Closed
Source verified April 27, 2026
Recreation Assistance Program (RAP)
Subsidized recreation access for Hamilton residents
Funding available
$ 150
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Hamilton residents with household incomes below the Low-Income Measure.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Recreation Assistance Program helps eligible City of Hamilton residents cover recreation fees. It supports recreation, leisure, social, and educational programs, as well as select Camp Kidaca and minor sport discounts.
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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
- Reach a new target audience
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Hamilton
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Sports
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Social Services
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Seniors
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- Fee-for-service model
Scope
- Municipal
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Recreation program participation
- Leisure and social program participation
- Educational program participation
- Camp Kidaca participation
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Proof of household income
- Proof of home address
- Government-issued photo ID
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Hamilton residents with household incomes below the Low-Income Measure.
- Recent refugees, newcomers to Canada, and individuals aged 18 or 19 who have not yet filed a tax return may also qualify.
Who is not eligible
- Visitor permit holders
- Adults and seniors without eligible program access under the family subsidy rules
Eligible expenses
- Registration fees for recreation, leisure, social, and educational programs
- Camp Kidaca fees
- Minor sport registration fees
- Selected participation or skating passes
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- The discount does not apply to monthly or annual passes.
Eligible geographic areas
- Hamilton residents
Selection criteria
- Household size and income level
- Need-based assessment using low-income measures
- First-come, first-served processing
How to apply
- Visit the Application Portal and create an account or sign in to your existing account.
- Select ‘Submit a New Application’ and add details for all family members.
- Attach a copy of identification showing your current address such as a driver’s license, health card or government issued ID. If you do not have ID showing your address, please also attach a copy of other official ID and a bank statement or utility bill that shows your address.
- Provide Required Documents: OW/ODSP Applicants must provide Member ID; All Others must include a current Notice of Assessment for all family members.
- Review and submit.
- If you prefer to mail-in or email your application, download the Fare Assist PDF Application; mailing instructions are provided on the PDF application and the email is support@hamilton.ca.
Processing and Agreement
- A voucher code and instructions on applying it to your PRESTO card will be emailed to you.
- If you are using a physical PRESTO card, you need to redeem your voucher code online at www.prestocard.ca.
- If you are using a virtual PRESTO card, you need to use the PRESTO app to redeem your voucher code.
Additional information
- Applications are valid for 12 months.
- Household changes must be reported to the Recreation Department.
- Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- Approval from Recreation Services is required before registration.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) Program
What is the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP)?
The Recreation Assistance Program helps eligible City of Hamilton residents cover recreation fees. It supports recreation, leisure, social, and educational programs, as well as select Camp Kidaca and minor sport discounts.
How much funding can be received?
Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $150 per project.
Who is eligible for the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) program?
To be eligible for the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) program, you must:
Hamilton residents with household incomes below the Low-Income Measure
Eligibility is based on Total Household Income, regardless of income source
Recent refugees, newcomers to Canada, and individuals aged 18 or 19 who have not yet filed a tax return may also qualify
What expenses are eligible under Recreation Assistance Program (RAP)?
Recreation program participation
Leisure and social program participation
Educational program participation
Camp Kidaca participation
Who can I contact for more information about the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP)?
You can contact City of Hamilton by email at rap@hamilton.ca or by phone at 905-546-2424 ext. 4569.
Where is the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) available?
The Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Recreation Assistance Program (RAP) is a Grant and Funding