Affordable Access and Subsidy Programs
The benefits of physical activity and play, at a low or no cost.
Join us for FREE fun and games at River Oaks Community Centre!
Our next Community Play Night takes place on Wednesday, November 27.
Join us at at River Oaks Community Centre between 6 and 8 p.m. for:
- Fun games and activities (Jenga, table tennis, and more!) for all ages and abilities from 6 to 7:45 p.m., and
- A free recreational skate that begins at 6:30 p.m.
Skate and helmet rentals are available for a fee.
Capacity restrictions and admission standards apply.
What is affordable access?
The Town of Oakville believes that all residents should have access to programs and services offered by the Recreation and Culture department regardless of age, ability or financial need.
To this end, the town provides residents with free and low-fee programs and services, as well as financial assistance options, including:
- a variety of drop-in play opportunities (skating, swimming, sports, and more) on a daily basis for a one-time, low fee.
- innovative programs like the new Summer Sizzler Super Playgrounds half-day drop-in for affordable, flexible fun based on our popular camps.
- community sport leagues for youth, offered in partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. There is no cost to play and spaces are limited. Town staff reserve the right to hold spaces for those who would benefit most from this opportunity.
- two Youth Centres offering free activities during drop-in hours for ages 12 to 18.
- the Aquatic Leadership Assistance Program (ALAP) (PDF) provides residents who experience barriers with the opportunity to have their lifeguard certification fees waived.
- providing adults 50+ opportunities to participate in low-cost programs and events at our Seniors Centres, including the Friendship Luncheon for ages 80+.
- free admission to Oakville Museum and municipal art galleries.
- eight branches of the Oakville Public Library, which provide free access to media and materials, including the Sports Equipment Lending Program and Toy Library, and low-cost programming.
- special promotions and opportunities, like our FREE Community Play Nights, throughout the year.
- various community events like Family Day, the Oakville Children's Festival and Culture Days.
- more than 200 kilometres of recreational trails and 190 municipal parks, many with baseball diamonds, soccer fields, outdoor courts, and more.
Fee Assistance Options
Copies of the Affordable Access Guide (PDF) are available at all Town of Oakville Recreation and Culture facilities.
Following are details regarding fee subsidy opportunities designed to keep you and your family moving! Click on an option to learn more.
Fee subsidies through Halton Region
Families receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disabilty Support (ODSP) are automatically eligible for this funding.
Families with one (1) child who earn less than $35,000, and families with two (2) or more children who earn less than $45,000, may also be eligible providing they are in active receipt of Child Care Fee Subsidy from Halton Region.
For more information, visit the Halton Region website, call 905-825-6000 or 311.
Canadian Tire Jumpstart
Jumpstart's core purpose is to enrich the lives of kids (ages 4 to 18) in need through sports and physical activity. They assist with the costs associated with registration, equipment, and/or transportation.
Families living below Revenue Canada's Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) are eligible for Jumpstart funding.
Visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca to learn more.
Recreation Connection
Under the Recreation Connection program, financial assistance is available based on total net income of all family members and the number of people in your household.
Once your application is received and approved, you will receive an account and registration information letter. Each eligible family member on your application will receive a credit of $300 which is valid for one year. You may apply for and receive the credit once per year.
Applications for Recreation Connection will be ongoing throughout the year. The first day of each customer's 12-month enrolment period will be the date their credit is added to their account.
Where can I submit my Recreation Connection application?
Recreation Connection applications can be submitted (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.) at the following locations:
- Glen Abbey Community Centre
- Iroquois Ridge Community Centre
- Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre
- Recreation and Culture Department at Town Hall
- River Oaks Community Centre, and
- Sixteen Mile Sports Complex.
Answers to frequently asked questions follow. Click on a heading for more information.
To qualify for the Recreation Connection program, the applicant must:
- Be a resident of Oakville*
- Have a total net individual or combined family income** below LICO (Low Income Cut-Offs);
- Provide recent official documentation that shows total family net income using one or more of the following original statements/documents:
- Notice of Assessment form (T451) – required for all family members over 18 years of age without dependents
- Canada Child Tax Benefit Notice – required when the application includes dependents under 18 years of age
- Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit Notice
- Ontario Child Care Supplement for Working Families Notice
- Ontario Works (OW) Statement of Assistance
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Statement of Assistance
- Community Organization Referral (from approved partners)
*Refugees are eligible to apply for Recreation Connection within the first year of receiving the following documents and income verification is not required:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residency (received at airport for each individual), OR if available, the Government of Canada Permanent Resident Card; OR
- Refugee Protection Claimant Document; AND
- Proof of residency in Oakville (recent utility bill, lease agreement, driver’s license, etc.).
Provided eligibility requirements are met, dependents over the age of 18 and living at home must apply separately as an individual.
**Maximum qualifying income
Family size — current dollars
1 person — $22,324
2 persons — $27,790
3 persons — $34,165
4 persons — $41,481
5 persons — $47,046
6 persons — $53,061
7 persons or more — $59,076
Subsidy available is $300 per person.
Applications for fee assistance can be found at any Recreation and Culture department customer service counter, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A specific appointment time is not necessary but can be made by phoning your preferred location or by e-mailing affordableaccess@oakville.ca.
Applicants are required to provide the documentation outlined under How do I qualify?
Town of Oakville Recreation and Culture staff will forward all eligible applications to Town Hall for processing. This will take approximately seven (7) business days. A welcome letter will be provided with registration information.
Once the credit has been applied to your account, you will be able to register in programs of your choice.
Programs and services NOT eligible for fee assistance include:
- Library programs
- Facility rentals
- Community Connection programs
- Single admission (pay-as-you-go) passes
- Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts show tickets
- Material fees and concession items
Can I use my credit towards my child’s activities?
Your individual credit cannot be transferred to other family members or individuals.
Can I use some of my own funds along with my credit to pay for a program?
You have the option to either use the credit to cover the full program or membership cost or to pay a portion yourself using an accepted payment method. This can only be done when registering in person.
Can I carry over my credit to the next year?
The credit has no real cash value. Any refunds from cancelled or withdrawn programs will be returned to your account as a credit. Any unused credits remaining at the end of your enrolment period cannot be carried over or transferred to another individual or family member or redeemed for cash.
Once my credit is used up can I receive more?
You are eligible to reapply for the program once per year if you continue to meet all of the eligibility criteria. Applications can be made 30 days prior to the end of your current enrolment period.