Recreation Fee Subsidy

children playing on splashpad

The City of Peterborough offers financial assistance to eligible families and adults for a variety of programs depending on the age of the applicant as well a discounted membership option for adults over the age of 18.

Recreation Fee Subsidy

The City of Peterborough offers a Recreation Fee Subsidy Program. This program assists low-income families and families receiving social assistance with registration costs for recreational programs offered by the City or other organizations within the City limits including but not limited to; sports activities, aquatic programs and camps for dependent children 18 years and under. You can apply for multiple programs at once, for one or more participants. The maximum subsidy per child is $100 or $200 per year depending on the low-income cut off per household. Applicants are required to be residents within the City of Peterborough.

PSWC Program Subsidy 

The Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre offers discounted rates on programs taking place at the Sport & Wellness Centre for qualifying individuals over the age of 18. Applicants are not required to be City residents.

Subsidized Memberships

The Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre offers membership subsidies to assist qualifying participants access to the facility. This membership runs from June 1 to May 31 of each year and reapplying for this membership type starts in April of each year.

The membership provides you access to the fitness centre, aquatic centre and gymnasiums during the centre’s hours of operations, access to the member fitness classes and drop in programs, and provides you a discount on registered programs.

FAQ's and Other Sport Subsidy opportunities

Applying for a Recreation Fee Subsidy

 Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the Recreation Fee Subsidy Program, you must live in the City of Peterborough and meet the financial criteria in the low-income cut off chart or be receiving Ontario Works or ODSP.
 Low-income cut-off chart
Low-income cut-off - Recreation subsidy
Family SizeLow income cut-off (per household)Subsidy 
Up to 5

Up to $39,668

$200

Up to 5

$39,669 to $43,993

$100

6

Up to $43,993 

$200

6

$43,994 to $48,317

$100

7 or more

Up to $48,317

$200

7 or more

$48,318 to $52,640

$100

 Eligible Programs
 Programs eligible for Recreation Fee Subsidy program include:
 Application

 If you meet the eligibility requirements, please complete our online application. 

Recreation Fee Subsidy application

Applying for a PSWC Program Subsidy

Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for a PSWC Program Subsidy you must be over the age of 18 and meet the financial criteria in the low-income cut off chart or be receiving Ontario Works or ODSP.

Low-income cut-off chart

Discount eligibility 

Household sizeTotal household incomeDiscount applied

1 - 5 family members

Up to $39,668

Lowest available program rate

6 family members

Up to $43,993

Lowest available program rate

7+ family members

Up to $48,317

Lowest available program rate

Program subsidy application

If your application is approved, you may receive a discount off of the program fee you are registering yourself for. Please note:

  • Completion and/or approval of this application does not guarantee a reserved space in a Sport & Wellness Centre registered program. Participants are responsible for registering for the programs they are interested in at the Centre, according to standard registration dates and procedures once their application has been approved payment for the program will need to be made at the time of registration.

  • Applications for programs that have already been paid for or taken place will not be accepted. 

  • Applications for discounted swimming lessons must be completed and approved at least 10 business days before registration opens for the session. Registration dates can be found on the How to Register page.

  • Applications for adult fitness programs at the Centre must be completed and approved at least 10 business days prior to the program start date.

Required documentation

To apply for the program subsidy, you are required to provide an electronic copy of one of the documents below that verifies total household income. Pay stubs will not be accepted. All income must be declared and verified for every adult residing in the household. You can upload a photo or attach a PDF copy:

  • Most recent Notice of Assessment, line 236 for the applicant and spouse (if applicable), or
  • Most recent Family Net Income from your Canada Child Tax Benefit statement.

You can apply for multiple program discounts at once, for one or more participants. Have the program name, course code, and start date information available when you apply. Program information and fees can be found on the registration page of the program. You can search programs by course code, found in the Fun Guide, or by browsing the categories found on our Registration Page.

PSWC Program Subsidy Application  

Applying for a Subsidized Membership

Membership rates
  • Individual Membership (age 25 to 84): $27.50 per month + H.S.T.
  • One Adult/Family Membership*: $50 per month + H.S.T.
    *Dependents must be under age 22 and reside at the same home address

Memberships start on either the 1st with a full payment, or the 15th of the month with a 50% payment. This is determined by when the application is submitted.

You can also choose to pay for your membership up front for the year. Payment is required prior to accessing the Centre.

Eligibility criteria
This application is for participants who meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
  • Currently receiving ODSP,
  • Currently receiving Ontario Works, or
  • Currently meeting the following household income criteria:
    • Household of up to 5 family members: Net income up to $39,668 annually 
    • Household of up to 6 family members: Net income up to $43,993 annually 
    • Household of 7+ family members: Net income up to $48,317 annually
Membership application

Required documentation

The following documentation is required to complete this application. Fields will appear throughout the form for you to upload a PDF or photo of these documents:

  • Void cheque or Pre-Authorized Payment form from your bank.
    • This form allows us to withdraw the monthly membership fees from your bank account.
    • Membership must be paid monthly through this process.
    • Payments occur on the 1st or the 15th of the month depending on when the application is approved.
  • One of the following documents that verifies total household income. All income must be declared and verified for every adult living in your household:
    • Most recent Notice of Assessment, line 236 for the applicant and spouse (if applicable). Pay stubs are not accepted,
    • Monthly benefit or pension statements,
    • Most recent Family Net Income from your Canada Child Tax Benefit statement,
    • ODSP statement,
    • OW statement,
    • Employment Insurance, or
    • Student Loans.

Subsidized Membership Application

Find out what programs are available to you

 I live in the City of Peterborough and meet the low income eligibility requirements above

 Below is a list of programs available to you:

 I live in the City of Peterborough and receive Ontario Works or ODSP

  Below is a list of programs available to you:

 I live in the County and meet the low income eligibility requirements above
 Below is a list of programs available to you:
 I live in the County and receive Ontario Works or ODSP
 Below is a list of programs available to you:

 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive Subsidy for a Parent and Tot class?
Yes, subsidy can be used for Parent and Tot classes such as skating lessons, gymnastics, swimming, etc.
 If I already paid for a program, can I be reimbursed?
Yes, you may be eligible for a reimbursement, based on availability of funds. You must submit your application and reimbursement within thirty (30) days of payment.
Can I receive the funds directly and then pay for the program fees?

No, payment is either issued directly to the Program Provider or you can request a reimbursement if the registration fees were paid in advance.

Note: if you are requesting a reimbursement, it must be done within thirty (30) days of payment.

Can I receive Subsidy for After School Programs?
No, you must contact Children's Services to inquire about Child Care Fee Subsidy or call 705-748-8830.
Can Subsidy be used to purchase equipment i.e. bicycles, skates, etc.
No, the Recreation Fee Subsidy can only be used to assist with registration fees. Canadian Tire Jumpstart may be able to provide assistance with equipment.
Can Subsidy be used for non-recreational activities?
Yes, the Recreation Fee Subsidy can provide assistance with programs offered at the Peterborough Museum & ArchivesArt Gallery of Peterborough, Art School of Peterborough, music lessons, etc.
Can Subsidy be used for programs offered outside of the City limits
No, the programs must be offered within the City of Peterborough city limits. Canadian Tire Jumpstart may be able to provide assistance.
 Can I receive Subsidy for a program or membership at the YMCA
No, please visit YMCA Membership - Financial Assistance for information or call 705-748-9642 ext. 259.

Other sport subsidy programs

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Supported by Jumpstart logo

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities is a registered charity dedicated to removing financial barriers so kids across Canada have the opportunity to get off the sidelines and get into the game.

Peterborough Recreation Services has been a major benefactor of the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program. Jumpstart funding has not only led to an increase in participation across our programs but has enabled our department’s ability to provide staff with comprehensive training that is required for specific programs. As a result, our staff is more equipped than ever to provide the services needed to ensure our participants have a positive and enjoyable experience. Additionally, we have been able to utilize Jumpstart funding in a manner to improve the quality of our programs. More specifically, the funding has allowed us to improve the quality of our equipment and alleviate the supply costs associated with operating those programs.

Most recently, Recreation Services was awarded funding to support our Winter 2023 Inclusive Youth Dance Medley class to build capacity for all abilities to participate and lead in recreational activities, sports, and leisure. This example epitomizes why Canadian Tire Jumpstart has been an integral component of the recreational programs offered by the City of Peterborough, and the Recreation Services Division. #SupportedByJumpstart

Jumpstart's core purpose is to enrich the lives of kids (from 4 to 18) in need through sports and physical activity. We assist with the costs associated with registration, equipment and/or transportation.

The Peterborough Chapter receives support from the two local Canadian Tire stores and consists of several organizations committed to helping children.

Note: Individual Child grant applications open in January and close when the funds have been depleted for the year.

For more information or to apply online visit Canadian Tire Jumpstart. If you require assistance with your application and live in Peterborough, contact the Recreation Division at 705-742-7777 ext. 1827. If you live in Peterborough County call the YMCA at 705-748-9642 ext. 225.

Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund

The Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund is a $1 million fund created to assist Canadian families experiencing financial challenges as a result of COVID-19. The Assist Fund will provide up to $500 per player in registration fee subsidies to approved applicants who are registered with a Hockey Canada-sanctioned association. 

Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2022 - 2023 season.

Just 4 Kics (Kids in Community Sports)

Just 4 Kics is a proud Canadian registered charity providing underprivileged youth (18 and younger) with funding support for a sport or recreational activity within their community. For more information call 416-346-2488 or email admin@just4kics.ca

NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund 

The NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund provides equipment grants of brand new equipment to organizations and programs that are helping deserving children play the game of hockey. 

PHA Cares Program

The PHA wants everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy the sport of hockey.  Should financial circumstances become a barrier for a child’s involvement, the PHA will try to provide support to local families. This applies to both house league and rep league individuals. 

The PHA requires a family to apply for Canadian Tire Jump Start Program and the Minor Hockey Foundation of Ontario subsidy program prior to asking for financial assistance through the PHA's “Right to Play” program.

Teachers for Kids Foundation

Teachers for Kids has provided over half a million dollars to help students participate in sports, trips, extracurricular clubs and teams, tutoring, and other activities. They also provide items necessary for students' social and emotional well being such as clothing, prescriptions, counseling, help to families dealing with serious illnesses, etc.

KPRDSB students in need are identified by their teacher, principal, guidance counselor, social worker or other school personnel. If you know of a student in need, please talk to your school. The rep will help you through the simple application process to quickly get support in place for the student.

Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity

The mission of the Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity is to improve the quality of life for seriously ill children and families. The Jennifer Ashleigh Children's Charity assists children who are:

  • seriously ill
  • permanently disabled
  • under the age of 21
  • permanent residents of Ontario or Landed Immigrant status

Kids in Camp

Kids in Camp is a registered charity established to financially assist families to send their kids to camp.

KidSport Ontario

KidSport provides grants to families facing financial barriers to assist with registration fees and equipment costs for children to participate in registered sport programs. Kidsport can provide between $250.00 to $500.00 per eligible child.

Ontario Growing Up Through Sports

Ontario Growing Up Through Sports offers financial assistance to low-income families across communities in Ontario. Ontario Growing Up Through Sports believes that no matter the situation at home, all kids should be able to enjoy what playing sports has to offer in their local communities.