Licenses and Permits

For more information about Dog Licences, click here.

The Township of Guelph/Eramosa regulates and licenses dog kennels within the township. All kennels must comply with the Zoning and Site plan Control By-law requirements.

A Kennel Licence is required when a minimum of three (3) dogs or four (4) cats are housed, boarded, bred, trained, sold or kept.  In addition to this, there are specific provisions for boarding and breeding kennels.

Every license issued pursuant to the By-law shall expire twelve months succeeding the date of issue. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers conduct inspections of all Kennels throughout the year to ensure compliance with the By-law.

 Boarding Kennels:

• The maximum number of dogs permitted in any one (1) kennel for which a Boarding Kennel License has been issued shall not exceed fifty (50) dogs and is based on the square footage of the housing.

Breeding Kennels:

• The maximum number of dogs permitted in any one (1) Kennel for which a Breeding Kennel License has been issued shall not exceed ten (10) intact dogs or cats and is based on the square footage of the housing.

For more details about Kennel Licencing, please refer to By-Law 04-2017.

A copy of the Kennel Licence Application Form can be found by clicking here.

The Township of Guelph/Eramosa provides Lottery Licences for charitable gaming, as required by the Gaming Control Act, 1992.  As part of the AGCO’s regulatory responsibilities in the charitable sector, municipalities may administer, in partnership with the AGCO, the regulatory framework governing the issuance of charitable lottery licences (see Order-in-Council 1413/08).

The Township may issue lottery licences for the following charitable lottery events being conducted within the community:

• Bingo events with prizes valued at up to $5,500.00;
• Raffles with prizes valued up to a maximum of $50,000.00;
• Break Open Ticket events which are not conducted in combination with any other events and where tickets are sold within the municipality;
• Bazaar gaming events; and,
• Media bingo with prizes valued up to a maximum of $5,500.00.

To be eligible to receive a lottery licence, an organization must first have charitable purposes and objects that fall within one of the four classifications of charitability:

a) The Relief of Poverty

b) The Advancement of Education

c) The Advancement of Religion

d) Other Charitable Purposes Beneficial to the Community, not falling under a) b) or c)

Examples of eligible organizations include but are not limited to: minor sports leagues (under 18 years of age), service clubs and religious organizations. Prior to applying for a lottery license, an Application for Lottery Licensing Eligibility must be completed and submitted to the Deputy Clerk, Trennon Wint, via email to twint@get.on.ca.

For more information, please see: Chapter 2 of Ontario’s Lottery Licensing Policy Manual.

There are different types of application processes for various types of lotteries including:

1. Bazaar Licence
2. Raffles
3. Social Gaming Events
4. Break Open Tickets
5. Fair or Exhibition Gaming Event
6. Bingo in Non-Pooling Bingo Halls
7. Charitable Gaming Event in Pooling Bingo Hall

For Raffle Licences, please complete the Application to Manage and Conduct a Raffle Lottery Form and submit to the Legislative Services Department. Staff will review your application to ensure it meets the regulations stated in the  Ontario’s Lottery Licensing Policy Manual.  Your application should also include:

1. A letter outlining the details of your raffle including the number of tickets that will be printed
2. A sample copy of your raffle ticket and stub (Note that licensee’s name must appear on both the main ticket and the ticket stub and on all forms of advertising for the raffle, including brochures and handouts).
3. For prizes worth more than $500: Legible copies of firm price quotation and a letter of intent, invoice or agreement to purchase each prize.
4. For prizes totalling $10,000 or more:  A letter of credit must be presented.
5. Other documentation may be required depending on the type of raffle.

Also note that:

1. Livestock must not be awarded as prizes
2. Licensee must pay any duty, sales tax or other additional costs related to prizes. These costs must be included in the stated value of the prizes.
3. The retail market value of the prizes to be awarded must not be less than 20% of the total value of all tickets printed
4. The fee for the lottery licence is set in the Fees and Charges By-law and is 3% of the estimated total value of prizes.

Lottery Report forms must be submitted to Legislative Services within 30 days after the lottery event.

For more information on lottery licences, please contact Legislative Services at 519-856-9596 ext. 107 or email the Clerk's department.

The Township of Guelph/Eramosa, in partnership with Service Ontario, is authorized to provide marriage licences. Applications for a marriage licence can be submitted either online or in-person with an appointment.  Regardless of how you apply, marriage licences must be picked-up in-person at the Township office (8348 Wellington Road 124).  Please review the following information carefully!

(1) Apply online through Service Ontario!

• Starting in October of 2025, the Township of Guelph/Eramosa offers an Online Application System for applying to obtain a marriage licence. This online system will allow you to complete forms digitally and submit supporting documentation directly through the Service Ontario website.
• Once you have completed your application, you will also be able to book an appointment to pick-up your licence with us in-person, through the online portal. An email link will be sent to you afterwards to review your submission.

**NOTE: If your documentation is in a language other than English, you must provide a certified translation.

Apply Online Here

(2) Apply in-person at the Township office.

• If you are unable to use the online portal, please call or email the Township to inquire about scheduling an appointment to submit your application in-person at the Township office (8348 Wellington Road 124, Rockwood, O.N.) between 8:30am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Please Be Advised That Walk-In Appointments Will Not Be Accepted - You Must Book an Appointment in Advance

• An application form must be completed and signed by both parties in order to obtain a marriage licence. 

**NOTE: If your documentation is in a language other than English, you must provide a certified translation.

The license fee for a Township-issued marriage licence is $161.00. Payment can be made by either in-person, or through interact e-transfer. If paying through e-transfer, please include your name and marriage license number in the memo field.

Both applicants are encouraged to attend the appointment in-person (approx. 30 minutes), however, it is only required that one applicant at minimum submit the application provided they have the proper original documents for themselves and the other applicant.

If you DID NOT upload your supporting identification documents through the online portal, you will need to bring the following ORIGINALS of your IDs to your appointment:

• Completed Application Form
• Original Birth Certificates for Each Partner
• Current Government Issued Photo ID (Passport, Driver’s License, or Canadian Citizenship) for Each Partner
  • Ontario Health Cards will NOT be accepted
• Original Certificate of Divorce or Decree Absolute (if applicable)
• Application Fee ($161.00 – payable in-person or by Interact E-Transfer)

Photocopies or expired identification are NOT ACCEPTED. Only originals and in-date identification are permissible.

Documents in a language other than English or French must be translated by a certified translator. If you do not understand or read English, please provide your own interpreter and they must provide identification.

See below for more information on marriage ceremony options!

For more information on Marriage Licensing or to book an appointment, please contact Legislative Services at 519-856-9596 ext. 101 or email clerks@get.on.ca

The Township offers Civil Marriage Ceremonies performed by the Municipal Clerk, Deputy Clerk, or designated staff.

Scheduling is subject to the officiant’s availability, and venue options could include:

• Township Office – Council Chambers (*alcohol, confetti, bubbles, rice, candles or incense are not permitted)
• Enabling Gardens – Rockwood
• Enabling Gardens – Marden
• Halls and Meeting Spaces (click here for more!)

Looking for a naturally stunning and serene spot to tie the knot? Our Enabling Gardens in Rockwood and Marden offer the perfect setting for an intimate outdoor ceremony surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant blooms.

Whether you’re planning a simple elopement or a small, heartfelt gathering, these picturesque garden spaces provide a romantic backdrop for your special day – and they’re available at a special discounted rate!

Let nature be part of your love story. Ask us about booking your wedding in the garden today!

Consultations with your officiant before your wedding is optional. If you wish to have a consultation before your big day, contact the Township at 519-856-9596 ext. 101 or email at clerks@get.on.ca to book an appointment.

For your consultation, please bring the following:

• A valid marriage license
• Government issued photo ID
• Payment for ceremony
• Names and addresses of two witnesses
• Any materials to be incorporated into the ceremony

NOTE: Civil Marriage Ceremonies conducted by the Township’s Marriage Officiant’s are non-denominational and dignified ceremony in adherence with the requirements of the Marriage Act for the Province of Ontario.

Please click here for our information package on Civil Marriage Ceremonies.

Please click here for Service Ontario’s Before you get Married page

For further information or to book your ceremony, please contact Legislative Services at 519-856-9596 ext. 101 or email clerks@get.on.ca

For information about Building Permits and Inspections, click here.

For information about Entrance Permits, click here.

The Township of Guelph/Eramosa policy regarding Filming on Properties and Streets (COR-0110) sets out the guidelines for the assessment and coordination of location filming projects within the Township. 

Click here to view a full copy of the township's filming policy (COR-0110)

Click here for an application for a film location permit

A complete application for a film location permit must be received by the Township Legislative Services Department not less than three (3) working days prior to filming, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

There is a permit application fee of $600.00 for each film location permit to be submitted along with a completed application form.   A deposit will also be required.

Within is Film Location Policy, the Township has requirements for applicants related to:

• Notification of neighbouring properties
• Hours of filming
• Community standards
• Site clean-up
• Vehicles, traffic and parking
• Signage
• Police and Emergency Services
• Insurance
• Noise
• Lighting
• Safety

For more information on filming in the Township and Film Location Permits, please contact Legislative Services at 519-856-9596 ext. 107 or email the Clerk's department.

For information about new lawn permits and outdoor water use restrictions, click here. 

For information about new Open Air Burning, click here.

A "Special Event" is any annual or infrequently occurring event or activities that take place at a Township park, property or on a Township road, requiring a road closure.  A Special Event may be a parade, procession, ceremony, street dance or party, festival, carnival, bicycle race, marathon or footrace, triathlon, biathlon, walkathon that occupies part or all of a road within the Township. 

Township's special events policy (COR-0111)

Special events permit application

A complete application for a special event permit must be received by the Township Legislative Services Department not less than thirty (30) days prior to the event. 

Please view the Township's Special Events Policy for more information about requirements relating to:

• Insurance
• Signage and Barricades
• Temporary Structures
• Locates
• Waste Disposal
• Site Plan
• Temporary Power and Utilities
• Noise
• Notification of community
• Police and Emergency Assistance
• Portable Washrooms
• Trails
• Competitive, Timed Events
• Street Parties

For more information on special events in the Township and Special Events Permits, please contact Legislative Services at 519-856-9596 ext. 107 or email the Clerk's department.

A special occasion permit is required for the sale and service of beverage alcohol at special occasions such as weddings, charity fundraisers, receptions, etc. These permits are issued through the LCBO on behalf of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. You may be required to notify the Township about your special occasion permit. Notifications can be sent to the Clerk's department or mailed to the Township Office at PO Box 700, Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0. Should you require an acknowledgment letter from the Township, please advise.

Please be advised that if you are using a tent or a marquee that is greater than 640 square feet in area, you are required to apply for a temporary Building Permit from our Building Department. Please contact Building Department at Ext. 114# or dkent@get.on.ca, if you require such a permit. The Building Department will require a sketch outlining the location of all tents and/or marquees being used on the property for your event.

If you are planning to play music at your event past 11:00 p.m., you will be required to complete a Noise By-law Exemption application, which must be approved by Council. Visit the Township's By-law Page for more information on Noise By-law.

Want to have your wedding at a Township park or facility, please visit our Community Facilities page or contact parks@get.on.ca or 519-856-9596 ext. 113#.

The Township of Guelph/Eramosa offers Civil Marriage Ceremonies performed by the Municipal Clerk or the Deputy Clerk. For more information, click here.

We issue Marriage Licences at our Municipal Office. See your Marriage Licence page for information. 

For more information on weddings and private functions, please contact Legislative Services at 519-856-9596 ext. 101 or email the Clerk's department.