Community Use of Schools 

​Community Use of Schools is a Ministry of Education initiative that supports access to school space outside of school hours for not-for-profit groups. It is the policy of the Near North District School Board to make available to the community the Board’s school buildings, facilities and grounds provided use does not conflict with regular school use and is economically feasible.

Community use of Facilities General Rules and Regulations

Priority School Funding  (View the poster.)

The Near North District School Board has received Priority School Funding this year to invite not-for-profit groups to use Mattawa District Public School at no charge.  The funding will pay the costs incurred for keeping the school open after hours and on weekends, seven days a week, all year long.

Applying for a Community Use of Schools Permit

The Near North District School Board is working to provide a seamless offering of its school facilities to local community groups through a user-friendly online application process.  To book a school facility, start by creating an account in our online database by clicking the “Community Use Online” button and following the instructions to register.  Existing users can follow the “Community Use Online” link to login and create a permit.

To book a facility, applicants must be: 

• be 21 years of age or older,
• have a valid email address to receive messages and approved permits through the online system,
• submit an online permit at least 2 weeks prior to the event to allow time for processing, and
• provide a certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of 5 million dollars naming the Near North District School Board as Additional Insured.  Groups that do not carry liability insurance can purchase it through the Near North District School Board based on the attached rating schedule provided by OSBIE (Ontario School Boards’ Insurance Exchange).  The cost of the insurance will be added to the permit.

OSBIE Rating Schedule

Schedule of Fees