Responsibilities of Permit Holders
We welcome community members into TDSB facilities and expect that our schools, sports fields and pools be treated respectfully. Please review the Rules and Regulations that apply to all TDSB permits.
Food in Schools
School spaces are not permitted for banquets and dinners.* Alcohol is not allowed on TDSB property. Upon approval, light refreshments may be served in specifically designated areas. Such requests must be specified on permit applications.
*Caretakers will not unlock cafeteria kitchens, as they are not available for permit.
Supervision
For all non-school activities, a caretaker, a Board-employed security guard or such other employee as the Board may designate must be on duty during permitted times. While in a school building, the members of any group and spectators are under immediate supervision of competent and trustworthy adults who are responsible for compliance with Board requirements. In the assignment of supervision, attention must be given to the female/male ratio of the participants to ensure adequate washroom supervision. If the program requires the use of more than one room, the permit holder must provide a least one adult supervisor for each room in use. Adult supervisors must identify themselves to the caretaker or other Board designated employee prior to the use of facilities.
Special events must not be advertised until a permit has been received by the applicant. Pay-duty police officers are required for special events. The number of pay-duty police will be determined by the Police Department and arrangements and payment must be made by permit applicants according to Police Department procedures. The applicant is responsible for providing the permit unit with confirmation that arrangements have been made for police officers a minimum of five business days prior to the date of the event. Pay-duty officers must be on duty at least one-half hour before the start of the function until the end of the program and until the parking area is cleared.
Liability
Permit users are required to carry liability insurance naming the Toronto District School Board as "Additional Insured". Many small groups do not carry liability insurance. Therefore, the TDSB provides the opportunity for permit users to purchase "User Group Liability Insurance" at the time permits are issued.
Emergency and Safety Information
Medical Emergencies
All TDSB secondary schools have Public Access Defibrillators. These AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) are available to permit holders. In the event of an emergency, on-duty caretaking staff can provide direction with regard to the defibrillator. It is important to know the location of the school's defibrillator and how to contact the on duty caretaking staff. Defibrillators remain in a designated area for use in the event of a medical emergency.
Emergency Plan for Public Use of Automated External Defibrillators
Fire Safety
In case of fire, permit holders are responsible for:
- Informing permit users of the principal and alternative exits
- Reminding permit users to leave the building upon activation of the fire alarm
- Ensuring that open flames are not created during any activity by permit holders, including the use of lighters and pyrotechnics
- Ensuring that the use of special effects are approved by the Manager of the building prior to use
Extreme Weather Conditions
During extreme weather conditions, announcements regarding school closures are made through the TDSB website and local media. When schools are officially closed, all community activities taking place in schools are also cancelled. When schools are not closed, cancellation of community activities is left to the discretion of permit holders. It is the responsibility of permit holders to contact participants to confirm whether or not a community activity is cancelled.
TDSB Severe Weather Policy