Although our parishes are not public spaces, we believe the more they get used, the more faithful our stewardship of the valuable resources. In order to ensure that people using our spaces are safe and protected, renters are required to take the following steps:
- Insurance
All rental users (both groups and individuals) are required to obtain Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance with a minimum limit of $2,000,000 when renting any parish facility (e.g., churches, halls, rooms, fields, or parking lots).
How Tenants Prove or Apply For Liability Coverage
This simple flowchart describes how tenants prove or apply for liability coverage.
Insurance Made Simple — 3rd Party Group Liability Guide
Effective risk management is fundamental to all parish operations. The rental of parish facilities requires users to carry liability insurance coverage to protect both themselves and the Diocese from potential financial exposure arising from claims associated with their use of the premises.
This brief guide outlines when insurance is required, how it may be obtained, and assists in identifying any additional permits that may also be necessary.
- Insurance Resources
To assist renters, our insurance broker, Aon Reed Stenhouse, has provided options for those requiring commercial general liability insurance. These liability protection programs are available specifically to groups renting parish or Diocesan facilities.
Aon Website (Third-Party Liability Insurance)
Please note that this program offers $5 million in coverage. While our minimum requirement is $2 million, this option exceeds that requirement and is acceptable.
When completing the “Church Location” field, please select Diocese of British Columbia.
Instant Risk Website (Third-Party Liability Insurance)
Coming soon (Summer 2026).
*Renters are not obligated to use these options and may obtain insurance through another provider, either online or via a local insurance broker.
*Please note that the Diocese is not an insurance broker. Any questions related to insurance coverage must be directed to a licensed insurance professional.
For leases of over $10,000 and/or longer than a year or forms relating to facility rentals, please click here.
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