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Applications, Licenses and Permits

The Municipality administers various licences and permits for businesses, individuals and organizations to ensure public health and safety, consumer protection, fairness in business practices, and quality control of service.

Please review the Municipality's list of applications, licenses and permits. 

The Municipality of Hastings Highlands has the authority to issue lottery licenses to eligible organizations within the community (charitable and religious organizations only). We are also responsible for enforcing licensing policies and compliance under the terms and conditions of the licenses we issue.

Our Municipal Clerk’s Department issues lottery licenses in accordance with Provincial Regulations.

When Do I Need a Licence?

Lotteries for charity can be a lot of fun – especially for the winners. But, certain rules must be followed in order to run a charitable lottery in Hastings Highlands. We work together with the O.P.P. and AGCO to ensure games are run in a legal and fair way. Eligible groups are able to submit an application for a lottery licence. 3rd party groups wishing to help a charitable group are encouraged to speak directly with the organization, as licenses are only able to be issued to the licensed group.
Email us at [email protected] or call 613 338-2811 Ext. 277 for more information.

If your event includes:

  • An exchange of consideration or fee (i.e. money changes hands),
  • A game of chance, and
  • An opportunity to win a prize

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, your event is considered a lottery event and therefore the rules set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario apply.

Lottery Licenses are required for the following six events:

  • Raffles
  • 50/50 draws
  • Arm’s length tickets
  • Bazaars
  • Bingos
  • Break open tickets

Who can get a Licence to Conduct a Lottery Event?

Canada’s Criminal Code permits charitable and religious organizations to conduct a lottery scheme to raise funds pursuant to a licence being issued. Organizations must be providing charitable services to Ontario residents for a minimum of 1 year to qualify. The term “charitable” refers to organizations that provide programs or services for:

  • The relief of poverty
  • The advancement of education
  • The advancement of religion
  • Other charitable purposes beneficial to the community

The primary purposes of an organization are determined by considering:

  • The mandate of the organization as set out in its incorporation documents or documents stating the organization’s objects
  • The objects of the organization as described in its application for licence
  • The services which have actually been provided by the organization to the community
     

What types of organizations are not charitable for lottery licensing purposes?

Types of organizations that cannot be considered charitable include:

  • Professional associations, unions, employee groups
  • Elected representative groups including municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments
  • Government ministries, agents or bodies
  • Political lobby groups
  • Political parties
  • Adult hobby groups
  • Private sports clubs (e.g. golf/curling)
  • Adult sports team
  • Social clubs
     

How can I apply?

Application forms and information packages are available from the Municipal Clerk’s Department by appointment. Please call 613 338-2811 ext. 211 or email [email protected]

Submit completed forms along with any necessary supplementary documents for approval as outlined in the Terms and Conditions. 
*PLEASE NOTE: Lottery licenses will NOT be given out the same day or next day. The Municipality will process requests for Lottery Licenses after the organization has submitted all the required documentation (and/or documentation from their previous lotteries). After that time, the Municipality will process the application within ten (10) business days.

The Municipality of Hastings Highlands is responsible for issuing Municipal lottery licenses for lottery events conducted in the municipality as follows:

  • Bingo events with prize board $5,500 and under
  • Media bingo events
  • Raffle for total prizes $50,000 and under
  • Break Open licenses not licensed by province
  • Bazaars

If a group wishes to raise funds by holding a lottery in order to donate proceeds to charities, it must become recognized as a charitable organization with an established charitable mandate, either through incorporation or by constitution or by-laws, and apply for a lottery licence to be used for projects or donations that are consistent with its charitable mandate.

​*Proceeds from lotteries must be used for charitable or religious objects and purposes only.

Organizations must submit an eligibility package to Hastings Highlands and receive approval before applying for a lottery licence.  Each organization will undergo an eligibility review each year.

Lottery Trust Account – The licensee MUST open and maintain a separate designated lottery trust account (with two signatories on the account) to administer all funds related to the conduct of lottery events. Terms and conditions for all types of lottery programs can be found on the AGCO website.

Please call or email our Lottery Licensing Officer to schedule an appointment: 
Suzanne Huschilt, Municipal Clerk
613 338-2811 Ext. 277
Email: [email protected]

The following information can be accessed online at the Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) website. Licensee’s are required to familiarize themselves with these policies and procedures.

  • Application forms for all gaming events
  • Terms and conditions for all gaming events
  • The Lottery Licence Policy Manual
  • Use of proceeds
  • Eligibility requirements and regulations
  • Reports for all gaming events 

Lottery Licensing Documents

Lottery Licence Eligibility Questionnaire (.pdf)
Lottery Licence Eligibility Questionnaire (Word Document)
Application to Manage and Conduct a Raffle Lottery (.pdf) – Published by AGCO

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