Understanding Insurance Requirements for St. John’s Pride

Participating in St. John’s Pride is an exciting opportunity to celebrate, connect, and show support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re joining the parade, hosting an event, or setting up as a vendor, it’s important to understand the role insurance plays in keeping everyone safe and ensuring events run smoothly.

This guide breaks down what you need to know about insurance requirements and how to prepare.

Why Insurance Matters

Insurance is a standard requirement for public events. It protects participants, organizers, and the broader community by covering potential risks such as accidents, property damage, or unforeseen incidents.

For St. John’s Pride, meeting insurance requirements is also necessary for compliance with City of St. John’s event regulations and for final approval to participate.

Parade Participation Requirements

If you’re planning to join the Pride Parade as an organization or group, insurance requirements will depend on how you’re participating.

Vehicles and Floats

Any vehicle in the parade must carry a minimum of $2,000,000 in liability insurance.

If your vehicle is towing a float or carrying passengers, additional coverage requirements may apply, including both:

• Automobile liability insurance
• Commercial General Liability insurance

Organizations and Groups

Organizations are typically required to hold Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance of at least $2 million, with coverage extended to include the City of St. John’s as an additional insured.

Some non-profit groups without existing insurance may be eligible for exceptions or alternative arrangements.

Vendor Requirements

All vendors participating in Pride events must have their own general liability insurance policy for the duration of the event.

This applies to:

• Food vendors
• Retail vendors
• Community organizations with booths

Having your own coverage ensures that your operations are protected while participating in Pride in the Park and other festival spaces.

Submitting Proof of Insurance

To complete your registration:

• Proof of insurance must be submitted by email to parade@stjpride.ca or your Pride contact
• Your participation will not be approved until documentation is received
• Deadlines are strict, so early submission is strongly recommended

Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in being unable to participate.

St. John’s Pride is built on community, inclusion, and shared responsibility. Insurance requirements may seem technical, but they are an important part of creating a safe and successful event for everyone involved.

If you’re unsure about what coverage you need, it’s always best to consult with an insurance provider early in your planning process.

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