Tools & Practical Resources

how to make a deputation

Making a deputation usually means making a verbal statement at a government meeting, like City Council, or at an institutional meeting, like a TDSB meeting.

When you make a deputation, your goal is to publicly state your opinion on the issue being discussed.

For example, when the TDSB was considering closing and selling the property of local high school Vaughan Road Academy (VRA), members of OV NAP attended the public meeting and gave deputations highlighting why keeping the school a public asset is important.

Deputations are an important part of civic engagement. They are a chance to really "be heard" by elected officials.

how to secure a permit

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) owned-and-operated facilities are typically available for public use, including for non-scholastic purposes. One must first, however, secure a "permit" for use of the facility, a process initiated electronically through the TDSB's online permit portal. Permits are not free, although there is a tiered pricing system (included here, along with definitions, in the adjoining text box) intended to make more affordable the use of school facilities by non-commercial community organizations. A link to the "eBase Permit Portal" is included on the right.