Apply for fee assistance

Get financial help to join recreation, sports and arts programs. If approved, you’ll receive a $400 credit per person, per year.


On this page:

  1. How the credit works
  2. Check if you qualify
  3. Get your documents ready
  4. Apply
  5. Other assistance programs

How the credit works

If approved, you get a $400 credit per person, per year.

You can use it for:

  • city-run recreation programs
  • affiliated minor sports
  • arts and culture programs

Credit rules:

  • credits run from December 1 to November 30 each year
  • you must reapply every year
  • credits are not refundable or transferable

For complete program information, read the Fee Assistance Leisure Access Program Policy (PDF).


Check if you qualify

You can apply if you:

  • live in Waterloo
  • have a household income at or below the limits in this table
Household income limits
Household members Annual income before taxes
1 $25,303
2 $31,498
3 $38,723
4 $47,016
5 $53,323
6 $60,142
7+ $66,958

Get your documents ready

For each adult in your household, you need:

  • proof of income – such as a tax return or benefit statement
  • proof of address – if not listed on your income document

If you arrived in Canada as a refugee within the past year, you need:

  • proof of permanent residency or refugee status for each family member

Documents must be in a digital format. We accept clear photos.


Apply

Choose how you want to apply:

  • apply online – you’ll need an email address and your documents
  • apply in person – email lynn.dicksegley@waterloo.ca to book an appointment

We’ll confirm by email within 2 weeks if your application is approved.

Apply for fee assistance


Other assistance programs

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart program gives kids aged 4 to 18 a chance to play sports by helping cover registration costs for qualifying families. Find out more on the Jumpstart website.