Rental information

The City of Ottawa has a wide variety of spaces available to rent for your group, team, event or activity, including:

• Halls and facilities
• Meeting spaces
• Gyms
• Pools
• Arenas
• Museums
• Theatres and performance spaces
• Parks
• Sports fields and ball diamonds

• Book a hall, facility, meeting space, pool, gym, museum, theatre or performance space by contacting the facility directly.
• Book an arena, park, sports field or ball diamond by emailing sports@ottawa.ca or phoning 613-580-2595.
• Last-minute ice can be booked online at Register Ottawa.

Room rental rates 2024

Fees shown do not include HST. Applicable taxes will be added during the payment process.

All rates are per hour.

Indoor pool rental rates 2024

Are you having a birthday party or need a pool for an occasional water sports game? The City has 20 indoor pools, eight outdoor pools and three wave pools available for rent.

• Pools are rented through their facility. Contact the pool directly.
• Pool capacities differ, so contact the facility directly for more information.
• The minimum rental period is one hour. More time can be added in 30-minute increments.
• The rental fee includes access to change rooms.
• Lifeguard fees are an additional charge. Pools are not rented without lifeguards.
  • The number of lifeguards needed for a rental is determined by the number of pool rental participants.

• Fees shown do not include the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Applicable taxes will be added during the payment process.

Prime-time pool rental rates

• Weekdays: 3 pm to 9 pm
• Weekends and statutory holidays: 8 am to 5 pm

Non-prime-time pool rental rates

• Weekdays: Pool opening to 3 pm and 9 pm to pool closing
• Weekends and statutory holidays: Pool opening to 8 am and 5 pm to pool closing

About

The City owns and operates approximately 650 sports fields, including ball diamonds, cricket, soccer, football and ultimate fields. Each year, more than 270 organizations use the City’s sports fields.

Sports fields and ball diamonds are available to rent.

• Weather-dependent, ball diamonds open on May 1 and sports fields on May 15.
• A valid $2 million liability insurance certificate naming the City as an additional insured is required.

Bookings are for training and practice only at this time and will be conditional on groups following established health and safety protocols, including guidelines established by their sport’s governing body, physical distancing guidelines, and providing proof of valid liability insurance. 

Bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis. The City does not provide sporting equipment. You are responsible for providing your own equipment and having the field lined.

1. Check availability by calling 613-580-2595 or emailing sports@ottawa.ca.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Please provide alternative locations as your preferred site may not be available or suitable for your event. Clearly indicate which locations are your second or third choice.
4. Please ensure that all fields have been filled out correctly.
5. We will review the application form and, if needed, request more information regarding your event. This process varies in length of time.
6. We will email you a contract and information on how to pay. Review, sign and return a copy to sports@ottawa.ca. The contract will be valid once we receive payment and a signed copy of the contract.
7. On the day of your event, bring a copy of your contract and your receipt.

Please note: You cannot book artificial turf online. Please call 613-580-2595 or email sports@ottawa.ca.

Sports fields and ball diamonds rental rates 2024

Rates are hourly.

Fees shown do not include HST. Applicable taxes will be added during the payment process. and include HST.

Rental definitions

• Minor: 18 years and under
• Adult: 19 years and older
• Commercial: An activity that intends to generate a profit. This activity may involve selling goods or services or requiring a registration fee.
• Artificial turf prime time: From April 1 to November 15, weekdays between 6 pm and 11 pm; on weekends and statutory holidays, from 8 am to 11 pm
• Artificial turf non-prime time: From April 1 to November 15, weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm
• Neighbourhood level 3A: A neighbourhood field next to a school or other neighbourhood attraction, suitable for use by junior leagues. Amenities consist of a single field that may be of regulation size and may include a parking lot.
• Neighbourhood level 3B: A single field that may be of regulation size and may or may not have goal posts or outfield fencing, but is suitable for entry-level developmental leagues or for informal practices.
• Community level 2A: A field (or group of fields used simultaneously) for adult and competitive league play. Amenities can include lighting, bleachers, parking and a field house.
• Community level 2B: A field of regulation size for junior and adult recreational leagues. Amenities can include parking, a washroom, a field house and bleachers.
• City level 1A: A showpiece field with facilities suitable for international or national level of play. Amenities can include lighting, bleachers, washrooms, a field house and parking.
• City level 1B: A field with support facilities, such as change rooms, used by competitive players for matches and tournaments. Amenities can include washrooms, a field house, lighting, bleachers and parking.
• Premium: A premium sports field with specialized amenities, such as specialized surfaces (artificial turf fields, baseball stadium, a track or enclosed compounds). Amenities can include lighting, bleachers, washrooms, a field house and parking.

Insurance

Insurance is required and can be obtained from the City of Ottawa. If you already have insurance, please provide us with proof of insurance by fax to 613-580-2683 or email to sports@ottawa.ca.

Cancellations

You must notify the City at least 30 business days prior to your rental date to change or cancel a rental.

Barbeques

The use of gas barbecues is permitted, provided they are installed a minimum of a five meters away from any building. Charcoal barbecues are permitted at designated sites only. Please contact your facility or park rental representative for more information.

Ottawa Stadium

Conveniently located in the heart of Ottawa, the Ottawa Stadium boasts a semi-professional ball field and 800-space parking lot. The field and parking lot can be rented by sports clubs, community organizations, private or commercial groups and individuals from May 1 to October 15.

For rental details please email contact@ottawatitans.com.

Rentals in rural communities

City Wide Allocations can provide you with information regarding the rental rates and booking information for the following:

• Arenas,
• parks,
• sports fields,
• ball diamonds,
• rural halls and buildings

Please note: Some rural sports fields and ball diamonds are administered by local community associations and are not booked through City Wide Allocations. In some cases, rural community associations receive funding to maintain and run programs in city-owned buildings or halls within their communities.

Browse the facility page using the search tool. Find the location of interest for your event, or the one nearest to the field, park or ball diamond. There you will find the appropriate contact. 

More information and rates can be found on the Rental information page.

The nature of the activity determines the fee to be applied to the rental and is based upon what the group is doing in the facility.

Activity

• Not-for-profit activity: An activity that fits with the Recreation, Culture and Facility Services’ mandate and is not intended to generate a profit. This activity must be open to everyone.
• Private activity: A not-for-profit activity that does not fit with the Parks and Recreation mandate and/or is intended for select members of the community.
• Commercial activity: An activity that has the intent of generating a profit.  This activity may involve the sale of goods or services or may require a registration fee prior to participation.
• Program: A course or activity.
• Meeting: An assembly for discussion purposes.
• Special event: A gathering to participate in, celebrate or view the outcome of an activity, effort or commitment

Size

• Small: 0 - 50 people
• Medium: 51 - 100 people
• Large: 101 - 200 people
• X-large: 201 or more people

Category

• Category A: Category A listings have comparatively more amenities than Category B halls.
• Category B: Category B listings have comparatively fewer amenities than Category A halls.

Exceptions

1. Commercial and trade show rentals are to be negotiated with individual facility managers.
2. Gymnasium rates apply for sports activity usage. Where halls are not available in a given location for meetings, and gyms are assigned for this purpose, the applicable hall rate will apply.
3. Community and Recreation Associations that provide programming on behalf of the Parks and Recreation branch or who have written agreements with the Parks and Recreation branch will continue to have access to facilities at no charge or as per their existing written agreement. An appeal process is available to resolve questions of status interpretations and/or based on technical grounds. Frequently asked questions.

How do I make a payment?

You can pay your account:

• Online - You will then be asked to enter your Barcode and PIN Number
• By cheque
• In person

Why was I invoiced?

If you have received a blue invoice it is because your payment to Centralized Allocations is overdue and it has been sent to our Accounts Receivable Department for invoicing and collection.

How do I book a hall or gym?

Hall and gym rentals are booked through the facility. Please contact the facility directly for more information regarding availability and rates.

Who do I contact to book volleyball nets?

For beach volleyball net rentals, please phone 613-580-2424 ext. 16966.

Who do I contact to book National Capital Commission parks?

For more information about National Capital Commission parks, including: Vincent Massey, Major Hill, Confederation square, Hogs Back, Rockcliffe park, please contact the National Capital Commission directly at 613-239-5000.

Who do I contact for information about outdoor rinks and wading pools?

Please contact Seasonal Recreation at 613-580-2590 or seasonalrecreation@ottawa.ca.

Who do I contact for information about Splash pads?

City of Ottawa splash pads operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm beginning mid-May until mid-September. For more information on splash pads, please contact Seasonal Recreation at 613-580-2590, or seasonalrecreation@ottawa.ca.

Where can I find information about Public Skating?

You can find more information online, or by contacting City Wide Sports by phone 613-580-2854 or email cws-psm@ottawa.ca.

Contract holder: Please read all of these provisions

• The Contract and the Contract Holder
• The event
• Application of other laws
• The facility
• Safety and responsibility
• Insurance
• Indemnification
• Payments and invoicing
• Cancellations/Refunds

Note: These terms and conditions are reviewed annually.

1. The contract holder must be the full age of 18 years.
2. The contract holder must have a copy of the contract readily available at all times.
3. The person who signs the contract must be duly authorized to do so on behalf of the contract holder (and of the sponsoring organization, if applicable.)
4. The contract must be signed and a copy left on file with the appropriate City Permits Clerk before the first scheduled contract date or access to the facility may be denied.
5. The contract holder and the sponsoring agency cannot transfer or assign the contract without prior authorization from the City of Ottawa (“the City”).
6. It is the responsibility of the Contract Holder to make all members of its group using the City facility aware of the terms and conditions of the Ottawa Rental Contract, and to provide the members with a copy of these terms and conditions, if requested.
7. The use of decorations or special effects, not provided by the City of Ottawa, must comply with public safety and fire regulations and be authorized in advance by the Facility Supervisor.
8. There is to be no charging of admission, collection or sale of refreshments except as authorized on this contract. Furthermore, the distribution of refreshments and food products, which are deemed to be in violation of non-competition clauses, will not be permitted during facility concession operating hours.
9. The City of Ottawa shall seek full restitution for damages caused to the City facility or equipment by the contract holder, its employees, volunteers or attendees, arising from the use of the facility. The City will apply the complete (or a portion of the) deposit to cover any damages. The City may also take such other action as may be deemed necessary to offset any costs incurred by the City of Ottawa resulting from the use of the facility/premises by the contract holder.
10. The contract holder must comply with all applicable Federal, Provincial and Municipal by-laws (including but not limited to those relating to taxes, copyright fees, and licensing matters) and shall be responsible for any associated taxes, fees, tariffs and levies that may apply to the use of the facility/premises and function for which this contract is issued.
11. The contract holder must comply with all applicable rules and regulations, policies and procedures of the City of Ottawa, all City By-laws, including but not limited to By-laws that prohibit smoking, the Noise By-law, Signage By-law, and Parks By-law.
12. For liquor related contracts; all permits, licenses and levy receipts must be obtained by the contract holder and displayed in the immediate area where the alcohol is to be consumed, sold or distributed.
13. The consumption, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at City of Ottawa facilities/premises unless authorized by the City of Ottawa and unless the appropriate permits and licenses have been obtained.
14. The contract holder must comply with the City of Ottawa Municipal Alcohol Policy and the Liquor Licence Act of Ontario as it relates to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Special Occasion Contract regulations.
15. The City of Ottawa may require that door monitors and trained alcohol servers be provided by the contract holder.
16. Permission to use City of Ottawa facilities/premises in no way constitutes approval to engage in any unlawful activity or conduct in a manner that would violate any Federal, Provincial or Municipal Law.
17. The contract holder shall use City of Ottawa facilities/premises, equipment and furnishings provided in a manner consistent with their intended use.
18. Space is allocated for the dates stated on the contract only.
19. Only the areas identified on the contract(s) are to be used by the contract holder or sponsoring organization, unless prior authorization has been received from authorized City of Ottawa Staff.
20. All exits in the facilities must be kept free from obstructions in case of fire or other emergency.
21. The contract holder shall attend the event for which the contract was issued and be responsible for decision making during and after the event.
22. The contract holder shall ensure the physical setting in the rented facility is kept safe for participants and the general public attending the event.
23. If the contract holder becomes aware of activities or conduct during the use of the facility that could lead to personal injury or property damage, the contract holder shall take immediate and decisive action to prevent participants and the general public attending the event from engaging in these activities or conduct.
24. The City of Ottawa may require a security plan to be submitted by the contract holder and/or the presence of police officers or security guards may be required during the event, the cost of which shall be borne by the contract holder.
25. In the event of an incident the contract holder must follow the Incident Reporting Procedures described below. An incident includes bodily injury to the contract holder, a participant and the public, or damage to City of Ottawa property or third party property.
26. Call 911, when Police, Ambulance, Fire etc., assistance is required.
27. Immediately advise an onsite City of Ottawa staff of the incident. If a City of Ottawa staff is not readily available, for major incidents call 311 to report or, for minor incidents, contact city staff within the next working day.
28. The contract holder, the sponsoring organization, their employees, volunteers and agents, shall cooperate with City of Ottawa representatives, police, investigating authorities and the insurance companies involved in the incident and, shall provide City staff access to all rental spaces.
29. Contract holders and sponsoring organizations renting City facilities/premises to conduct low risk activities are strongly encouraged to maintain liability insurance coverage to a limit of $2,000,000 inclusive per occurrence for bodily injury, death and damage to property in one of the following forms; Commercial General Liability, Special Events Liability, Home Owners’ Personal Liability, Tenants or Condominium Owners’ Personal Liability.
30. Contract holders or sponsoring organizations renting City facilities/premises to conduct medium risk activities will be required to maintain the above insurance and if requested by the City, such insurance shall name the City of Ottawa as an additional insured there under. The City of Ottawa may require the contract holder or sponsoring organization using City facilities/premises for medium risk activities to provide a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the above insurance coverage prior to the holding the described event.
31. Contract holders or sponsoring organizations renting City facilities/premises to conduct high risk activities will be required to maintain the above insurance and name the City of Ottawa as an additional insured there under. The City of Ottawa will require the contract holder or sponsoring organization using City facilities/premises for high risk activities to provide a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the above insurance coverage prior to the holding the described event.
32. The City reserves the right to increase the limit of insurance required. Compliance with the above insurance requirement is the sole responsibility of the contract holder or sponsoring organization.
33. The contract holder agrees to indemnify and save harmless the City of Ottawa from all claims, demands, causes or action, loss, costs or damages that the City of Ottawa may suffer, incur or be liable for resulting from the contract holder’s negligence, acts or omissions, obligations, failure to adhere to the terms of conditions related to the holding of the event described in the contract.
34. The contract holder shall be held responsible for payment of the contract. Payment is due as specified on the contract.
35. Should payment not be received within 30 days of the due date, an invoice may be issued for the total overdue balance. An overdue account is subject to compounded interest of 1.25% per month. Interest accrues daily from the due date on each invoice until the account is paid in full.
36. Should the payment continue to be in arrears after 30 days of the invoice, the City may suspend the right of the contract holder to use the public space, facilities or properties within its jurisdiction until all arrears are paid in full.
37. Credit card payments totalling $5,000 or greater (within a one month period) will be charged a fee of 1.99%, as authorized by City of Ottawa By-Law 2013-191. The City’s Accounts Receivable Unit will issue a blue invoice monthly for these fees. (Visit Ottawa.ca for Accounts Receivable payment options and terms.)
38. Contract holders must give to the City ten (10) working days notice, in writing, before the day of the event to cancel or request a modification to their rental contract. Thirty (30) days written notice is required for events such as, but not limited to, tournaments, camps, special events or trade shows. For large events, additional conditions may/will be outlined in the contract. Refunds will not be granted once the notification period has expired. For Arena contracts, please refer to Clause #11 of the Specific terms and conditions for arena use.
39. If you request and are granted a modification to the rental period in accordance with item #33 noted above, you will be provided with an amended Rental Contract reflecting the approved modifications, for your information. Please take notice that the terms and conditions of your signed Rental Contract will continue to apply to your rental and use of the facility, and are binding on you.
40. The City reserves the right to cancel the rental contract at any time in the case of emergencies or when unforeseen circumstances arise. In such cases the City will make every effort to provide the contract holder with 24 hours notice of cancellation, however, such notice may not be possible in all circumstances. In the case where the rental period is for more than one day’s use, cancellation may be made on any one or more of the booked dates. The City will make every attempt to grant the contract holder access to the premises at another time or allow a proportionate rebate for the period of rental time cancelled.
41. The City shall have the right to cancel the rental contract immediately without notice if, in the opinion of the City, the contract holder or any person(s) using the facility with the consent of the contract holder, wilfully damages City of Ottawa property, displays misconduct, unlawfully consumes alcoholic beverages, is in violation of any terms of this rental contract or a City By-law, City regulation or any applicable Federal or Provincial law.
42. The City of Ottawa will not provide public space, facilities and/or properties within its jurisdiction to an individual or group that supports or promotes views, ideas or presentations which promote or are likely to promote discrimination, contempt or hatred to any person on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, sexual preference, or disability, gratuitous sex and violence or denigration of the human condition. The City reserves the right to cancel a contract if any of the above-noted circumstances arise.
43. If a refund is requested, a Refund Request Form must be completed and submitted to City staff for processing. A Processing Fee of $15 will apply to all refunds, whether by cheque or credit card, and will be processed within 21 days of the receipt of the completed Refund Request Form. Otherwise, the refund will be credited to your account and can be left on your account for two years. After which, refunds will be issued automatically and subject to a $15 processing fee.
44. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions of this contract could result in the immediate suspension of the contract(s) or a written warning. A second incidence of non-compliance will result in the cancellation of the contract.