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More people can get punch cards to rec facilities

County of Grande Prairie expands Recreation Fee Assistance Program

Oct 3, 2019 | 5:04 PM

The County of Grande Prairie is expanding a program that allows people facing financial barriers access to recreation facilities.

The Recreation Fee Assistance Program, which was launched last year, gives low-income families and individuals access to local recreation facilities, through a ten-punch pass card. The card can be used at the Eastlink Centre, Crosslink County Sportsplex, or the Beaverlodge Recreation Centre.

Lisa Watson, Child, Youth and Family Team Lead for the County of Grande Prairie FCSS says this program is very important.

“The purpose [of this program] is to make recreation accessible to low-income earners within the County of Grande Prairie. We believe that people should have access to recreation, regardless of income.”

In order to be eligible for the program, applicants must be over 18 years old, live in the County, and not exceed a yearly income threshold. The threshold has been increased by 30% this year, and goes as follows:

  • 1 Person – $25,554
  • 2 People – $31,811
  • 3 People – $39,107
  • 4 People – $47,484
  • 5 People – $53,855
  • 6 People – $60,740
  • 7+ People – $67,635

The passes are valued up to $200, and the County of Grande Prairie has allocated $10,000 to provide the punch-cards to applicants.

Families and individuals can apply for the Recreation Fee Assistance Program once per year, and the punch pass must be fully used before people can reapply.

Applications for the program can be found on the County of Grande Prairie’s website.