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Source verified July 9, 2026
Leisure Access (fee assistance)
Fee assistance for local recreation programs
Funding available
$ 400
Deadline
August 31, 2026
Opened June 16, 2026
Location
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Kitchener residents whose total household income before taxes is at or below the 2026 Leisure Access Annual Household Income Eligibility.
See full eligibility
Overview
Leisure Access provides up to $400 per person each year for Kitchener residents whose household income is at or below the 2026 Leisure Access Annual Household Income Eligibility, helping reduce recreation fees. Funds support city-run and neighbourhood association activities, including swimming lessons, camps, and skating.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 400 $
- Minimum amount : 400 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Kitchener
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Seniors
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Local
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- City-run or neighbourhood association programs.
- Swimming lessons, March Break camps, summer camps, and aquatic leadership programs.
- Golf lessons, tee times, memberships, and carts at Doon Valley Golf Course and Rockway golf course.
- Leisure and older adult programs, Kitchener Market classes, and public skating at Lions Arena and Grand River Arena.
- Ongoing groups at Downtown Community Centre, Rockway Centre, and Breithaupt Centre.
Documents Needed
- Completed application.
- Proof of income for all adults (18 years and older) in your household.
- Proof of address, if not included in the proof of income document.
- Proof of arrival to Canada for people who arrived as a refugee or a qualifying newcomer within the first year.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Kitchener residents whose total household income before taxes is at or below the 2026 Leisure Access Annual Household Income Eligibility.
- People who arrived in Canada as a refugee or a qualifying newcomer within the first year (365 days) of receiving documentation that shows immigration status.
Eligible expenses
- Fees for city-run or neighbourhood association programs.
- Swimming lessons, March Break camps, summer camps, and aquatic leadership programs.
- Swim tickets and passes at city pools.
- Golf lessons, tee times, memberships, and carts at Doon Valley Golf Course and Rockway golf course.
- Leisure and older adult programs, Kitchener Market classes, public skating at Lions Arena and Grand River Arena, gymnasium tickets at Breithaupt Centre or Downtown Community Centre, and Kitchener Group Card.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Minor sport organizations, including hockey, soccer, gymnastics, and baseball.
- Pro Shop purchases.
- Food and beverage purchases.
How to apply
- Apply online or in person.
- Online applications require an email address and PDF or image files of the required documents.
- Paper application forms are available at any community centre, pool, arena, the Kitchener Market, or City Hall.
- Drop off the completed application and required documents at City Hall, any community centre, or any pool; you can book an appointment at City Hall.
Processing and Agreement
- Within two weeks of your application, the city will send an email or letter with the approval decision and next steps.
- If approved, an ActiveNet account will be set up if needed and Leisure Access credits will be added for the people listed on the application.
- If declined, the city will explain why and, if applicable, any steps you can take to apply successfully.
Additional information
- Staff may make exceptions, on a case-by-case basis, to accommodate individual Leisure Access requests in unique circumstances.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Leisure Access (fee assistance) Program
What is the Leisure Access (fee assistance)?
Leisure Access provides up to $400 per person each year for Kitchener residents whose household income is at or below the 2026 Leisure Access Annual Household Income Eligibility, helping reduce recreation fees. Funds support city-run and neighbourhood association activities, including swimming lessons, camps, and skating.
How much funding can be received?
Leisure Access (fee assistance) Funds up to $400 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is August 31, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Leisure Access (fee assistance) program?
To be eligible for the Leisure Access (fee assistance) program, you must:
Resident of Kitchener
Total household income at or below the 2026 Leisure Access Annual Household Income Eligibility
Refugees or qualifying newcomers within 365 days of receiving immigration-status documentation
What expenses are eligible under Leisure Access (fee assistance)?
City-run or neighbourhood association programs.
Swimming lessons, March Break camps, summer camps, and aquatic leadership programs.
Golf lessons, tee times, memberships, and carts at Doon Valley Golf Course and Rockway golf course.
Leisure and older adult programs, Kitchener Market classes, and public skating at Lions Arena and Grand River Arena.
Ongoing groups at Downtown Community Centre, Rockway Centre, and Breithaupt Centre.
Who can I contact for more information about the Leisure Access (fee assistance)?
You can contact City of Kitchener by email at leisureaccess@kitchener.ca or by phone at 519-741-2892.
Where is the Leisure Access (fee assistance) available?
The Leisure Access (fee assistance) program is available the province of Ontario.