St. Columba ParishSt. Columba's parish hall sits on the lower level of the church, reached by the east-side accessible entrance and elevator or by the interior stairs from the vestibule. Renovated in 2019, it has a sprung hardwood floor, a stage, a full commercial kitchen and seating for 220 at round tables or 300 in rows. Parish groups use it most weekday evenings, but weekends and daytimes are often available for families and community groups. Baptism and First Communion receptions, wedding receptions, funeral luncheons, milestone birthdays, cultural association gatherings and neighbourhood meetings all find a home here.
The space
- Main hall: about 4,200 square feet, 12-foot ceilings, hardwood floor, seating for 220 at tables (24 round tables of 8 to 10) or 300 in theatre rows.
- Stage: 24 by 14 feet with a ramp, stage lighting, a lectern and a sound system with two wireless microphones; a projector and 12-foot screen are available.
- Kitchen: commercial six-burner range, two ovens, warming cabinet, two fridges, a chest freezer, dishwasher and ample counter space. Suitable for caterers or for cooking on site.
- Bar area with a service counter and ice machine.
- Accessible: level entry from the elevator, accessible washroom, wide doors, ramp to the stage; see Accessibility.
- Meeting room: a separate 30-seat room beside the hall, available on its own for smaller gatherings.
- Parking for 60 cars in the church lot, plus street parking.
Rates
Rates are set by the Finance Council and reviewed each January. A registered parishioner is anyone whose household is on our parish roll; see Register with the Parish. Funeral luncheons for parishioners are offered at no charge (a donation is welcome).
| Booking | Parishioner | Non-parishioner |
|---|---|---|
| Evening (5:00 PM to midnight) | $350 | $550 |
| Full day (9:00 AM to midnight) | $600 | $900 |
| Weekday daytime block (up to 4 hours, Mon–Fri) | $150 | $250 |
| Meeting room only (up to 4 hours) | $60 | $100 |
| Kitchen use (added to any booking) | $75 | $125 |
| Refundable damage and cleaning deposit | $300 | $300 |
Registered not-for-profit community groups may request the parishioner rate. A $100 non-refundable deposit confirms your date; the balance and the damage deposit are due 14 days before the event. Payment by cheque, e-transfer or debit at the office.
What is included
Every booking includes tables and chairs (set up by our custodian to your floor plan, submitted a week ahead), the sound system and microphones, use of washrooms and the coat room, heating and air conditioning, and a walk-through with Luis Ortega, our custodian, before the event. Tablecloths, dishes and cutlery are not included; caterers usually supply these, or you may rent our stock of 220 white place settings for $1.50 per setting.
Rules for renters
Alcohol
Alcohol may be served only with a Special Occasion Permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, obtained by the renter and posted at the event, and only by a Smart Serve certified bartender. A copy of the permit must be on file at the office seven days before the event. No alcohol may be sold without the permit's sale endorsement.
Insurance
Non-parishioner renters and any event serving alcohol must provide a certificate of liability insurance for $2 million naming St. Columba Parish and the Archdiocese of Toronto as additional insureds. Event insurance for a single day is available from most brokers for roughly $100 to $200, and the office can suggest providers.
Hours and noise
Music ends at 11:30 PM and the hall must be vacated by midnight. Our neighbours are close; please keep the east doors closed during amplified music.
Cleanup
Renters remove all decorations, food and garbage (bagged and placed in the bins in the loading area), wipe tables, and leave the kitchen as they found it. Our custodian handles floors and washrooms. The damage deposit is returned within two weeks if the hall is left in good order.
Respect for the space
The hall is part of a church. No open flames other than sternos, no confetti or glitter, no tape or tacks on painted walls (use the hanging rails), no smoking or cannabis anywhere on the property, and no events that conflict with Catholic teaching or the parish's mission. The pastor has the final say on any booking.
Availability
The hall is not available on Sunday mornings, during Holy Week, or on Christmas Eve and Day. Saturday evenings book up three to six months ahead, and June and December are our busiest months. Parish groups have first call on weekday evenings.
How to book
- Send an inquiry using the form below, or call Ann Marie O'Connor at 416-555-0142 ext. 20. Tell us the date, the kind of event and the expected numbers.
- We confirm availability within two business days and invite you to see the hall.
- Sign the rental agreement and pay the $100 deposit to hold the date.
- Submit your floor plan, permit and insurance certificate at least 7 days before the event, and pay the balance 14 days before.
- Meet the custodian on the day for keys and a walk-through.
Hall rental inquiry
Frequently asked
Can we bring our own caterer?
Yes. Any licensed caterer is welcome, and we can suggest several that know the kitchen. Caterers must be out and the kitchen clean by the end of your booking.
Can we come the day before to decorate?
If the hall is free, decorating time can be booked at the weekday daytime rate. Please ask when you book.
Is the hall available for non-Catholic groups?
Yes, for community events consistent with the parish's mission. Political fundraisers and events with content contrary to Church teaching are not accepted.
Questions? Contact Ann Marie O'Connor at 416-555-0142 ext. 20 or office@stcolumbatoronto.ca.