Resident-first Registration and Fee Adjustments Coming to Port Hope Recreation Programs

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 – Port Hope, ON

To improve access for residents and align programs with capacity and revenue goals, the Municipality of Port Hope’s Parks, Recreation and Culture (PRC) department is introducing changes to registration for recreation programs beginning with the Winter 2 session.

Effective Winter 2 registration, Port Hope residents will receive a 24-hour priority registration window before registration opens to non-residents. In addition, the 80+ program will be limited to Port Hope residents only, and the additional 15% discount on fitness classes for 55+ members will be eliminated as part of the Municipality’s fees and charges updates.

“Programs fill quickly and many of our most popular classes have waitlists. Prioritizing resident access helps Port Hope taxpayers and residents participate in activities in their own community while still welcoming non-residents where space permits,” said PRC Director Julia Snoek. “We will monitor registrations and feedback closely and adjust as needed.”

Key changes at a glance

• Resident-first registration: 24-hour early access for Port Hope residents starting Winter 2.
• 80+ program: Limited to Port Hope residents.
• Fitness class discount: The additional 15% discount for 55+ members on fitness classes is eliminated. (All age-based senior discounts remain at 35%.)

Winter 2 registration dates and process

• Resident registration opens: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
• Non-resident registration opens: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
• First-come, first-served. Register online, by telephone, or in person.
• Household rule: You may only register people who live in your household; registering friends is not permitted.
• Fees and administration: Administrative fees apply to online registrations, cancellations, refunds, and transfers.
• Residency: Determined by address and postal code. Staff may request proof of residency during account setup or at point of registration.

Why resident-first registration?

• High demand: Programs fill quickly and popular classes have waitlists; early access supports local participation.
• Local contribution: Residents who live in Port Hope contribute to municipal operations through taxes.
• Access for all: Non-residents can register after the resident-first window, where space permits.
• Resident-first registration windows is a standard practice in many Ontario municipalities to balance capacity and equitable local access.

About the change to the 55+ fitness discount

• All participants aged 55+ will continue to receive a 35% discount on registration.
• The former additional 15% discount for 55+ members applied only to fitness classes and is being removed for alignment and sustainability.
• Fitness classes now operate at high capacity, and many have waitlists; the additional incentive is no longer required.

For full details and to register, visit: www.porthope.ca/registration