TDSB Expels Hundreds of Churches
Toronto District School Board Forcing Churches Out Through Raising Rent by as much as 700%
The Toronto District School Board Trustees voted to increase Church rent by 43.7% and add massive janitorial charges to all permits. One church with 25 members was paying $5,200 per year for a room on Sundays. Their new permit cost is $37,874 per year. Such increases are unfeasible. The true message is that churches have now been expelled from Schools in Toronto.
Update on Permit Fees
At the June 13, 2012 Board meeting, Trustees approved a permit fee increase of 43.7% that will take effect January 1, 2013.
At the February 8, 2012 Board meeting Trustees approved the streamlining of user categories (moving some users to a higher rate) that will take effect September 1, 2012.
Letters and revised categories will be sent out to permit holders early next week. Permit fee schedules will be posted on the TDSB website early next week.
A formal briefing note is being sent to all Trustees in today’s Friday package.
- • Community
- • Adult Groups With High Usage
- • Adult Groups With Lower Usage
- • Religious Groups
- • Youth and Senior Groups With High Usage
We will be able to make any adjustments to the letters before they go out on Monday, if any are required.
There are 5 letters in total. There are 4 groups that are impacted by a category change; each letter has been personalized for them. These 4 groups are: youth and senior groups with high usage, adult groups with high usage, adult groups with lower usage and religious groups. The last letter speaks specifically to the permit fee increase for those permit holders who are not impacted by a category change.
Below are key messages and questions and answers that you may find helpful when speaking to your community about these changes.
For more information please contact: Angelos Bacopoulos, Chief Facilities Officer
416-396-8554 or angelos.bacopoulos@tdsb.on.ca.
Key Messages
- • Every year, the TDSB welcomes thousands of permit holders into our classrooms, gyms and other spaces.
- • We believe that schools are an important part of the community; however, given our current budget pressures, we have to ensure permits are issues in a financially responsible way and are sustainable.
- • Over the last year, our permit policy has been reviewed and changes have been made to better reflect the true cost of the use of our facilities, as well as inflation.
- • This is not about making money from our community partners; we are taking steps to recover the actual costs involved.
• We will make our best effort to continue supporting community groups wanting to use our schools, but our primary focus is to ensure the students in our classrooms have the supports they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have permit fees been raised and when do they take effect?
As part of this year’s budget process, the Board approved a permit fee increase of 43.7% that will take effect January 1, 2013. This increase ensures that any shortfall in permit fees will not impact the resources available for our schools and classrooms. These changes will make running community permits sustainable for the long term.
What changes will come into effect September 1, 2012?
We have recently reviewed and revised the criteria for the categories of permit users.
Have there been changes made to the subsidy structure?
Yes, there are several important changes.
- • Although religious organizations are mostly “registered non-profit” bodies, the Board has determined that the cost of running religious services will no longer be subsidized. Therefore, these permits will fall into the “non-subsidized” category.
• In order to provide more equitable access to the subsidy, groups that book a large number of permits will not be eligible for the highest level of subsidy.
• The “community adult” group has been eliminated. This group will still be eligible for subsidized rates, but at a lower level. Adult groups that book a large number of permits will fall into the Non-Subsidized category.
• On Saturdays, the subsidized permit hours are shortened, ending at 6 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.
Why are some groups receiving a subsidy while others are not?
Under the Community Use of Schools program, non-profit groups may receive a subsidized permit fee based on criteria that are set out in the Provincial program.
How will payment be received for permit fees?
Permit fees need to be paid in advance. If the permit fee is of a large amount, we may accept monthly instalments in advance of each month of booking, provided that the account is in good standing.
Will changes to permit contracts be allowed?
Yes, changes are allowed provided that adequate notice is given. There is a change fee. If less than a week’s notice is given, the booking fees may not be refunded.
Who can I contact if I have any questions about my permit?
If you have any questions with regard to your permit please call 416-395-7666 or email permits@tdsb.on.ca