Communities are getting more use than ever out of the 13 Catholic schools in Bruce and Grey Counties.

The Catholic School Board reports it issued 540 permits to various organizations and community groups since last September.

In total, over 184 thousand people have used the different schools for more than 22 thousand hours in the evening or summer months.

Superintendent of Business Cathy Colton admits she is surprised by the high numbers.

The Bruce Grey Catholic School Board waived the rental fees for most of the users.

Colton says those waived fees add up to a 158 thousand dollar subsidy -- but she notes they are more than happy to provide it.

Colton feels by opening the schools to the public -- it helps strengthens their bond in the communities.

The total profit made by the Catholic Board from after hours use of schools was 22 hundred dollars.