City looking at changes to low income recreation access program

Jun 26, 2018 | 6:21 AM

After looking at the structure of the Low Income Recreation Access (LIRA) program, the city is looking at making some changes.

In the past, qualified residents would get a $300 credit a year to use towards recreation. Eastlink Centre Manager Jim Weller says they are now looking to change it to a subsidy program instead. This would mean that a resident would pay 25 per cent of the price of the program while the city would cover the remaining 75 per cent.

“Comparing Grande Prairie to other cities and municipalities, a 75 per cent discount on fees would be reasonable,” said Weller.

“We thought there needed to be some sort of commitment. Some people don’t necessarily view free as something of value. We thought we would put a value to it. If we put a value to it, more people will appreciate it and use it more.”

The city is trying to create more ease for applicants with the move of the administrative aspect of the program to a central location, the Eastlink Centre. Weller says there were way more hoops to jump through in the past as applicants would have to go downtown to apply before the paperwork was processed.

A name change may also be necessary to reduce the stigma surrounding the LIRA program, according to Weller. The city will look at dropping the “low income” portion when it is presented to the public.

To be accepted into the program, you must be a Grande Prairie resident with proof of address. You must also pass the assessment criteria as well as provide proof of annual household income.

by Justine Kelsie