Huntsville approves changes to make access to programs affordable for low income families
Huntsville General Committee approved changes to the Affordable Access to Recreation Policy, in the November 27, 2024, meeting.
Staff indicated that changes include residents in the full program “no longer need to pay 50% and the entire fee will be waived,” and admission to the Muskoka Heritage Place and Algonquin Theatre.
According to the report, children younger than 17 years old will be allowed “100% off two youth registered programs,” and over 18 years old will be allowed “52 drop-ins per year to adult/55+ drop-in programs” such as the pool, fitness, active living and skating, and 100% off two registered programs, and/or one visit to the Muskoka Heritage Place (MHP) or a maximum of 5 tickets to the Algonquin Theatre.
They added that the change is a part of regular ongoing reviews to expand and improve the policy that was initially implemented in 2018 to support program access to residences with financial challenges.
The purpose of the policy is “to expand program offerings and make it more accessible to residents,” according to the report.
It adds, “Universal access to recreation, culture, and parks opportunities that address diverse needs and offer affordable high-quality opportunities is vital to individual and community health and prosperity.”
According to a 2020 Statistics Canada report on low-income households, “Approximately 17% of Huntsville’s households are living in low income. That is $1,465 out of 8,820 households.”
The staff report indicates that 17 participants, including 11 families, were supported by the program in 2023, and 21 participants and 11 families were supported by it in 2024.
Councillor, Helena Renwick, expressed that she was pleased the policy was expanded to include the MHP and theatre. She said, “Not everyone wants to run the track or skating.”
She added that it’s sad that 17% of the Town’s households are low income, however, was happy the program is now 100% funded.
Councillor, Jason FitzGerald, said, “We can’t do enough for kids and families that need to get out and get engaged in the public.”
Mayor, Nancy Alcock, expressed excitement to support the changes. She said, “We’re expanding it because we have diverse needs.”
The report adds, “To avoid triggering a policy revision, staff will monitor Statistics Canada’s website for the low income cut off.”
