Organize a wash-o-thon

Last updated February 7, 2024

Want to use a fire hydrant to wash cars as part of a fundraising initiative? Whether you represent an organization or a company, you must get authorization from your borough.

In order to use a fire hydrant, you must first get a temporary use permit.

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Wash-o-thons are not authorized on public property.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes, unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Open and shut the fire hydrant using the city-approved key designed for that purpose.
  • Regulate the flow using the shut-off valve.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.
  • Install a backflow preventer.
  • Make sure the hydrant is properly drained after shutting it off, pump air inside it if required, and notify the city.

Fees

Taxes included

Duration

Amount

1 week or less

$100

1 to 12 weeks

$500

12 to 26 weeks

$700

Submit a request

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes (between November 15 and April 15), unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Fees

Taxes included

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Submit a request

By e-mail

Please send your completed application form and supporting documents at least five business days before the date of the wash-o-thon.

Payment methods

  • Cash

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Submit a completed application form.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Install a gate valve on the fire hydrant before using it.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes, unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.
  • Install a backflow preventer and make sure to properly drain the hydrant before putting on the cap again.

To identify the source of a leak on public property, visit Request a fire hydrant test.

Fees

Taxes included

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Required documents

  • Statement of responsibility

Submit a request

Direction des travaux publics

Service Aqueduc et égout
2200, rue Saint-Antoine
Montréal, QC H8S 1V6

Send your completed application form (in French) with your cheque.

Payment methods

  • Cheque or postal money order payable to “Ville de Montréal”

Send your completed application form.

Only organizations that are recognized by the borough can use a fire hydrant for a car wash.

Using the fire hydrant is free of charge. 

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.

Submit your application at least one month before the car wash.

Public autorisé

  • A wash-o-thon is authorized only if it is held in support of a recognized organization.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Open and shut off the fire hydrant using the city-approved key designed for that purpose.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.
  • Use the shut-off valve to regulate flow.

Submit a request

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • You must use a flow control valve and a backflow valve (e.g., for filling a tank).
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes, unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

No permits are issued between December 1 and April 30.

Fees

Taxes included

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Documents

Submit a request

By e-mail

Please submit your completed application form at least two days before you expect to start using the fire hydrant.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes, unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Fees

Taxes included

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Required documents

  • Completed application form
  • Statement of responsibility

Modes de paiement

  • Cash (accepted for payment under $300)
  • Debit card
  • Credit card (MasterCard, Visa)
  • Cheque payable to “Ville de Montréal”

Submit a request

By e-mail

Please submit your application at least two days before you expect to use the fire hydrant.

It is prohibited to hold a wash-o-thon in this borough.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes. Only companies that are under contract with the city can use fire hydrants in freezing conditions, providing that they properly protect them.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Authorized periods

Only two wash-o-thons per season are authorized: 

  • In the spring: April-May
  • In the fall: September-October

Fees

Taxes included.

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Submit a request

By e-mail

Bring your completed application form and your documents at least four business days before the start of the wash-o-thon.

Only recognized and accredited non-profit organizations (NPO) can hold a fundraising wash-o-thon.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information (or those of the person responsible for the wash-o-thon).
  • the location of the fire hydrant.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • Start and end time of the event
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

The day of the wash-o-thon, a person from the borough will install the equipment on the fire hydrant, then remove it after the event.

Important

  • Do not let the water run for purposes other than the wash-o-thon.
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Authorized periods

Only two wash-o-thons per season are authorized: 

  • In the spring: April-May
  • In the fall: September-October

Fees

Taxes included.

Duration

Amount

5 days or less

$214.75

For each additional day

$54.25

Required documents

  • Proof of NPO accreditation
  • Statement of responsibility

Submit a request

By mail

Direction de la culture, des loisirs, des sports et du développement social

11121, avenue Salk
Montréal, QC H1G 4Y3

Methods of payment

  • Postal money order payable to “Ville de Montréal”
  • Cheque payable to “Ville de Montréal”

Please submit your application several days prior to holding the wash-o-thon.

Allow for a 48-hour processing period once your application has been accepted.

Wash-o-thons are not authorized on public property.

It is prohibited to hold a wash-o-thon in this borough.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes, unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Fees

Taxes included.

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Required documents

  • Statement of responsibility

Submit a request

12090 Rue Notre-Dame Est
Montréal, QC H1B 2Z1

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

The application form shown above must be submitted at least five business days prior to the wash-o-thon.

The application form shown above must be submitted at least five business days prior to the wash-o-thon.

Division des permis et de l'inspection

514-868-4340

The application form shown above must be submitted at least five business days prior to the wash-o-thon.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes, unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Permits are not issued between December 1 and April 30.

Fees

Taxes not included.

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Required documents

  • Statement of responsibility

Submit a request

By e-mail

You are not required to go in person. Please send your completed application form at least two business days prior to the start of use.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.

The permit is valid for the use of only one fire hydrant at a time. If several fire hydrants must be used simultaneously, one permit per hydrant is required.

Upon receipt of your application form and payment, you will receive an instruction sheet along with a plate that you must place on the fire hydrant when using it.

No permits will be issued between November 15 and March 31.

Fees

Taxes included.

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Submit a request

In person

777 Boulevard Marcel-Laurin
Montréal, QC H4M 2M7

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

Please complete the application form shown above and bring it when you go in person to pay for your permit, based on the above fee schedule.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information (or those of the person responsible for the wash-o-thon).
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • start and end time of the event.

We will contact you after your application is received.

The day of the wash-o-thon, a person from the borough will install the equipment on the fire hydrant, then remove it after the event.

General regulations

  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Single location

The municipal parking lot at Parc Wilfrid-Bastien is the only public place where residents are authorized to hold a wash-o-thon.

You can only hold two car washes per season: 

  • Spring: April-May
  • Fall: September-October

Fees

Taxes included.

Type of fee

Amount

Presentation of a wash-o-thon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$75 per day

Presentation of a wash-o-thon Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

$75 per day

Presentation of a wash-o-thon at any other time

$210 per day

Cancellation of a wash-o-thon

$20

Connection to a privately-owned outlet

$25 per day

Required documents

  • Proof of NPO accreditation
  • Insurance rider covering the organizers of the activity

Submit a request

Division de l’urbanisme

8400, boulevard Lacordaire
Montréal, QC H1R 3B1

Methods of payment

  • Postal money order payable to “Ville de Montréal”
  • Cheque payable to “Ville de Montréal”

Please submit your application at least five business days before the date of the wash-o-thon.

Please send us your information by e-mail.

Information

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes, unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Authorized periods

Only two wash-o-thons per season are authorized: 

  • In the spring: April-May
  • In the fall: September-October

Fees

Taxes included.

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Required documents

Statement of responsibility

Submit a request

By e-mail

Please complete the above form and send it to us, along with your documents, at least five days before the wash-o-thon is held.

Your application to temporarily use a fire hydrant must include: 

  • your name and full contact information.
  • the location of the fire hydrant and the plate number, if possible.
  • the desired use dates.
  • the reason for the use.
  • a statement that you hold the city harmless from any damages or claims that may arise from the use of the fire hydrant and that you are responsible for any damages caused during its use.

General regulations

  • Notify the city before and after the fire hydrant use period.
  • Use only the fire hydrant designated by the city.
  • Connect to the fire hydrant without hindering access in case of fire.
  • Do not use a fire hydrant when it freezes (between November 15 and April 15), unless you aim to protect it from freezing.
  • Do not let the water run for a purpose other than the one authorized. 
  • Never let the water run when the fire hydrant is not in use so as to limit risks and losses.

Authorized periods

Only two wash-o-thons per season are authorized: 

  • In the spring: April-May
  • In the fall: September-October

Fees

Taxes included.

Duration

Amount

1 day or less

$74.70

1 to 2 days

$153.30

2 days to 1 week

$232

1 to 2 weeks

$308.70

2 to 8 weeks

$387.40

8 to 26 weeks

$463

Document

Required documents

  • Statement of responsibility

Submit a request