GabRec Access
To help local residents on a limited income access Gabriola Recreation Society programs. Receive subsidies on program fees, up to full coverage (up to $100, per family member, per program season is eligible; up to a maximum of $300/family). Before the program starts, submit the GabRec Access form on our website. Or contact the GRS office to speak to our co-ordinator in person.
L.E.A.P. (Leisure Economic Access Policy)
This pass is available through the Nanaimo Parks and Recreation LEAP Program, for low income residents of the area who participate in recreation activities in Nanaimo. Participants in the Recreation Society’s instructor led programs (not for drop-ins: volleyball, badminton, hockey) are eligible for a discount. LEAP is available to low income residents, and provides 50% off program fees up to a maximum of $40 off; 1 program per family member per session. Also – 50 free skate/swim passes for kids, half price swim/skate for adults, discounts for seniors. This picture I.D. card must be applied for in Nanaimo. Phone the Parks & Rec. dept. at 756-5200 to arrange an appointment.
Kidsport
Kidsport Nanaimo – www.kidsportnanaimo.com
A community based funding program through Sport B.C. that provides grants of up to $200 to help cover the costs of registration fees for kids ages 6 – 18 to participate in organized sport activities. Funding is for sports that have qualified coaches, have a defined “season” and are members of Sport B.C. It is available to low income families; first time applicants receive priority. Can apply for 1 sport/year; applications must be received prior to or at the beginning of the requested sport’s season. Applications are submitted by an adult sponsor (ie.can be a parent, guardian, counsellor, coach, family friend). Apply early as funding is limited and applications can take 60 days to process.
Jumpstart
Jumpstart – www.jumpstart.canadiantire.ca
1-844-YES-PLAY
National charitable foundation through Canadian Tire to help financially disadvantaged kids ages 4 – 18 participate in organized sport and recreation. Grants of up to $300 are available to cover the costs of registration, equipment, or transportation. Parents or guardians can apply requesting an amount, with proof of financial need. This program is administered through various non-profit groups designated by Canadian Tire, with over 60 sport and recreation activities being eligible. Applications can be submitted from January 15 – November 1, but must be received before fees are due. Allow 6 – 8 weeks for processing.
Grade 5 Active Pass / Grade 6 Active Pass
Children residing in SD68, attending school or being homeschooled, are eligible to receive an Active Pass through Nanaimo Parks & Recreation, valid from October 1 – August 31. Students in Grade 5 (ages 10/11) get free admission to public drop-in swimming and skating at Beban pool, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, Frank Crane Arena, Cliff McNabb Arena, Nanaimo Ice Centre, and drop-in gym sessions at Oliver Woods Community Centre. Forms are given out at GES in September, and can be obtained anytime at all recreation centres in Nanaimo.
Grade 6 students (ages 11/12) can get a Stay Active Pass with 12 free visits to any of the above facilities. Take your old Active Pass to any Nanaimo rec. centre to load it with the free admissions; or complete the paperwork at any centre and receive a new 12 pass.
When applying in person, children need to show a birth certificate or passport with year of birth; provide proof of SD68 residency (parent’s driver’s license, or copy of a bill). Active passes are photo ID cards, so your child must be present at the time of application. Get more information at the Nanaimo Parks & Recreation Department, 756-5200.