Book a Facility
The Township of Zorra rents a variety of facilities for special events, private functions, sporting events, meetings, and more.
For general questions and inquiries, please contact us:
Phone: 519-485-2490 ext. 7223
Email: Recreation Department
Please note, all bookings must be made through the booking department by email or phone number as noted above. We are not able to schedule in-person bookings at the arenas.
Booking Your Event or Rental:
Check Availability Rental Rates Rental Request Form Book Online
Not sure which facility you want to book? Visit our facilities page to see capacity and features of each venue.
Insurance Requirements
Effective February 2025, liability insurance will no longer be needed for low-risk activities like private ice and pool rentals, or private events, as coverage is now included under the Township's policy.
High-risk activities (including stag & does, weddings, festivals and community events) and seasonal contracts (including minor and adult sports leagues), will require $5,000,000 general liability insurance with the Township of Zorra listed as an additional insured.
If your event is listed as high risk, and requires insurance, one option to obtain your certificate is through DUUO. DUUO is a program that is underwritten by Co-operators that is available for you to obtain your insurance certificate. Click here to visit the DUUO website. Step-by-step instructions for completing the information on the DUUO website is available here. Liability insurance of up to $5,000,000.00 with the Township of Zorra added as additionally insured is required.
If you already have insurance coverage, please email a copy to booking@zorra.ca once your rental is booked.
More Information for Booking Your Event or Rental:
The Applicant shall possess third party liability insurance coverage to protect The Applicant and The Township of Zorra. Insurance policy to be in at least minimum amounts as set by the Township (Insurance amount depends on type and size of event. See Municipal Alcohol Policy for specific requirements and insurance amounts.).
The Lupton Boardroom is located inside the Zorra Municipal Office at 163 Brock Street, Thamesford. This special space was named after Margaret Lupton who dedicated 31 years of her life to municipal government, serving three terms as Zorra's Mayor, and five terms as a Councillor in Zorra. She also served one term as a Councillor in EZT before retiring from local government in 2022.
The Lupton Boardroom is a great meeting room with space for 14 people, a small kitchenette with sink, and a large television with capacity for users to plug in a computer and use the screen for meetings.
The Lupton Boardroom is available for rent for local groups to use for meetings. The Township will waive this fee up to six times per year for approved Not-for-Profit/Charitable Organizations, Groups or Service Clubs as defined in Policy 700-06 (Recreation Fee Reduction Policy). This room may be requested by sending an email to booking@zorra.ca or completing the Rental Request Form, subject to approval and availability.
A revised Municipal Alcohol Policy was approved by Council at the regular Council meeting held on May 1, 2012. This policy took effect immediately. View the full policy for more information.
Special Occasion Permits
Special Occasion Permits (SOP) are for the sale and service of beverage alcohol at special occasions such as weddings, charity fundraisers, receptions etc. Special Occasion Permits are issued through select Liquor Control Board of Ontario ("LCBO") stores throughout the province. For more information regarding Special Occasion Permits, please visit the Alcohol & Gaming Commission AGCO website.
PLEASE NOTE: As of June 1, 2011, for outdoor events, the permit holder must at least 30 days prior to the event, write to the local municipality, police, and fire and health departments informing them of the event. The building department must be notified as well if a tent or marquee is used.
For questions regarding tent permits and inspections please contact Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official at 519-485-2490 ext. 7224.
Stag and Does
Thinking of having a Stag & Doe at one of Zorra's Community Halls? Different rules apply for this type of event. Please review all documentation below before booking your event. Questions can be directed to our Recreation Department by email.
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Special Occasion Permit Guide
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Special Occasion Permit Info Sheet
Township of Zorra Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP)
Special Agreements - Stag and Doe
The Recreation Fee Waiver and Reduction Policy outlines the process in applying for a fee waiver or reduction of Township community halls, kitchens and meeting rooms.
To qualify for a Fee Reduction, applicants must:
- Qualify as a Bot-for-Profit/Charitable Organization, Minor Sport Group or Service Organization
- Must be based in the Township of Zorra
- Complete the Application Form
Additionally, Fee Waiver Requests must also:
- Apply to an event where all proceeds raised go directly towards a pre-approved Township project.
The Ice Allocation Policy sets guidelines for the effective and fair allocation of ice times at the Thamesford District Recreation Centre and the Embro Zorra Community Centre for regular and contracted Groups or Organizations. More information can be viewed on the Ice Allocation Policy.
Hosting an event on Township property may require a Special Event Permit.
Community Block Party's can also refer to the Block Party By-Law 200-24 when hosting an event on their residential street within the Township.
For more information on Special Events, please contact the Township Clerk at 519-485-2490 ext. 7228.
The Township of Zorra Noise By-law 69-2012 regulates the noise created from a variety of activities, including amplification of music, within the Township. Please refer to the by-law for more information including application exemptions for your event.
Contact the Township Clerk at 519-485-2490 ext. 7228 for more information.
Contact Recreation Facilities directly:
Embro Zorra Community Centre
Phone 519-485-2490 Ext. 7251
Send email to Embro Arena
Thamesford District Recreation Centre
Phone 519-485-2490 Ext. 7245
Send email to Thamesford Arena