durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, October 13, 2022 | 18 The Durham District School Board has made changes to how community groups rent spaces in schools for things like Brownies, Beavers and sports. The board recently updated its Community Use of Schools Policy and Procedure with a goal of making the rules more equitable. Previously, groups could get a permit for the full school year and renew the permit annually. "These changes were made to address and remove barriers to access," said DDSB associate director David Wright. "Previous to the changes, organizations could maintain access to specific spaces at specific times basically in perpetuity." Under the new system, permits will be issued four times per year without automatic renewal rights. "If multiple groups are interested in the space, the existing group will not be guaranteed a renewal as we look to provide equitable access to school locations," a are DDSB report says. Permits will be reviewed in the order they are received, and programs for children and youth will be given priority. "We understand that the changes that have been made may displace groups that have long-standing ties to facilities, but it is important to remember that schools are public spaces and no group should feel that they are a permanent user or tenant," Wright notes. The DDSB is also in the process of reviewing fees for community use of schools and has warned groups that an increase could be coming. The rates have been static for more than 15 years, according to school board staff. Trustees raised concerns about the changes at the board's Sept. 6 standing committee meeting. Ajax Trustee Donna Edwards noted that having to reapply for a permit multiple times in the year -- and not knowing if the cost will increase -- makes it difficult for groups to plan. Edwards also expressed concern that community groups were not consulted on the changes. Whitby Trustee Niki Lundquist said she is "struggling to see how this makes sense," and said the changes could actually be a barrier to access. "Most people aren't looking for a three-month permit or a four-month permit, they're one-year programs. And that's true of a lot of children's activities. It's true of almost every activity I can think of that would be done in a school," Lundquist said. The DDSB report says "approving permits for shorter periods of time allows the board to manage any labour shortfalls with less disruption." Community groups can only rent space in schools if custodians are available -- there is concern that high rates of staff absences due to the pandemic could continue into this school year. The DDSB has also updated the permit request application to include language that aligns with its Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy. For example, the policy notes "the district shall not permit space to hate groups or individuals that engage in hatred, violence, discrimination or bias against any groups or individuals based on prohibited grounds of discrimination under the Human Rights Code." TRUSTEES CONCERNED ABOUT NEW RULES FOR RENTING SCHOOL SPACE JILLIAN FOLLERT jfoller t@durhamregion.com NEWS UNDER NEW SYSTEM, PERMITS ISSUED FOUR TIMES A YEAR, FEES COULD ALSO BE INCREASING The aura of relaxation at Whitby's Thermëa Spa Village starts even before visitors step through the front doors with soothing music and a babbling brook welcoming them on the walkway to the new facility. Hotly anticipated, the new spa on Cochrane Street just north of Taunton Road officially opened its doors on Oct. 6. Boasting seven saunas, hot and cold outdoor pools, a saltwater flotation pool, three restaurants and a plethora of spa services, the new spa village is the largest of its kind in Ontario. Amanda McLaren, marketing manager for Thermëa Spa Village, explains the thermal cycle of hot to cold is at the heart of the experience at the spa village. A visitor may enjoy one of the saunas -- perhaps the amphitheatre logga sauna, where sauna staff use towels to circulate air with dancelike movements in the aufguss ritual -- and then plunge into a cold pool after to cool down. "Gotta get cold after getting hot, even if it's just for 10 seconds ... that's where your endorphins activate," explains McLaren. Thermëa Spa Village can accommodate 708 guests at a time, and McLaren said a typical visitor would spend four to six hours and go through the thermal cycle four to six times. In between, they can sample the locally sourced fare at one of the on-site restaurants while cosily ensconced in a bathrobe. When checking in, spa guests don RFID (radio frequency identification) bracelets linked to their credit cards and all payments at the spa are made with the bracelets. Services are currently for adults aged 19 and older, and the thermal cycle, including a bathrobe rental, costs $110. Additional services include the saltwater kalla flotation pool, a clay rhassoul treatment, massages and more. "All of our treatments are based on wellness, there's nothing esthetic," McLaren explains. "They're all meant to rejuvenate and cleanse and make people feel amazing." She recommends guests book in advance online at thermea.com. "We're booking weeks in advance, especially if you want to incorporate a massage or a treatment into your stay, those go fast." Officials from the Town of Whitby and Durham Region celebrated the opening at an event on Oct. 5. At the event, Thermëa design manager Antoine Lagarec described the care taken for every aspect of the spa, from sourcing high-quality building materials, furniture and technology on site. The goal was to create an escape in the busy Greater Toronto Area where people could reconnect with nature, their friends and well-being, said Lagarec, adding that 17 years of research and development is reflected in the Whitby site. "Everything in the village is created with intention," he said. "The furniture was hand-built by woodworking artisans, the menus were curated from local and seasonal ingredients, our rituals inspired by sweat cultures around the world." Durham Regional chair John Henry and Whitby mayor Don Mitchell both celebrated the opening. Mitchell remarked it will be a large economic benefit to Durham both as an employer of more than 200 people and a tourism draw. The site is accessible by public transit. "This property has a great history in Whitby and it was associated with Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village and it's been a happy place, a place where a lot of great memories were made, a lot of natural beauty and clearly, the spa is going to continue that tradition of being a magical and wonderful place," said the mayor. WHITBY'S LONG-AWAITED THERMËA SPA VILLAGE NOW OPEN Thermea Spa Village officially opened and showcased the features of the facility in Whitby. Jason Liebregts/Metroland REKA SZEKELY rszekely@durham region.com BUSINESS