Lethbridge announces a new Fee Assistance Program for recreation and culture activities

LETHBRIDGE – Local recreation and culture activities will now be available to more Lethbridge residents.

A new Fee Assistance Program has been introduced to ease the financial barriers that would otherwise prevent low-income Lethbridge residents from enjoying the activities.

“City Council has made it one of our strategic priorities to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents,” said Mayor Chris Spearman.  “This program is a meaningful, tangible way for us to help deliver on that commitment.”

Applicants who meet eligibility requirements may qualify for fee assistance of up to $150 per person, per season, for a maximum of one program in the Spring (January – June) and Fall (July – December) programming seasons (maximum $300 per calendar year).  Fee-assistance funding will be allotted up to a total of $90,000 per year, starting in 2016.

The program will be launched later this month, in time for January 2016 programming.

“Residents who find themselves left out of our municipal recreation and culture activities for purely financial reasons now have a way to overcome that barrier,” said Councillor Jeff Carlson.

To qualify for fee assistance, a family or individual must have an income below Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cutoff guidelines or provide proof of involvement in any of a number of income or housing assistance programs.

Details of the program will be available later in November from the City of Lethbridge and several partner organizations.