Toronto and York Region school gym rental fees rise sharply

Public school boards in Toronto and York Region have increased permit fees for renting facilities such as gyms, auditoriums and cafeterias, prompting concern from local sports groups and other community organizations. The changes took effect on Sept. 1 at the Toronto District School Board and York Region District School Board. Board officials said the new rates are meant to better reflect inflation and the actual cost of weekend facility access, including caretaking and maintenance. Some user groups say the higher prices are already forcing program cuts and fee increases. One Toronto basketball league said its annual permit bill rose from about $3,400 to nearly $9,900, while a York Region youth basketball association said its costs increased from roughly $45,000 to about $208,000. The York board says it no longer has the budget to subsidize permits at the same level, though reduced rates remain available for charities and some nonprofits.