By Gazette Staff

March 27th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Registration is now open for spring recreation programs.

The City has enhanced the Recreation Fee Assistance Program, so more Burlington residents can access quality programming that supports health, wellbeing and community belonging.

Last month, City Council received a staff report outlining enhancements made to the City’s Recreation Fee Assistance Program in 2025 to improve access and better meet the needs of individuals and families facing financial barriers to participation.

Staff made enhancements to the program to better support residents:

• Broadened eligibility criteria now include residents living under the Low‑Income Cut Off (LICO) as well as those with a household income up to 25% above the LICO. This extends support to those experiencing near‑poverty or cyclical financial hardship.
• A streamlined two‑year approval cycle and a revised support model to minimize applicant paperwork, maximizes access to funding, and creates a predictable process.

Summer camp support has been expanded, helping families access childcare during school breaks.

Foundational to the program are principles of confidentiality, equity, accessibility and responsible management of City resources, while ensuring that all residents have fair access to recreation programming regardless of financial barriers.

More information about the City’s recreation fee assistance program, including eligibility criteria, an online calculator to help determine eligibility, application instructions and an FAQ, visit Burlington.ca/FeeAssistance.