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By Justine Kelsie

City expanding access to recreation for low-income families

Sep 6, 2018 | 6:25 AM

The Recreation Access Program, formerly known as the Low-income Recreation Access program, now includes six facilities in the city of Grande Prairie.

Eligible families can now get passes, memberships and registered programs at a 75-per cent subsidy through the program. Community Development Co-ordinator Tammy Wentzell says the Eastlink Centre, Grande Prairie Museum, Coca-Cola Centre, Heritage discovery Centre, Dave Barr Community Centre and Ernie Radbourne Pavilion are accessible through the program.

“We did some research around what other municipalities were doing and see what successes these municipalities were having. The most success came from offering a subsidy program as opposed to a credit.”

The program used to offer the applicants a $300 credit to families exclusively for the Eastlink Centre. With the expansion of facilities and people paying 25-per cent, she says it should open accessibility and flexibility to residents.

“As a pilot program, we are really looking at if this is the best program that meets the needs of the individuals needing to access this in our community. It gives us the flexibility to say, ‘if it is not working, how do we enhance the program to make it work?’”

Applications for the program are available throughout the year. To be eligible, Wentzell says you must live in the city and have a proof of address.

“We are basing it on the low-income cut-off measure which refer to a LICO. This is established by Statistics Canada. What we have done is add an additional 30-per cent to that measure, so more people can qualify.”

She says annual income is considered and proof would be needed in some form.

Interested residents can contact the city at 780-830-5000.

by Justine Kelsie