Municipal Fee Assistance Program
Introduced in 2009, the Municipal Fee Assistance Program helps make Kingston Transit and municipal and community recreation programs more affordable to Kingstonians in low-income households through a single application form.
Eligibility for the Municipal Fee Assistance program is determined by a City staff member at a drop-in eligibility session. These sessions begin Monday, Nov. 14. See "How to Apply," below for a listing of drop-in session times. Kingstonians must reapply for the Municipal Fee Assistance program on a yearly basis. The transit discount is valid for 12 months from the time the application is approved (Affordable Transit Pass cards should be renewed before the month noted on the face of the card).
DISCOUNTS ON TRANSIT,
REDUCED COSTS ON RECREATION
The Municipal Fee Assistance program offers Kingstonians with lower incomes a discount on a Kingston Transit Monthly My Card and reduced-cost access to municipal and community sports, wellness, cultural, and other recreation and leisure opportunities — all through one application process.
ONE APPLICATION FORM
= THREE OPPORTUNITIES
Eligible applicants to the Municipal Fee Assistance Program can gain access to:
- The Affordable Transit Pass - access to a renewable reduced-cost monthly transit pass. The discount is good for a full year after approval. The 32 per cent discount makes Monthly My Cards $46.50 for Adults, $34.25 for Youth and $31.50 for Seniors. (Full price Monthly My Cards are $68.25 for Adults, $50.50 for Youth, and $46.25 for Seniors).
- The Subsidy Program for Affordable Recreation in Kingston (SPARK) - allowing Kingstonians of all ages reduced-cost eligibility to city recreation and leisure programs, including drop-in programs and fitness centre memberships. 2011 SPARK funding has been allocated.
- The Positive Recreational Opportunities for Kids (P.R.O. Kids) program helps Kingston children and youths a chance to participate in a variety of community recreational programs at a lower cost.
See the Frequently Asked Questions and Application links at right to find out how eligible Kingstonians use their Municipal Fee Assistance when buying a Kingston Transit Monthly My Card or registering for a recreational program.
YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD MAY BE ELIGIBLE
The City determines a household's eligibility using the chart below derived from the current Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for a community the size of Kingston. All households below the LICO (first column) are eligible for both the transit discounts and full recreation subsidies. Households with incomes above the LICO are eligible for reduced recreation subsidies only as shown in the chart.
All household members living in households with earnings below the LICO will qualify for:
- The 32 per cent Affordable Transit Pass discount, and
- 100 per cent of the Subsidy Program for Affordable Recreation in Kingston (SPARK) subsidy.
Households with after-tax incomes above the LICO may still qualify for a level of SPARK subsidy according to the chart below:
|
DETAILS: 2012 RECREATION SUBSIDY |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Recreation Subsidy Amount |
$300 |
$225 |
$150 |
$75 |
|
Household Size |
Maximum Net Family Income |
|||
|
|
LICO |
Eligible Incomes Above LICO |
||
|
1 |
$15,865 |
$19,038 |
$22,211 |
$25,384 |
|
2 |
$19,308 |
$23,170 |
$27,031 |
$30,893 |
|
3 |
$24,043 |
$28,852 |
$33,660 |
$38,469 |
|
4 |
$29,996 |
$35,995 |
$41,994 |
$47,994 |
|
5 |
$34,157 |
$40,988 |
$47,819 |
$54,651 |
|
6 |
$37,881 |
$45,457 |
$53,033 |
$60,610 |
|
7+ |
$41,604 |
$49,924 |
$58,246 |
$66,566 |
Your household's after-tax income will also determine if your child or youth is eligible to access community recreational programs under P.R.O. Kids. See the P.R.O. Kids link at right for more information on this great program. P.R.O. Kids' level of support varies according to the community program selected.
This funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the annual amount of program funding is spent.
When deemed eligible for SPARK, participants register for programs and the participant's approved maximum amount will be electronically deducted from the cost of the program.
All city-run recreation and leisure activities that may be accessed through SPARK, including:
- Fitness memberships
- Swimming lessons
- Public swims and skates
- Summer camps
- Adult volleyball
- Skateboarding lessons
- Aquafit classes
- Dance lessons
- PA day programs
- ... and more (see links at right).
HOW TO APPLY
Bring your application [PDF 94KB] and required identification (as outlined on the application) to one of the session times listed below.
Community Services, 362 Montreal St.
- Mondays, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to noon (and, during the week of Nov. 21, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Or call 613-546-2695, ext. 4906 for a listing of alternative locations and times for drop in eligibility sessions.
Applications are also available at any branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, INVISTA Centre, City Hall, Artillery Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre, the Wally Elmer Neighbourhood Centre and at Community and Family Services at 362 Montreal St.
You will find out the level of assistance for which you and your family members are eligible on-the-spot when your application is reviewed.
