May 19, 2012 -
Community Use of Schools

Community Use of Schools

Schools are becoming the hubs of our communities, and it is happening all across Ontario. Community Use of Schools is an initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Education that supports access to school space outside of school hours for not-for-profit community groups. Schools have exclusive use of their space on school days from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Community Use space is available from September through June, Monday to Friday from 6:00 pm to 11:00pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays. Our schools are not open for Community Use during Christmas, March and Summer Breaks, Statutory Holidays, or Professional Activity (PA) Days.

Guidelines for Community Use of Schools:

  • Inclement Weather Days
    For the safety of our community partners and staff, District School Board Ontario North East would like to advise that all community use of schools permits will be cancelled on snow days where school buses are not running.
  • Submitting Applications
    Applications need to be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the activity. Allow 5 weeks for processing if your community group has not rented facilities from District School Board Ontario North East in the past.
  • Insurance Requirements
    All groups require proof of 5-million dollars liability insurance, naming District School Board Ontario North East as co-insured.
  • Weekend Use of Facilities
    Custodial costs will be charged to any group wishing to use a school on a weekend.

If you have any questions regarding Community Use of Schools or the OSBIE Insurance Program, please contact:

Corinna Wrona - Community Use of Schools Outreach Coordinator
Phone: 705-360-1151 x17602
Fax: 705-268-7100
Email: communityuseofschools@dsb1.edu.on.ca

Apply for a Community Use of Schools Permit

District School Board Ontario North East is working to provide a seamless offering of its school facilities to local community groups through a user-friendly online application process. Users and groups wanting to rent one of our schools will need to create an account in our online database and apply for a permit. This simple process can be done in the comfort of your home with minimal forms to be filled out.

To book a school facility, start by creating an account in our online database by clicking the Get started button below. If you are new to this process, please download the instruction manual here:

To book a school facility, applicants must:

  • be 21 years of age or older to obtain a permit
  • have a valid email address that can receive account information and approved permits
  • provide a certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of 5-million dollars naming District School Board Ontario North East as co-insured. Groups that do not carry liability insurance can purchase it through District School Board Ontario North East based on the User Group Policy and Rating Schedule provided by OSBIE (listed above). The cost of the liability insurance will be added to the permit costs.
Get Started

Last updated: February 17, 2012