The Community Use of Schools program has been established through the Ministry of Education to reduce the rates charged for youth and not-for-profit adult programs. Effective September 1, 2006 and for the duration of the program, the charges for the use of board property will be as indicated below.

View the Ministry of Education price lists for rentals under the Community Use of Schools initiative while the Ministry program is in place:

All requests are subject to a $39.55 ($35 + HST) non-refundable permit fee.

Room rental charges are based on your group’s not-for-profit status, activity and the space you wish to book. Please check the category list below to see which category applies to your group.

Most schools have custodial coverage from Monday to Friday. If staff are not regularly scheduled or you wish to book a weekend date, custodial charges will apply.

New community users (during the first year of renting with WRDSB) and events that fall into the “community” and “other” charge categories that are one to two days in nature will be required to prepay their permit.

Rental Charge Categories

There are 4 types of permits and rental rates:

Youth (Not-for-profit) *Eligibility – completion of NFP form & documentation

  • All not-for-profit programs where the activities are intended for participants under the age of 18 (or under the age of 28 for participants with a disability)
  • All programs for school-age youth not operated as a business

Adult (Not-for-profit) *Eligibility – completion of NFP form & documentation

  • Not-for-profit adult recreation
  • Not-for-profit educational organization adult programs such as:
    • Conestoga College
    • Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Waterloo
    • Wilfred Laurier University, etc.
  • Not-for-profit groups providing community services free of charge or cost recovery
  • Rehearsals for adult theatrical presentations organized by not-for-profit organizations
  • WRDSB staff federations and associations (except professional development which will be charged out-of-pocket expenses only)

Community Events & Private Use

**Please note that effective January 1, 2026, events that fall into the “community” category will fall under the “Other” charge category **

  • Baby/wedding showers
  • Birthday and sports team parties
  • Charitable events & fundraising events
  • Craft sales
  • Cultural events
  • Dance competitions
  • Private events
  • Religious events
  • Tournaments*
  • Weddings

Other Organizations

  • Businesses including those charging for drama, art, music, dance, fitness, sports, etc.
  • Religious services and religious activities (except youth programs)
  • Film productions
  • Political organizations
  • Theatrical presentations, concerts or events with ticket sales

To be eligible for the not-for-profit categories, groups must provide proof of the organization’s not-for-profit status by completing a form and submitting supporting documentation such as a charitable status number, copy of letters patent or articles of incorporation as a not-for-profit.

* WRDSB considers an event a tournament when: Registration fees are paid by groups to participate in the event, or participating teams are from outside the Region of Waterloo