Recreation Fee Assistance

Child Swimming in a Pool and a person painting and a senior with a yoga mat

The Municipality of Port Hope believes that everyone should have the chance to participate. Recreation Fee Assistance is available to residents of Port Hope. Through our fee assistance policy, we have established an eligibility criteria.

Recreation Fee Assistance Program Details

The maximum subsidy granted per person will not exceed $300.00 per year.  Your subsidy can be applied to registered programs, day camps, drop-in programs, passes and 55+ membership. Review the eligibility requirements below and learn how to apply before you begin your application.

Eligibility Criteria
Port Hope families and individuals who either:
  • Receive Ontario Works
  • Receive Ontario Disability Support Program income support
  • Meet the Low Income Cut-Off threshold as per Statistics Canada

Current Low Income Cut-Off Rates as of April, 2025. For the most up-to-date chart, see Statistics Canada:

Current Low Income Cut-Off Rates
Size of family unitAfter tax household income (current dollars)
1 person  $21,911
2 persons  $26,667
3 persons  $33,207
4 persons   $41,428
5 persons  $47,174
6 persons  $52,317
7 persons  $57,460

Terms
  • The credit is valid for one calendar year from the date the application is approved.
  • The credit is non-transferable and cannot be carried over to the next application year.
  • Fee assistance does not include any extra costs of materials or supplies for programs.
  • All family members who live in the household must be listed on the application.

Supporting Documentation

To qualify for the Recreation Fee Assistance program, you must submit copies of the following current documents. The following information is required to determine your eligibility:

Proof of income

You must provide proof of income. See below for a list of qualifying documents:

  • Pay stubs for earnings
  • Monthly benefit or pension statements
  • Canada Child Tax Benefits statement or Universal Child Care Benefit statement
  • Goods and Services/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit Notice
  • Ontario Works monthly statement (including a statement of deposit with address)
  • Ontario Disability Support Program monthly statement (including a statement of deposit with address)

Proof of residency

Only residents within the Municipality of Port Hope qualify. See below for a list of qualifying documents: 

  • Valid Ontario Driver's Licence or Health card
  • Tax assessment or Property tax bill
  • Utility bill (hydro, gas, water, phone)
  • Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto)
  • Mortgage, rental/lease agreement

Proof of identification

  • Identification for yourself and spouse (if applicable) - Acceptable forms of verification include: health card, birth certificate, drivers licence
  • Identification for all dependent children in your care - Acceptable forms of verification include: health card or birth certificate.
How to apply and next steps
See the below process for applying for the program.
Fill out your application

To access this support, complete the form below. You can apply online, or print your application and deliver in person.

Please remember to submit your application and allow up to 5 business days for processing. Your application must be reviewed and approved before you can register for any programs, so be sure to complete it ahead of busy registration periods. 

Online Recreation Fee Assistance Application

Printable Recreation Fee Assistance Application

Printed applications can be delivered to any of the below recreation facilities during regular business hours:
Submit your supporting documents

If you submitted an online application, you will be prompted to submit your supporting documents following your submission by email (an email will be sent to you, or you can email the Supervisor of Recreation and Culture). If you would prefer to provide printed supporting documents, they can be delivered to any of the below recreation facilities during regular business hours:

If you are submitting your application in person, please include the supporting documents with your printed PDF application. 
Await your notification
After submitting your application, please allow up to 5 business days for processing. Our staff will reach out to inform you whether your application has been approved.
Apply your credit 
If your application is approved, your credit will be applied to your Recreation Account (Activenet). You can then use this credit towards registered programs, day camps, drop-in programs, passes and 55+ membership.

Still have questions? For more information, to check the status of your application, or request a copy of our Recreation Program Subsidy Assistance Policy, please contact the Supervisor, Recreation and Culture.

Additional Assistance Programs

Outside of our Recreation Fee Assistance Program, other community programs are available to you.

Additional Assistance Programs

KidSport Northumberland
KidSport Northumberland is available to all kids. Applications can be submitted online.

Northumberland Sports Council
Northumberland Sports Council has many initiatives to introduce people of all ages to physical activity. Many of the trials are free so you can try it before you register.

Jumpstart
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program allows kids aged 4-18 equal access to sports and physical activity. The funding helps with registration and equipment cost

Northumberland County Children's Services
Northumberland County Children's Services can help with childcare fee subsidy. Other resources available include special needs and young parents.