Recreation Fee Assistance

This policy applies to all Belleville residents/taxpayers who demonstrate a need for assistance in 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 all 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 as it results in savings in health, social service and justice costs. 

The City of Belleville and its Community Services Department is committed to providing 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's Community Services Department 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 located at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre).
• 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. Subject to supporting documentation, the applicant's current income may be factored in if it is significantly different than the previous income tax year.
• 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 a Child Tax Benefit Statement from Revenue Canada, ODSP/Ontario Works statement, and proof of all other sources of income 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. Additional documentation may be requested at the discretion of the Recreation Program Supervisor or designate for verification (i.e. income, residency, marital status, etc.).
• 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. Annual subsidy cycles run from July to June the following 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)for the following programs:
• Summer camps, PA Day Camps and School Holiday Camps*
• Group aquatic and skating lessons*
• Health & Wellness programs/workshops*
• Special Interest program/workshops*
• Program passes, drop-in's and memberships

*Extra hours, program materials and supplies, manuals, exams for leadership courses, private lessons, or personal training are not eligible for subsidies.

• The program/workshop must have the minimum required number of paying participants enrolled in order to accept subsidized spots in each program.
• This City reserves the right to review a client's eligibility based on receiving contrary or updated information and may be revoked if being misused.
• The City reserves the right to change or cancel this program at any time, without notice.