Hundreds of children across Vaughan and York Region could lose access to affordable community sports and recreation if the York Region District School Board's (YRDSB) proposed gym rental fee increases take effect in September 2026.

Why This Matters
Woodbridge Basketball Association (WBA) is a registered non-profit organization that provides year-round basketball programming for hundreds of children. Through sport, we help young people develop confidence, teamwork, leadership, discipline, resilience, and lifelong healthy habits.

But WBA is not alone.

Dozens of registered non-profit organizations across York Region rely on affordable access to YRDSB school gymnasiums to provide:

• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Badminton
• Martial arts
• Dance
• Scouts
• Cultural programs
• Educational and recreational activities
• Many other community programs serving thousands of children every year

The Impact

The proposed permit fee increases are unprecedented.

Some community organizations are facing permit fee increases of more than 3,600%, while other essential permits have increased by more than 250% compared to the previous season—even where permit schedules have remained unchanged.

If these fee increases move forward, many community organizations will have no choice but to:

• Increase registration fees for families.
• Reduce the number of programs offered.
• Serve fewer children.
• Cancel programs that are no longer financially sustainable.

At a time when many families are already struggling with the rising cost of living, higher facility fees could put organized sports and recreation out of reach for countless children.

Why Affordable Recreation Matters
Research consistently shows that participation in organized sports and recreation leads to:

• Better physical health
• Improved mental well-being
• Stronger academic performance
• Greater confidence and resilience
• Enhanced teamwork and social skills
• Positive lifelong habits

Every child should have the opportunity to experience these benefits, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

School Gyms Are Community Assets
School gymnasiums are publicly funded community assets that should remain accessible beyond school hours.

For decades, they have provided safe, welcoming spaces where children can learn, grow, stay active, and build lifelong friendships. Increasing rental fees threatens equitable access to these opportunities and undermines the principles of inclusion and accessibility that our communities value.

We Are Asking YRDSB and the Province of Ontario To:

• Reconsider the proposed September 2026 permit fee increases.
• Maintain affordable community rates or expand subsidies for registered youth non-profit organizations.
• Increase Community Use of Schools funding so school boards are not forced to pass rising operating costs onto community organizations.
• Meet with affected organizations before implementing the new fee structure to explore practical, long-term solutions.

How You Can Help
By signing this petition, you are supporting affordable access to publicly funded school gymnasiums and helping protect the thousands of children and families who rely on community organizations every year.

Please sign this petition and share it with your family, friends, coaches, schools, and community networks.

Together, we can keep community sports affordable and ensure every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow.