Recreation Access Program

• All residents of East Hants (any age)
• New immigrants and refugees (resided in Canada for less than a year and not filed a tax return) whose total household taxable income is equal or lesser to the amounts in the following table:

Please Note:

• Taxable income is less than total income
• Many deductions such as child care, RRSP and union dues are deducted to calculate taxable income
• You may qualify and not know it

• Create an East Hants Recreation Account here and click “Sign up”.
• Once you create your account, you will need your “Contact ID” listed in “My Info” on easthants.perfectmind.com
• Download & print the RecAccess Application OR pick up a copy at the Municipal Office at the Lloyd E. Matheson Centre. To protect confidentiality, we are not accepting online applications at this time.
• Make sure the application is filled out and complete.
• Include proof of household taxable income (include acceptable documents such as CRA Notice of Assessment, child tax benefit).
• Submit your application to the Municipality of East Hants in person at the Lloyd E. Matheson Centre (front desk or drop box) or send by mail: 15 Commerce Court, Suite 230, Elmsdale, NS B2S 3K5.

Questions?

• Please call 902-883-2299 if you have questions or need assistance with your application.

• Recreation programs offered by the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department (example: summer day camp)
• Aquatic Programs offered by the East Hants Aquatic Centre (example: swimming lessons)
• Does not cover membership, pool party or group bookings, facility rentals and private/semi-private swimming lessons

• You will receive a 75% discounted fee on up to four registered recreation programs offered by the East Hants Parks, Recreation and Culture Department (including Aquatics programming), as well as one 10 visit pass for the East Hants Aquatic Centre per person, per year. This funding is granted on an annual basis, so each year you will need to reapply.

• Once approved, your funding will be connected to your online East Hants PerfectMind account. This is the website currently used for booking recreation programs.
• You will be contacted by phone or email for more details on how to register using your PerfectMind account.

Is there an age limit for applying for the RecAccess program? 

• No.  Anyone interested in participating in a recreational program of the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department that meets the household income qualifications can apply for RecAccess.

Is there a limit on the number of people in one household?

• No. There is no limit on the number of people in one household that can use the RecAccess.

What if I don’t have my child tax benefit information for last year yet?

• If you haven’t received this notice, do not delay your application. Send us your Notice of Child Tax Benefit after you submit your application.

I haven’t lived in Canada for one year yet (refugee or immigrant) and do not have a notice of assessment?

• Please contact us at 902-883-2299 to discuss alternate proof of income.

My most recent Notice of Assessment does not reflect my current income, which has been reduced. Can I still apply?

• The current RecAccess policy requires proof of income using your most recent Notice of Assessment. This is necessary to keep us accountable and follow Council Policy. If your most recent Notice of Assessment does not meet the requirements, you may not qualify.

The Canadian Tire Fund provides financial assistance for organized sports and recreation by covering costs of registration fees.

Application: Apply Online Only

Deadline: Ongoing until funding runs out

Who Can Apply?

• Age: 4 – 18
• Individuals – not teams or groups or elite athletes

 What does the grant cover?

• Registration fees for sport and recreation (must be physical activity based) programs for on-going activities or programs
• Sporting equipment
• Does not cover one-time events (i.e. tournaments, competitions)

 How much can I apply for?

• Grants are available for $300 per child, per year
• Approval is based on Statistics Canada’s low income cut-offs. Proof of income must be provided (income tax return or proof of assessment)

 Where does the cheque for the funding go?

• Canadian Tire Jumpstart grants are made payable to the sport, recreation or club association

Kidsport is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to youth aged 18 and under.

Application: Apply Online

Deadlines: January 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, November 1

Apply Online

Who Can Apply?

• Age: 18 years and under
• Individuals – not teams or groups

What does the Grant Cover?

• Registration and equipment fees for sport programs (organization must be a member of Sport Nova Scotia)
• Does not cover one-time events (i.e. tournaments, competitions)

How much can I apply for?

• Grants are available for up to $500 per eligible child per year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31) towards registration fees
• If child needs equipment, they will provide a vouchers to the partner Sport Equipment store
• Approval is based on Statistics Canada’s Low income cut-offs. Proof of income must be provided (income tax return or proof of assessment)

 Where does the cheque for the funding go?

• Kidsport grants are made payable to the sport organization
• Complete applications will receive a letter or email notifying the status of their application