COQUITLAM, B.C., Aug. 31, 2021 – Accessing financial support for recreation services will be easier than ever in Coquitlam as of September.
The City’s Financial Assistance for Recreation (FAR) program – formerly known as Get Connected, Get Active – will offer eligible residents an easier sign-up experience and more recreation options when it relaunches on Sept. 1. Subsidized through Coquitlam’s Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP), FAR aims to reduce barriers for people returning to recreation as COVID-19 restrictions ease and services gradually resume.
Visit www.coquitlam.ca/financialassistancerec for more information, including Frequently Asked Questions and an online application form.
More Flexibility for Recipients
Through the user-friendly FAR program, Coquitlam residents of any age who meet the eligibility criteria will receive 50 free drop-in visits plus a $225 credit to be used for admissions, passes and programs of their choice.
The benefits are valid for a year and the credits can be applied to a wider array of offerings than before, including new programs and services, private lessons, personal training, exam fees, course supplies, skate/helmet rentals and programs offered through partners.
As well, a new online form and easier income verification means registration now takes less than 10 minutes through www.coquitlam.ca/financialassistancerec. For those who prefer, printed forms are still available at City recreation facilities or as a PDF download from the website.
The changes will provide participants with more recreation options, better clarify what the program offers, and help reduce the stigma associated with applying for financial assistance.
Coquitlam’s new Financial Assistance for Recreation will take effect in early September alongside the relaunch of the City’s ONE PASS program, which provides discounts for unlimited access to drop-in aquatics, arena, fitness and gym programs and activities.
Supporting Community Recovery
All told, FAR’s improved offerings will add up to about $130,000 more in subsidies per year, compared to the pre-pandemic program.
The City anticipates the updates to FAR will boost the program’s enrolment by 15 per cent and its use by 20 per cent, for a total cost of about $300,000 for the first full year – including increased marketing to reach those who would most benefit from the financial assistance. The additional costs will be covered through the Community Support and Recovery Plan (CSRP) for the first year.
Other Financial Support Available
In addition to FAR, a variety of lower-cost recreation options can be found on the Low & No-Cost Programs page at www.coquitlam.ca/recaccess, including toonie skates, low-cost family swims, the $1 Little Dipper parent and tot program, and half-priced admissions for parents while their children take swimming lessons.
As well, the Support Services page at www.coquitlam.ca/recaccess lists partner organizations that help reduce financial barriers to recreation, including:
- Canadian Tire Jumpstart, which helps financially disadvantaged children participate in organized sport and recreation;
- KidSport Tri-Cities, which subsidizes registration fees for children from low-income families; and
- Canucks Autism Network, which subsidizes adapted skating and swimming programs for children and youth living with autism.
Get Drop-in Discounts with Coquitlam’s ONE PASS
Do you enjoy drop-in swimming, skating, fitness and more in Coquitlam? The ONE PASS is your gateway to discounts for drop-in aquatics, arena, fitness and gym programs across the City. Relaunching Sept. 2, 2021 with new options, the all-inclusive pass is valid at all Coquitlam recreation facilities and offers discounts based on age, pass type and frequency. Get more flexibility with 10-visit passes valid for two years, or deeper discounts with unlimited visits over a month or year. Visit www.coquitlam.ca/onepass for details.
Media contact:
Debbie Clavelle
Community Recreation Manager
City of Coquitlam
604-927-4386 (4FUN)
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca