Frequently asked questions

GENERAL

How do I check availability?
Fill in the contact form (do not leave a voicemail message). Note that half of our Saturdays in the Hodson Hall are permanently booked for annual events and festivals.

How can I reserve a date?
If the date you request is available, you will be email a link to our online rental contract. You must fill in a contract and pay the reservation fee. No, dates are not reserved unless the reservation fee has been paid.

What is the reservation fee?
The reservation fee is a portion of your rent that you pay in order to book your date. Confirm all full day bookings with a reservation fee of $100 which will be deducted from the rent. The reservation fee is non-refundable.

What if I need to cancel my booking?
The remaining rent is due 30 days before your event. Provide 30 days notice when cancelling an event or forfeit the full rental amount. The reservation fee is non-refundable.

When and how do I have to pay the rent?
The outstanding rent is due 30 days before your event date. The Hodson Hall rent is $600 less the $100 reservation fee you paid when booking. You are welcome to pay the entire rent when booking.

Hall rental insurance
https://fosterpark.ca/quote/facility-rental

When do I get the key for my rental?
You get access to the facility at the start time indicated on the rental contract. You will be contacted a few days before your rental to confirm your check in time.

Can I get into the hall the day before to decorate and set up?
No, access to the hall is only within the rental times as per the contract. All setup and cleanup must take place within the rental times. Saturday only rental is $600. You can rental the full day Friday and Saturday for $850 or from 6 pm on Friday plus Saturday for $700

How late can I stay?
A Saturday rental gives you until 9 am on Sunday morning to be done and out of the facility meaning all equipment must be out and cleaning done by that time. If you have a liquor licence you need to follow AGLC regulations, which means your guests vacate the building by 3 am.

Is there anything not allowed in decorating/set up?
Your decor cannot alter or damage our facility. Anything you do, you have to undo/clean up. Absolutely no sparkles, glitter, confetti, rice or anything messy. Tea light candles in vases are allowed but not long candles. If you put tape on the floor, walls or windows, it must be removed and must not leave a residue. The best is painter's masking tape or gaffer (theatre) tape.

DAMAGE DEPOSIT

When is my damage deposit refunded?
Damage deposit cheques (less fees if applicable) are mailed to you within 14 days of your rental date. If you prefer to pick up your cheque during office hours, please let us know when your check in. Note that damage deposit cheques are cashed.

Why was I charged fees against my damage deposit?
Fees are assessed for damage, unclean premises, garbage not removed, kitchen untidy, etc. When you signed the contract, you agreed that fees could be assessed.

CLEANING

Do you provide a cleaning service?
No, renters are responsible for cleaning the hall entirely and removing all garbage prior to the end time of their rental.

Are there cleaning supplies provided?
There are brooms and a mop provided for your use. You must bring your own dishcloths and kitchen towels if desired.

Can we conduct a fire ceremony inside the hall?
No.

Does the hall have a sound system or a microphone we can use?
There are speakers mounted to the ceiling in the centre of the hall. You can play the radio or plug in an iPod (cord provided). We also have 2 corded microphones for use. 
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COMMERCIAL KITCHEN / BAR

Do you have a caterer? Can we bring in our own food?
The is a self-service event venue. You can cook on site, bring in your own food (beware of Alberta Health regulations), or hire any caterer you wish.

What comes with your commercial kitchen?
Equipment: Gas stove (6 burners, 2 ovens, griddle); 5 rack convection oven, two 2-door commercial coolers, 1 small freezer, 3 compartment commercial sink, commercial dishwasher 
Cookware: large commercial pots, large cookie sheets, large stainless steel mixing bowls
Serving: 2 service carts, two 100-cup coffee urns, two 42-cup urns

What about plates, glassware, cooking utensils, and cutlery?
We do not supply these items.

What do we do with empty bottles?
There are two large bottle recycling bins in the hall with bags in them. You can take your empties or leave them behind. Please do not throw bottles into the garbage bin.

Do I need to have a liquor license if the alcohol at my rental is free?
All alcohol service (outside of a private residence) requires a liquor license. The liquor licence, rental contract, and host liquor liability insurance should be under the same person’s or organization’s name.

To sell or provide free liquor at your private event (members and invited guests only), apply for your Private Special Event Liquor Licence. Download Brochure.

​To have alcohol at events open to the general public, apply for a Public Resale Community Liquor Licence.

Note: You cannot get a Commercial Event Liquor Licence and host your event at our facility.​