Recreation Fee Assistance Program

The Recreation Fee Assistance Program is to provide City of Hamilton residents living with a low income the opportunity to participate in organized sports and recreation programs.

Types of fee assistance covered by this program:

• Free family pass to the recreation centre of your choice.
• Fee assistance on City of Hamilton recreation programs to a maximum of $150 value per child during a 12 month period.
• 50% fee assistance for City of Hamilton affiliated sports programs, to a maximum of $100.00 annually per child.
  (e.g., hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, football and figure skating.)

Who can apply?

• You live in the City of Hamilton - must provide a photocopy of a document with your home address such as a property tax bill, utility bill, driver's license etc. dated within the last 60 days

AND one of the following:

• The entire family is receiving assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program - must provide a photocopy of your monthly Drug Benefit Card.
   
  OR
• Single adults who are receiving assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program - must provide a photocopy of your monthly Drug Benefit Card.
  
  OR
• Your family income falls below the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for your family size (see chart to the right) - must provide a photocopy of last year’s Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.

How do I apply?

1. Download and complete the Recreation Fee Assistance application form (pdf)
   This form is also available for pick up at any City recreation centre, pool or arena.
2. Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program applicants must include a photocopy of your most recent monthly Drug Benefit Card which has each family member's name on it.  If you have misplaced this card, please contact your case worker to obtain another one.
   
   Low income applicants must include a photocopy of last year’s Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency to cover the entire family. If you are not able to find last year’s Notice of Assessment you can call the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 to obtain a copy of the "Income Tax Return - Information Regular" (which shows line 150).
3. Send in your completed application with photocopies of your supporting documents using one of the following methods:
    
   • Drop off  to any recreation centre or pool
   • By mail addressed to:
     City of Hamilton – Community Services
     Recreation Division - Fee Assistance Program
     Lister Block Building – 3rd Floor
     P.O. Box 2040
     Hamilton, ON  L8P 4Y5

Your application will be reviewed and you will be contacted indicating whether you have been approved or not approved and the reasons why. This will take approximately 1 to 2 weeks upon receipt of the application.

Camp Kidaca
We are offering clients approved for the Fee Assistance Program an opportunity to purchase a maximum 3 weeks of Camp Kidaca per child at a discounted price of $45.00 per week (all additional weeks are at the full rate: $125).

• This rate is only applicable to those approved for the Fee Assistance Program.
• You must pay the $45 with your own funds, as the city is covering the remainder.
• If you wish to register using your Fee Assistance funds you may do so, however you will be charged the full rate - and this can be done at your local recreation centre.
• Payment must accompany the special registration form (pdf) - and they can be dropped off at any city recreation centre or pool.
• Staff will contact you once you have been registered; as well, they will send out a registration confirmation to you.
  

For more information: