Community Use of Schools

The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) endorses and encourages the community’s participation in the use of its facilities and resources.

It is the policy of the DSBN that its facilities will be made available for community use for the mutual benefit of students and the community in a manner that is both fair and equitable.

School facilities and resources are made available during the school year through the issuance of rental permits administered by Permit and Rental Services.

On weekdays, rental permits to allow community use of schools are available between 6:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. in elementary schools and between 7:00p.m. and 10:00p.m. in secondary schools. On weekends, community use of schools is available between 8:00a.m. and 10:00p.m.

Any inquiries to rent a school facility for community use of schools outside of the times listed above are by special request only and should be referred to the Permit and Rental Services department.

Community Use of Schools Program

In addition to general rental permits, the District School Board of Niagara supports the Community Use of Schools framework, a Ministry of Education initiative that encourages access to school space outside of school hours for not-for-profit community groups.

Program Principles:

Schools as Hubs of Communities

Schools are the hubs of their communities and offer citizens a place to come together, volunteer, build skills, access community programs, become physically active and build strong and healthy communities.

Support for a Positive Climate for Youth

The Community Use of Schools program supports and promotes healthy, active lifestyles for community youth.

Fair and Equitable Access

Schools are welcoming and inclusive and offer parent groups, community organizations and other citizens fair access to use of school space at affordable rates for community purposes in non-school hours.

Respect for Roles and Responsibilities

Community Use of Schools program stakeholder partners respect each other’s roles, responsibilities and obligations to the community and education system.

Not-For-Profit organizations to be charged affordable rates

District School Boards, where feasible, should ensure that after-hours user fees for school facilities in their district are affordable for Not-For-Profit community users.

COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOLS

FAQ

Who qualifies?

Not-For-Profit Youth-Related Community Groups:
- local youth groups where activities are for participants under the age of 18 (or under the age of 28 for participants with a disability).
Not-For-Profit Recognized Children’s Sport and Recreation Service Providers:
- groups that are sponsored or recognized by a municipality as providing services;
- programs for the benefit of the community;
- members of a provincial sports organization or an accredited camping organization;
- universally recognized as service providers (ex. Red Cross, YMCA).
Not-For-Profit Childcare Operations:
- groups involved with before and after school childcare programs delivered by eligible operators (as per the Child Care and Early Years Act) within the school board district.
Other Not-For-Profit or Charitable Groups:
- groups such as local service clubs, community health associations, parent groups, seniors groups, etc., as determined by the district school board.

All other groups are further vetted and categorized by Permit and Rental Services according to the protocols of the Community Use of Schools program to determine their rental and fee category which may fall into enterprise, municipal or other organization.

How do I rent a facility?

Log into the DSBN online permit booking system. First time users will need to create an account.
Scan through the convenient online system to choose a facility that suits your needs.
Follow the prompts in the online system to complete and submit your request to the Permit and Rental Services.
Your application will be reviewed by a DSBN staff member. If approved, a Rental Permit will be electronically issued.

What happens if there is inclement weather?

When schools remain open during times of inclement weather, Community Use of Schools activities are allowed to continue as scheduled. However, if your community group determines that you are unable to proceed with your permit due to weather conditions, you can contact the Permit and Rental Services office (905-641-2929 ext. 54301) to adjust your permit.

You will not receive any charges or penalties to modify or cancel bookings due to inclement weather. Even if you make the decision to cancel your booking after hours, you can contact Permit and Rental Services the following working day, and the booking and any associated charges will be removed from your permit.
Alternatively, permit holders may log into their user account in the Community Use of Schools permit portal and edit their permits in order to cancel bookings.

What is available?

Types of spaces available include:

Auditoriums & Gymnasiums

Cafeterias

Classrooms

Conference rooms

Fields & Parking Lots

Lecture rooms & Libraries

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT

User Group & Category Rates

Finding your category is the first step to booking a DSBN space.

Rental rates are based on who you are and how you’ll use the space. We offer eight user group categories from free access for not-for-profit youth programs to standard rates for commercial groups. Find the category that best describes your organization then use the rate tables to estimate your costs.

Learn More