Centennial Hall Policy

Legislative History: Enacted June 3, 2025 (By-law No. CPOL.-412-148)

Last Review Date: June 3, 2025

Service Area Lead: Director, Financial Planning & Business Support 

1.         Policy Statement

The purpose of this policy is to formalize and clarify practices with respect to Centennial Hall.

2.         Definitions

Not Applicable.

3.         Applicability

This policy applies to various matters pertaining to the use of Centennial Hall.

4.         The Policy

Objectives of Centennial Hall: 

That the following objectives pertaining to the operation of Centennial Hall be established:

• to strive to operate the Hall on at least a "break-even basis";
• to make available public hall rentals for non-profit community groups and organizations;
• to establish a rental fee structure for non-profit community groups and organizations that will permit continued use of the facilities by such groups and organizations;
• to maximize revenues within a fee structure that recognizes reduced rentals for non-profit community groups and organizations;
• to provide for the public hall needs of entrepreneurs and others for the promotion of business, conventions, cultural, entertainment, industrial and religious events;
• to actively market the use of the facilities to increase revenues;
• to carry out improvements to the facilities that will enhance the use of the facilities and increase the revenue potential; and
• to maintain a high standard of maintenance of the facilities in keeping with the Civic Centre Complex. 

Reduced Rental Rates for Non-Profit Groups: 

The rental of the auditorium to non-profit organizations which book a series of events (at least six events per calendar year), in advance, and which require a very limited amount of set-up and maintenance is at a reduced rate. Such reduced rates will be included in the Fees & Charges By-law as approved annually by City Council.

Grants to Organizations Utilizing Centennial Hall: 

Should Municipal Council wish to support an organization using Centennial Hall, Municipal Council should give direct financial assistance to that organization without any reference to Centennial Hall.

It is noted that by following this procedure, the organization receiving the financial assistance from the City of London would be expected to deal directly with the Management of Centennial Hall on the same basis as any other individual or group wishing to use Centennial Hall and its facilities.

It is also noted that the following concepts and understandings are hereby accepted by Municipal Council with respect to Centennial Hall, namely:

a) Centennial Hall was constructed as a multi-purpose building and because of this fact its diversity is its strength, permitting it to cater to a cross-section of the community; and,

b) the original intention of Municipal Council was that Centennial Hall would be managed as closely as possible in a private enterprise manner, and Municipal Council continues to support the Centennial Hall Management in this concept.

Lessee Protection and Non-Competitive Clauses:

Management of Centennial Hall is authorized to negotiate such lessee protection or non-competitive clauses, not exceeding thirty days, between events having the same or similar audience appeal, as may be appropriate in the sole discretion of the Management.

Using Centennial Hall for City Sponsored Events:

The use of Centennial Hall for all City-sponsored or co-sponsored receptions or gatherings would be encouraged, where reasonable, and provided that the facility is competitive in price, available and capable of accommodating the event.