Recreation Customer Service
Recreation Assistance Program
Contact Us
Program brochure is available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Somali, Punjabi, and Urdu. Please email, call or visit a recreation facility.
For more information contact:
Phone 905-546-2424 ext. 4569
[email protected]
The Recreation Assistance Program provides City of Hamilton residents living with a low income the opportunity to participate in organized sports and recreation programs.
Recreation Assistance Program (RAP)
How to Apply
- Complete application form (list everyone living in house & ensure everyone 18+ has initialed it)
- Provide proof of your family net income
- Provide proof of home address
Accepted Documentation
Home Address
- Provide a photocopy of documentation with your home address such as a property tax bill, utility bill, driver’s license, etc. dated within the last 60 days.
Family Net Income
Providing a photocopy of ONE of the following:
- Government Issued Notice of Assessment for the most recent year showing line 23600 for all adults in the household
- Child Tax Benefit Statement showing the family net income
- GST/ HSTC Notice showing the family net income
- Permanent Residency papers dated within the last year for everyone in the household (you may one be covered for a portion of the program)
- Any full time student supported by a parent/ guardian can provide proof of full-time school enrolment
- Ontario Works- Drug Benefit Eligibility Card- listing the names of everyone in the household
- Ontario Disability
- A letter from your ODSP worker stating everyone who is covered under the benefit
- Your dental card and if you have children- the Healthy Smiles cards for each of them
Note: If you have lost or misplaced your Government issued documentation, you can contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281 to have them re-issue. We do not accept tax software (i.e. accounting software, computer generated tax software programs)
Application submissions can be made:
By Email or Fax
[email protected]
Fax: 905-546-2338
In-person
City of Hamilton Recreation Centre or Arena
By Mail
City of Hamilton
Recreation Assistance Program
Lister Block Building
P.O. Box 2040
Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5
Recreation Assistance Program
Camp Kidaca
Current RAP clients can purchase a maximum of 15 days of year-round Camp Kidaca programs at a 65% discount* (Additional days can be purchased at the full rate)
- Rate is only applicable to those who are current in the RAP program
- Program covers 65% of the base fees, you are responsible to pay the balance with your own funds
- Applications will not be processed without payment!
- Registrations can be processed online using subsidy. You will require a credit card or credit note on account to complete your registration. Registrations without payment do not hold a spot.
Recreation Assistance Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What constitutes a family?
Program is based on the household income. Please include everyone that lives at the address on your application form.
How long does it take to process?
Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks for processing your application.
Can I use my Tax Software to prove my income?
No, you cannot use Tax Software to prove income. We require Government issued paperwork. For a list of accepted paperwork see the reverse side of the application form or contact the office at [email protected]
I have lost/ misplaced my Government Issued paperwork, what do I do?
You can contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281, and they will re-issue a document that can be used in verification.
My family situation has changed (got married, had a baby, moved out), what do I do?
Contact the Recreation Assistance Program and we will update your file. This is a requirement of the program.
What is an Affiliated Minor Sport?
Sports organizations that rent space (fields, arenas, parks, pools and diamonds) from The City of Hamilton have the option to be affiliated with the City’s sport department. If they are affiliated, we can assist with the cost of registration. We can only provide assistance for house league affiliated sports.
My son/daughter is over the age of 18, but still lives with me. Do they have to be included on the application form?
Yes, the program is based on the household. We require everyone who lives in the house to be listed and for you to provide their income. If they are a student, you can provide proof of full time enrollment in place of income.
Why do you require everyone’s initials on the application form?
We need all clients over the age of 18 to sign the application form, to verify they agree with terms and conditions of the program.
Why are you now using Line 23600 to prove income?
Using line 23600 for income verification aligns with other City of Hamilton subsidy programs and allows us to accept other Government issued documentation to prove income.
Can I register online and use my subsidy?
Yes. Every subsidy client already has an account in our registration system. If you haven’t already registered within the new system, log in at rec.hamilton.ca. Please do not create a duplicate account. If you are unsure how to log on, please contact 905-546-3747 or email [email protected].
How can I register using my $150 program funds?
To register for a Recreation Centre program or Camp Kidaca, use the online system or visit your local recreation centre. Once you have selected your preferred course, apply the subsidy and then registration system will calculate the portion you will have to pay.
I want to register online, but I don’t have a credit card, what can I do?
You can put a credit note onto your account ahead of time at a recreation centre. Then when you register online, you can apply the subsidy funds and the credit note to cover the balance owing.
I don’t have enough to cover the full cost of the program. What can I do?
You can still register for programs but you will be responsible to pay the cost (balance) of the course. New funding cannot be given until your current year has expired.
If I pay up front for a course, can I be refunded once my subsidy is approved?
No. Each child is given $150 to be used within a 12 month period. Please space out your funds accordingly. Clients must be current and approved at the time of registration.
One child is not going to use their registration funds; can my other child use them?
No, funds are non-transferrable.
If I decide to withdraw from a program, can you refund my subsidy dollars?
All withdrawals must follow the refund policy, regardless of payment method. Review the refund policy online or at your local recreation centre.
Is Camp Kidaca subsidized?
Yes, we subsidize all Camp Kidada programs (PA day, March Break, Winter Break and Summer Camp). You can receive 65% off the base fee up to a maximum of 15 days per subsidy year. Please space out your funds accordingly.
Do Adults/ Seniors get program funds?
No, at this time, the subsidy funds are allocated to assist children under the age of 18 with registered programs.
How can I get assistance for Minor Sports?
You have two options:
- Write the name of the organization in the Minor Sport space provided on the application form.
- Call or email the Recreation Assistance Program with the name of the child who is participating and the name of the sport organization.
If you are unsure of the associations we cover, please contact [email protected]
Date modified
January 19, 2023