Building Details
What time of year is the clubhouse available for rental?
The clubhouse is a seasonal venue, and is available for private rental from early May until mid-October.
What space is included in the rental fee?
Use of the Ward’s Island Association clubhouse, plus exclusive use of the south verandah and adjacent fenced-in area (except for Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm, when the bowling green will be in use by Lawn Bowling members). Use of the north verandah, which is part of the Island Café, is not included.
What is the capacity of the clubhouse?
Depending on your floorplan, the interior of the venue can accommodate maximum 150 for a sit-down event and 200 for a mostly standing event.
What are the dimensions of the building?
The Clubhouse is approximately 1,900 square feet (30' x 62') which includes a stage (22'x12').
What are the floors like?
The floors are well cared-for maple hardwood floors.
Are there washrooms?
Separate men’s, women’s and mobility impaired accessible washroom facilities are located adjacent to the building. These are not open to the general public, but are shared with patrons of the Island Café during the café’s operating hours.
What amenities are included for use by renters in the clubhouse?
PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO KITCHEN FACILITIES! THE WIA IS JUST LIKE CAMPING.
Is there a BBQ?
There is also a gas BBQ for your use with a charge of $50 to $100.
What time of year is the clubhouse available for rental?
The clubhouse is a seasonal venue, and is available for private rental from early May until mid-October.
What space is included in the rental fee?
Use of the Ward’s Island Association clubhouse, plus exclusive use of the south verandah and adjacent fenced-in area (except for Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm, when the bowling green will be in use by Lawn Bowling members). Use of the north verandah, which is part of the Island Café, is not included.
What is the capacity of the clubhouse?
Depending on your floorplan, the interior of the venue can accommodate maximum 150 for a sit-down event and 200 for a mostly standing event.
What are the dimensions of the building?
The Clubhouse is approximately 1,900 square feet (30' x 62') which includes a stage (22'x12').
What are the floors like?
The floors are well cared-for maple hardwood floors.
Are there washrooms?
Separate men’s, women’s and mobility impaired accessible washroom facilities are located adjacent to the building. These are not open to the general public, but are shared with patrons of the Island Café during the café’s operating hours.
What amenities are included for use by renters in the clubhouse?
- Two domestic size refrigerators
- two charcoal barbeques (charcoal not provided)
- one portable bar (this is a dry bar with no hardware or accessories -- no refrigeration or CO2 system).
- 150 chairs
- Approximately 30 tables (30" x 72")
PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE NO KITCHEN FACILITIES! THE WIA IS JUST LIKE CAMPING.
Is there a BBQ?
There is also a gas BBQ for your use with a charge of $50 to $100.
Event Details
Can I hold my wedding ceremony elsewhere on the Island, e.g. on the beach?
The Island park is under the jurisdiction of the Toronto Parks and Recreation department, and questions about permitted activities should be referred to them. Many of our renters opt to hold their ceremonies in the park and repair to the clubhouse for the reception. If you are interested in a church ceremony, contact the Church of St. Andrew by-the-Lake: http://www.standrewbythelake.com/
Can I hire my own caterer?
Yes. We strongly advise a hiring a caterer with prior experience working on the Island and all its attendant challenges. At the present time, our recommended caterer is the Island Cafe, with whom we share the building.
You can view their Catering Book with menus and all services here: The Island Café
Is the clubhouse licensed to serve alcohol?
No. You or your caterer must obtain a Special Occasion Permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Here is the link for further information on how to obtain a permit: http://www.agco.on.ca/en/whatwedo/permit_special.aspx
How do I transport things to the clubhouse?
There are a variety of ways to transport things to the Island:
Is the clubhouse air-conditioned?
No. There are circulating fans and a covered porch running the length of the building adjacent to the fenced yard (which is approximately 20' x 50') is cooled by the Lake Ontario breezes.
Can I decorate the clubhouse for my event?
Yes, with some restrictions. Please see the rental agreement for more specifics.
How far is the clubhouse from the ferry?
Approximately 240 feet south of the Ward's Island Ferry dock.
How far is the clubhouse from the beach?
Approximately 230 feet south of the Ward's Island Ferry dock.
Can I hold my wedding ceremony elsewhere on the Island, e.g. on the beach?
The Island park is under the jurisdiction of the Toronto Parks and Recreation department, and questions about permitted activities should be referred to them. Many of our renters opt to hold their ceremonies in the park and repair to the clubhouse for the reception. If you are interested in a church ceremony, contact the Church of St. Andrew by-the-Lake: http://www.standrewbythelake.com/
Can I hire my own caterer?
Yes. We strongly advise a hiring a caterer with prior experience working on the Island and all its attendant challenges. At the present time, our recommended caterer is the Island Cafe, with whom we share the building.
You can view their Catering Book with menus and all services here: The Island Café
Is the clubhouse licensed to serve alcohol?
No. You or your caterer must obtain a Special Occasion Permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Here is the link for further information on how to obtain a permit: http://www.agco.on.ca/en/whatwedo/permit_special.aspx
How do I transport things to the clubhouse?
There are a variety of ways to transport things to the Island:
- The Island ferry service has carts available for rent. On the Island, there are two large flatbed mail carts available for use by residents and visitors.
- If you wish to bring a private vehicle over to the Island, you must obtain a permit from Toronto Parks and Recreation:http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm
- The current rate for a vehicle permit is $100-125.00 per day. You must secure parking permission from Warren Hoselton, the Parks Supervisor for the Toronto Islands Park.
- There are private water taxi services operating in Toronto Harbour. You can contact Ralph at 416 203 TAXI for an idea of rates and transport logistics.
Is the clubhouse air-conditioned?
No. There are circulating fans and a covered porch running the length of the building adjacent to the fenced yard (which is approximately 20' x 50') is cooled by the Lake Ontario breezes.
Can I decorate the clubhouse for my event?
Yes, with some restrictions. Please see the rental agreement for more specifics.
How far is the clubhouse from the ferry?
Approximately 240 feet south of the Ward's Island Ferry dock.
How far is the clubhouse from the beach?
Approximately 230 feet south of the Ward's Island Ferry dock.
Booking Details
How do I reserve the date I want?
Please check the calendar and see if your preferred date is available before contacting the Booking Coordinator. Your booking is confirmed when we receive full payment, along with the security deposit and signed rental agreement.
What if I book and need to cancel?
If you cancel your booking in writing at least 60 days prior to the event date, the WIRA will refund all fees paid minus a $100.00 cancellation fee. See the rental agreement for more a detailed cancellation policy.
Will I get my security deposit back?
Yes, if we determine that all conditions of the rental agreement have been adequately met, the WIRA will send you a cheque for the full amount of your deposit within 30 days after your event.
To whom should the rental and security deposit cheques be made?
Please make cheques payable to “Ward’s Island Recreation Association” and mailed to:
Ward's Island Association Clubhouse
20 Withrow Street
Toronto ON M5J 2C4
Can I pay by credit card?
Not at this time.
Can I pay by E-transfer?
Yes, please contact the Bookings Coordinator when you are ready to make your payment.
Are there other resources available on the Island for weddings and private functions?
Absolutely! For specifics, check out the “getting married on the Island” section on the Toronto Island Community website.
How do I reserve the date I want?
Please check the calendar and see if your preferred date is available before contacting the Booking Coordinator. Your booking is confirmed when we receive full payment, along with the security deposit and signed rental agreement.
What if I book and need to cancel?
If you cancel your booking in writing at least 60 days prior to the event date, the WIRA will refund all fees paid minus a $100.00 cancellation fee. See the rental agreement for more a detailed cancellation policy.
Will I get my security deposit back?
Yes, if we determine that all conditions of the rental agreement have been adequately met, the WIRA will send you a cheque for the full amount of your deposit within 30 days after your event.
To whom should the rental and security deposit cheques be made?
Please make cheques payable to “Ward’s Island Recreation Association” and mailed to:
Ward's Island Association Clubhouse
20 Withrow Street
Toronto ON M5J 2C4
Can I pay by credit card?
Not at this time.
Can I pay by E-transfer?
Yes, please contact the Bookings Coordinator when you are ready to make your payment.
Are there other resources available on the Island for weddings and private functions?
Absolutely! For specifics, check out the “getting married on the Island” section on the Toronto Island Community website.
If you have any other burning questions not covered by these FAQs, please send them to us!