Community Use of Schools is an initiative by the Ministry of Education that supports affordable access to school space outside of school hours by not-for-profit community groups.
The Board's Rental Office coordinates the use of schools for community groups in conjunction with the local municipalities where the schools are located as established through the Municipal Reciprocal Agreement. Through this agreement, the Halton District School Board's Rental Office works with the local municipality to coordinate the use of school facilities for community groups.
If you are interested in renting one of our schools, your first step is to contact the local municipality. If, after contacting the local municipality you would like to rent one of our facilities, see below about 'How to Rent a Facility'. In order to ensure all community users have fair and equitable access to our schools, usage priorities have been established.
How to Rent a Facility
The Halton District School Board offers a user friendly online reservation process, with access to a listing of available facilities:
- Create an account. If you're an existing user, login using your previously created account.
- Choose a facility that will suit your group's needs. The online reservation system provides access to school facilities across the Region of Halton such as gymnasiums, auditoriums and cafeterias.
- Once the Rentals Office has reviewed your application and it has been approved, a permit will be electronically issued.
During the school year, hours of availability are Monday to Friday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For summer availability and hours of operation, please contact the the Board's Rental Booking Department at rentals@hdsb.ca
Users must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a valid email address to set up an online account.
- Register a valid Visa or Mastercard to cover applicable fees.
- Provide a valid Certificate of Liability Insurance with a minimum $2 million per occurrence. The Halton District School Board must be added as an “Additional Insured".
- Groups that do not carry their own insurance can purchase it through HDSB. The cost of the liability insurance will be added to your permit.
Rental Rates and Categories
Rental rates are based on the User Rental Categories.
Rental Rates Update for 2017-18 School Year
The Halton District School Board annually reviews and adjusts the rental rates charged for the use of school spaces by outside user groups. Rates are generated by the type of room and on the nature of the groups such as a local community user group vs for profit business user. Rates are adjusted to ensure that education dollars intended for students do not subsidize the rental of a school. Rates are adjusted to keep the cost as low as possible as the Board aims for a cost recovery.
This year the costs incurred by the Board for rentals are expected to increase by 3%.
Previously some room sizes were estimated and this affected the charges. The Board has confirmed all room sizes and some rooms were underestimated while some were overestimated. Confirmation of the calculation has resulted in an adjustment to the size of room and therefore recovered cost. The Board is phasing these adjustments over a 2 year period to minimize the impact on user groups.
Conditions of Use and Code of Conduct
Per our Conditions of Use, all user groups must adhere to the Halton District School Board Code of Conduct.
Contact
If you need further assistance, please contact the Rental Coordinator in your area:
- Burlington and Milton Rentals at 905-335-3665, Ext. 2214
- Oakville and Halton Hills Rentals at 905-335-3665, Ext. 3267
You can also email rentals@hdsb.ca or visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.