big tops include signage?

If yes, please provide a description of the type of signage in the following field.

Please provide details regarding the activities held inside the tents.

Site Maps

Please provide a site plan with a legend. It must indicate the dimensions and location of the activity’s infrastructure, including the following:
Site entrances and exits, barriers, tents, marquees, kiosks, stages, displays, control booths, lighting towers, emergency evacuation areas, portable toilets, sinks, waste bins, recycling containers, and access points.

Accepted file formats: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, PNG, and ZIP files. Maximum file size: 5 MB

Will your activity involve the installation of booths?

All booths must be secured using counterweights, not stakes. No infrastructure may be installed within the vertical projection of tree canopies.

Please provide details of the activities taking place in the kiosks.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Alcohol consumption is prohibited on NBC grounds, except as otherwise permitted. A permit issued by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (Québec) is required to sell or serve alcohol. If you plan to sell or distribute alcohol, please provide as much detail as possible.
Will your activity involve the sale of alcohol?
Will your activity involve the sale of food?

Sanitary and safety standards must be соблюed. A valid permit issued by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec is required.

WATER & ELECTRICITY

There is no water or power supply in certain areas of the park.
Will your activity require the use of electricity?
Will your activity require the use of generators?

Generators must be equipped with a spill kit.

Will your activity require access to water?

TOILETS

Will toilets be provided for the activity?

The event organizer is responsible for providing an adequate number of toilets.

PYROTECHNICS

A permit from Québec City’s Fire Prevention Service is required.
Will your activity involve the use of pyrotechnics?

Please provide a site and perimeter plan for the use of fireworks. Accepted file formats: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG, PNG, and ZIP files. Maximum file size: 5 MB.

STREET CLOSING

Park closures are not permitted. If unavoidable, a request must be submitted to the NBC for review and approval. Applicable fees will apply.
Will your activity involve street closures?

If yes, which ones?

PARKING

New pricing takes effect in April.

Please indicate your organization’s parking requirements for your activity.

Accepted file formats: PDF, Word, Excel, JPG, PNG, and ZIP files. Maximum file size: 5 MB

MEASURES TO ENSURE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The National Battlefields Commission requires from organizers that they minimize the environmental impact of the event they plan to hold and that, to this end, set up strategies aimed at enhancing environmental protection. That they supply a detailed plan showing that your organization has set up measures to reduce waste, ensure recycling, energy efficiency, set up parking restrictions, ensure the proper use and conservation of water, promote public transit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Please indicate the measures your organization has taken with respect to sustainable development.

Grounds Usage Fees & Third-Party Liability Insurance Requirements

Please note that licence holders must provide evidence of third-party liability insurance for a minimum of $2,000,000 according to the type of event. A higher amount may be required.
The National Battlefields Commission and His Majesty the King in Right of Canada must be named as additional insureds. The certificate of insurance must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed. If approved, the applicable fees set out in the Policy for Using the Grounds will apply.

Administration Fee

A non-refundable administrative fee of $44.50 (taxes not included) must be paid when submitting this application form.
By clicking the link below, you will be redirected to the Zaui transaction platform. Once the payment has been processed, please enter the confirmation number in the field below and click “Submit.”
Click here to proceed with the payment

Payment confirmation number

Processing your request

The completed form must be submitted at least 30 days before a minor activity and 90 days before a major activity. Following the review of your request in accordance with the Policy for Using the Grounds, you will be informed of the decision regarding preliminary approval.

Privacy Statement and Protection of Personal Information

Purpose of collection: Information is collected for the purpose of managing activities on NBC grounds.
Required documents: Submitting a request to hold an event is voluntary. However, a duly completed application form is required in order to hold an event on NBC grounds.
Statement of Applicant 
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Date of Signature