Recreation Fee Assistance

This policy applies to all Belleville residents/taxpayers who need assistance paying for the specified City of Belleville recreation programs outlined in this policy due to financial hardship. This subsidy is not to be combined with other community subsidy programs.

There are many benefits of recreation to low-income individuals and families, as well as to the community.  Recreation has physical health benefits, psycho-social benefits, it can help to break the cycle of poverty, and it is a wise financial investment due to the fact that it results in savings in health, social service and justice costs. 

The City of Belleville and its Community Services Department is committed to providing affordable access for all citizens of Belleville, regardless of age or income, to participate in municipally run recreation programs and activities.    

It is the responsibility of the City of Belleville Recreation staff to oversee this process. All requests and completed forms should be directed to the Community Services Department. This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the needs of the community are addressed effectively as the City’s population and composition continues to change.

• Residents who are unable to afford the fees to a municipal program and/or activity will complete a subsidy application form (available on-line or at the Community Services Office).
• All requests will be dealt with in a confidential manner, on a case by case basis, with the Recreation Program Supervisor, or designate, having the authority to modify the approved subsidy rate, if needed, to ensure all residents are able to participate in municipally run programs.
• Assistance may be provided to all residents by offering payment option plans, including post-dated cheques, ensuring that the final cheque is dated no later than 2 weeks before the program starts.
• Using the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) before tax levels set by Statistics Canada (based on previous income tax year), the City of Belleville will determine, annually, each applicant’s eligibility for the Subsidy/Fee Assistance Policy.
• Should there be a request for assistance from a resident that exceeds the income levels on the Recreation Subsidy Chart, an assessment will be completed to determine other options for payment and/or support to the applicant, at the discretion of the Recreation Program Supervisor or designate.
• An application must be received and a meeting held between the applicant and the Recreation staff at least 10 days before the start of the program/workshop being applied for by the individual.
• The applicant (or parent/guardian if under 18) must provide a Personal Income Tax Notice of Assessment and/or GST/Child Assessment Forms from Revenue Canada or an ODSP/Ontario Works statement for every member of the household 18 years of age and over, as well as one piece of picture ID that shows current address or a picture ID and a utility bill or rental agreement showing current address. Please list all family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) who live in the household. Note: Any other adults in the home (over the age of eighteen), who are not dependents, must complete their own application to access the program.
• Applicants only need to apply for the subsidy once a year and if approved, this will enable them to register for programs throughout the year without having to re-apply each time they register. Renewal applications must be submitted by June 30^th of each year.
• If approved, the applicant will be eligible to register, at the specified approved discounted rate, for the following programs/workshops at the approved discounted rate (25%, 50%, or 75% off).
• The following programs/items are excluded:
  • Private Lessons, Semi-Private Lessons (may be considered on an individual’s need)
  • Personal Training Sessions
  • Camp swimming lessons & extra hours
  • 50+ Centre Annual Memberships, Seniors Luncheons
  • Extra Fees for Supplies (Art Classes, Cooking Classes, etc.)
  • Extra fees for materials/books/exams for leadership courses
• The program/workshop must have the minimum required number of paying participants enrolled in order to accept subsidized spots in each program.
• This policy will be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the needs of the community are addressed effectively as the City’s population and composition continues to change.