School buildings and schoolyards are the hub of activity for many communities. They are used for community events, continuing education programs, Scouts and Guides, and after school programs. Playing fields are used by community teams; school playgrounds are used by children and parents year round. Fees for community use have made schools unaffordable for many groups. While some boards have very low fee rates, others have maintained high rates, particularly for weekend or summer access, or for certain types of facilities. The permit process itself also varies across the province. In some jusrisdictions, the principal and caretaker must approve permits; in other areas, the permit office approves permits within approved criteria. People for Education's research shows that the areas of the province with the lowest percentage of schools charging fees, have the highest percentage of schools reporting community use. → Click here to read our annual report on Community Use of Schools 2007 → Click here to read the "TOP TEN Reasons for Community Use in Schools" from SPACE coalition.
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