Frequently Asked Questions

 
Q1: When can I apply for permits September - June?
   

Acceptance of applications starts on June 1st, or the next business day if June 1st falls on a weekend.

 
 
Q2: What days/hours can I book?
   

Permits are issued Monday – Friday between 6pm – 10:00pm (or 10:30pm) and weekends any time.

**please note that there is a 3 hour minimum caretaker supervision fee on weekends**
 
 
Q3: How long before my event should I request a permit?
   

Minimum ten (10) advance business days notice is required before a Permit can be issued.

 
 
Q4: How will I know if my permit is approved?
   

Once the permit has remained in the system for 5 business days, and proof of insurance has been provided, your permit will be approved. 

You will receive a notice via the email provided at time of enrollment. Be sure to respond promptly and check the dates and times for accuracy. Any change of the permit will incur a charge.

 
 
Q5: When can I apply for summer permits?
   

Acceptance of applications starts January 15 or second Monday in January, whichever occurs first in that year. All applications received by May 1 will be processed, approved, where possible, and confirmed in date and priority order by June 15.

The deadline for summer permit applications is April 30th.

*Note that school availability for summer use may be limited to allow for scheduled and/or necessary maintenance, renovations and major cleaning*

 
 
Q6: How much notice do I have to provide if I want to change or cancel my permit?
   

If, for any reason, a permitted facility is not required on any of the requested dates, refund of charges will be made ONLY if the Permits Department of the Board is notified in writing by emailing permits@tcdsb.org and clearly indicating your Organization's name 72 hours before the event is scheduled to occur.

 
 
Q7: Am I charged for permit change fees when I request a permit change?
   

Yes, there is a $25 change fee

 
 
Q8: What days/periods are not available for permits?
    Permits will not be granted for community use of school facilities during the two weeks prior to school closing in June, two weeks prior to school commencing in September and during the first week of school in September, unless otherwise authorized by the School Principal or Community Use of Schools Department
 
 
Q9: What type of groups/activities are not eligible for TCDSB permits?
   

• Private group uses such as wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations, wedding/baby showers, baptism celebrations, birthday parties, product promotion parties and similar private gatherings.
• Uses where activities of the group are incompatible or competing with the interests of the Board or are in conflict with the Board’s Continuing Education Programs.
• Where activities are a direct violation of Municipal, Provincial and Federal Bylaws and Laws

 
 
Q10: How do I pay for my permit?
   
  • Online with Visa or Mastercard *NO DEBIT VISA*
  • Debit (in person)
  • Certified Cheque, Money Order or Bank Draft:
Mail to:
TCDSB - Permits Dept. (1st Floor)
80 Sheppard Ave. E.
Toronto, ON
M2N 6E8
 
 
Q11: Do I have to apply for an entire school year?
   

No, dates can be selected for one-time use or on a reoccurring basis

 
 
Q12: Is food allowed in the gym?
    No, food or beverages, where approved as a part of the approved Permit, must be consumed ONLY in the assigned cafeteria and lunchroom areas
 
 
Q13: Can we use school equipment?
    Permit Holders are not permitted the use of any school equipment unless authorized by the school Principal
 
 
Q14: Can we store our equipment at the school?
    All equipment stored at schools by Permit Holders must be approved by school Principal, and is stored at the Permit Holder’s own risk
 
 
Q15: What are supervision fees and when do I pay for them?
    Supervision fees are charged for any permits that occur on weekends, holidays or anytime that a custodian is not regularly scheduled to work.
 
 
Q16: Who gets priority?
   

Permit applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, from the date of receipt in the Community Use of Schools Dept. Permits may be issued to any organization or individual on the following priority basis:

(1) Toronto Catholic District School Board schools, Trustees, and related departments.

(2) Catholic Church Organizations;

(3) City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation programs;

(4) Registered Charities and Not-for-Profit groups, holding a valid Letters Patent, as funded by the Ministry of Education;

(5) Community groups and youth groups not included in #4. above;

(6) Post-secondary teacher education institutions;

(7) Other groups/Commercial Entities
 
 
Q17: How can I qualify for the non – profit or registered charitable rates?
    By providing your Registered Charitable number or Not-for-Profit Letters Patent to permits@tcdsb.org, please clearly indicate your Organization's name.
 
 
Q18: What do I do if there is a problem during my permit and there is no caretaker available in the school?
   

Permit Holder must have a copy of approved Permit at each event.  Located at the top of the permit is an In Case of Emergency #416-512-3049 that will connect you directly with the TCDSB Security.

 
 
Q19: When and where to buy permit insurance?
   

The Board does not sell insurance, organizations may use their own insurance or apply with Gallagher Insurance.
https://www.ajg.com/ca/insurance/programs-partnerships/toronto-catholic-district-school-board/

You are under no obligation to purchase from Gallagher Insurance.  Insurance policies from other companies are acceptable, so long as the requirements are met.
 
 
Q20: What is required for the Certificate of Insurance?
   

The Certificate of Insurance must name the Toronto Catholic District School Board as an “additional insured” with minimum liability coverage of $2,000,000. It must be a current certificate.

 
 
Q21: How do I submit my insurance certificate?
   

Once you have received your insurance certificate/policy, please login to your account and upload it under your account profile.

 
 
Q22: If I cancel my permit, will my insurance be refunded?
   

Please contact your insurance provider

 
 
Q23: Can I change my permit date and time on-line after my permit is approved?
   

Yes, please login to your account:

  • select the permit number that you want to change
  • select action
  • request a change
  • input information
  • click submit
 
 
Q24: When I register as a new user, how long will it take for my account to be approved?
   

Please allow 2 – 3 business days for approval, if you do not hear from us, please follow up through email at permits@tcdsb.org. Please be sure to include your Organization's name in the email.

**please do not try to re-enrol**
 
 
Q25: Do I create a new permit if I want to extend my permit start/end time after I submit my permit request?
   

No, please login to your account:

  • select the permit number that you want to change
  • select action
  • request a change
  • input information
  • click submit