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

The Near North District School Board has received Priority School Funding to invite not-for-profit groups to use Silver Birches Public School at no charge. The funding will pay the costs incurred for keeping the school open after hours. This creates the opportunity for eligible, not-for-profit groups to offer more affordable or free programs in this school's community.

APPLYING FOR A COMMUNITY USE PERMIT

The Near North District School Board provides 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” link and following the instructions to register. Existing users can follow the “Community Use Online” link to login and create a permit.

Community Use Online
Online Permitting User Guide

TO BOOK A FACILITY APPLICANTS MUST:

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 (Permits for the next school year can be entered starting in May of the current school year)

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

All user fees shall be payable to the Near North District School Board.
Fees for a facility vary according to the type of space used (gym, classroom, school field, etc). Charges shall be those actual costs that the Board incurs as a result of the activity plus additional costs where applicable.

Community Use of Facilities Rates

SCHOOLS WITH AVAILABLE SPACE

Nearly all Near North schools have some space available for Community Use. The online reservation system lists all available schools and the spaces available for each school. If a required space is not listed, please contact the Principal of the school for availability and approval.

BOARD CONTACT INFORMATION

Outreach Coordinator:

Paul Manning
Online Permitting, OSBIE Insurance
(705) 472-7015 ext. 5045
paul.manning@nearnorthschools.ca