The City of Port Coquitlam’s Financial Assistance program supports active lifestyles and healthy communities by offering inclusive recreation programs and services at a reduced cost for individuals.

If your financial circumstances make it difficult for you to pay the full fee for programs, you may qualify for financial assistance. Adult recipients will receive a total of $200 per calendar year and a 75% discount toward the cost of recreation programs and memberships.   Children and youth recipients (0 – 18 years old) will receive a total of $500 per calendar year and a 75% discount toward the cost of recreation programs and memberships.  All recipients will receive a One City Pass for the duration of the approved calendar year, which provides free entry to drop-in swimming, skating, fitness, racquetball/squash and all-age gym sports across the City.

How to apply for Financial Assistance

Complete the application form and provide proof of your Port Coquitlam residency by submitting a current monthly bill.

There are two options to verify financial circumstances:

1. Submit Government documentation that demonstrates the family income falls with income qualifying income levels determined by the Government of Canada’s Low Income Cut-Off Scale*.  For example, Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment or Canada Child Tax Benefit Statement)
2. Ask a Community Organization to complete the Community Partner Reference Form and return to the applicant or submit directly to recreation@portcoquitlam.ca

Submit the application form along with your supporting documents via:

• Email: recreation@portcoquitlam.ca or
• Mail: Port Coquitlam Community Centre
  Attention: Recreation Administration
  2150 Wilson Avenue
  Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6J5

Financial Assistance Program Acceptance

Approved recipients can visit their “My Account” at portcoquitlam.ca/register. A $200 scholarship will be available for each adult and a $500 scholarship will be available for each Child and youth s (0 – 18 years old) who requested financial assistance. A 75% discount will automatically apply when purchasing an activity, admission or pass. The funding expires December 31 of each calendar year and individuals can reapply each year using the application process.

Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut Off (LICO)

The use of LICO aligns with current practices among Lower Mainland municipalities. The Policy was updated to offer greater flexibility to confirm financial status, however, and now includes the option for approved community organizations, schools, health-based agencies and government organizations to verify an individual’s financial circumstances.  This creates a more respectful process for applicants by leveraging the service provider’s relationship and often more current knowledge of their client’s circumstances, as well as addresses language, transportation, and technology barriers of applicants.

Background of what LICO is:

The Low Income Cut Off (LICO) is a measure of low income constructed by Statistics Canada.  Individuals who fall below the LICO threshold typically allocate a much larger share of their income to the basic necessities of food, shelter and clothing; therefore, may not have the financial means to access recreation services and programs.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart is a national charitable program with the goal of allowing all kids a chance to recreate and connect with their communities. This program helps kids (ages 4-18) with socioeconomic barriers participate in organized sport and recreation by providing funding for registration and equipment.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart has recently changed their grant process. Parents and/or guardians are now required to apply directly to Canadian Tire Jumpstart with verifying documentation.  To learn about the process and to apply, visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.

Once approved, email your confirmation letter to accessinclusion@portcoquitlam.ca and indicate which activity or membership you would like the grant money to be applied to. Please note as processing times may vary and space is limited in registered activities, families are encouraged to apply for Jumpstart funding without delay.

The City of Port Coquitlam is committed to providing welcoming spaces for all. Our facilities offer many accessibility features, including:

The Port Coquitlam Community Centre is Certified Gold by the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Program (RHFAC).  The RHFAC is a national rating system that measures and certifies the level of meaningful access of buildings and sites. Learn about our leisure pool, fitness facility and arena features, along with general facility accessibility here.

Hyde Creek Recreation Centre offers accessible parking, ramp access into the building, elevator access to second floor and accessible features at the pool. Learn more here.

Personal Assistants support active lifestyles and healthy communities by providing additional support to individuals attending recreation programs and activities.

Personal Assistant Access Program Guidelines

Step 1: Complete and submit application.

Step 2: Application will be reviewed and the applicant will be contacted regarding eligibility.

Step 3: Once approved visit portcoquitlam.ca/register and sign into “My Account” to register the participant and their Personal Assistant for an activity/program. Note: Participant will be charged a drop-in admission fee and the Personal Assistant will be free of charge. For registered program email: accessinclusion@portcoquitlam.ca.

Step 4: Upon arrival a Personal Assistant will need to provide contact information to staff.

Download a subsidy application form or complete the online form below.

Personal Assistant Application Form

Applicant Information

Participant Name: *

Date of Birth: *

Address: *

Address:

Address:

Address:

City

City

Province

Province

Postal Code

Postal Code

Primary Phone: *

Secondary Phone:

Email: *

Guardian Information

Applicable if applicant is under the age of 18

Name: *

Date of Birth: *

Address: *

Address:

Address:

Address:

City

City

Province

Province

Postal Code

Postal Code

Primary Phone: *

Secondary Phone:

Email: *

Nature of Disability

Nature of Disability: *

Select if this is temporary request

Indicate number of months or end date of support

(i.e. 6 months or Jan 2022)

I hereby certify that the above information on this application form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Clear

Date Submitted:

Personal information entered on this form is collected under the authority of section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and will be used to assess your application. If you have any questions or concerns about how your information will be used, contact the City’s Records and FOIPPA Administrator at 604.927.5250 or corporateoffice@portcoquitlam.ca

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Please note: To be eligible for free admission, Personal Assistant must be registered for the same activity/ program and actively assisting the participant requiring the support. Individuals providing professional assessments or treatments, such as physical therapy and other rehabilitation services or personal training, are not permitted under the Personal Assistant Access Program.

The Recreation Program Support Program offers 1:1 support for children/youth in registered activities. This program supports participants in activities to reduce barriers with the goal of an inclusive recreation environment.

The support of a staff/volunteer is dependent on program capacity and staff/Leisure Buddy volunteer availability. Our staff and volunteers are able to assist with focusing, redirection, positive reinforcement and encouraging engagement. They are not trained Behavioural Interventionists or Community Support Workers.

Please note: We are unable to provide personal care such as assistance with toileting, administering medication and changing.

From June through September, the annual Port Coquitlam’s Farmers Market provides fresh food and produce to community residents.  The City of Port Coquitlam and the Wilson Seniors Advisory Board support Farmers Market Coupon Program which provides weekly coupons to eligible Port Coquitlam residents.

Applications for the 2023 Farmers Market Coupon Program have now closed.