Assistance programs

If you need financial assistance or an accommodation to take part in recreation programs, we have programs that can help.

Fee assistance

The fee assistance program is offered to residents of Waterloo who are financially unable to participate in recreation programs. Assistance is provided as a credit towards direct city recreational programs and affiliated minor sports and arts programs.

Eligibility
You must be a permanent resident of Canada and live in the City of Waterloo. Eligibility is based on total household income and total number of people in the family.

Application process
  1. Complete an application form (PDF) to begin the process. Paper forms are available at our recreation facilities or city hall.
  2. Submit a signed application with the supporting documents to the customer services desk.

Forms can also be mailed to:

City of Waterloo Community Services
100 Regina Street South
PO Box 337, Station Waterloo
Waterloo, ON
N2J 4A8

Approval

If approved you will receive a maximum annual credit of $300/person, depending on budget availability. Confirmation letters will be mailed to successful applicants. It can take up to two weeks for your application to be processed and then mailed out.

You will need to re-apply for a fee assistance card each year. The card is active from December 1 to November 30 the following year. You can apply at any time throughout the year.

Using the credit

If registering for a city program, use the card during the registration process and credit will be applied. For affiliated minor sports and arts programs, call us at 519-747-8512 to let us know what you signed up for and how much it cost.

Inclusion services

We provide inclusion support for residents with disabilities who may require assistance to participate in city programs.

Personal attendant for leisure (PAL)

A PAL card allows people with a disability to be accompanied by a personal attendant at no extra charge so they may participate in municipal programs. Cards are accepted for most Waterloo recreation programs, and are also recognized in Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph and Woolwich Township. Some private businesses also accept the PAL card.

Fill out this online application form to the begin the application process.

Leisure support

If you or your child require support to participate in any of our programs, we will do our best to accommodate you through program adaptation, trained volunteers/staff or other means of assistance.

Support is provided by leisure support volunteers or inclusion/program staff to residents of Kitchener and Waterloo. It is available at no charge, based on availability, and must be requested at least two weeks in advance of a program start date.

For camps, support staff are available for up to two weeks. Spaces are first come, first served. Early registration is recommended.

Application process
  1. Complete an inclusion membership application. This is required before you can register for program support. Apply on the City of Kitchener's website or by phone at 519-741-2200 x 7229, TTY 1-866-969-9944.
  2. Register for inclusion support using ActiveWaterloo. Inclusion support is offered for seasonal, session based programs and camps. Select the inclusion program that matches your desired program.
  3. Once registered for support, register for your desired program.

Every Kid Counts

The Every Kid Counts program raises funds to help kids of all abilities attend summer camp. Donations can be made through the City of Kitchener.