NOTE: The RDCK Leisure Access Program has recently been revised. Existing LAP members will be automatically transitioned to the new program terms as of January 1, 2025. New applicants as of January 1, 2025 will apply under the new program terms.

Purpose

The Leisure Access Program (LAP) helps residents of all ages living in the RDCK who are in financial hardship access RDCK recreation services. This program provides further subsidy on general admission, membership services, and most registered programs. Individuals and families are welcome to apply.

What services are covered with the LAP?

The LAP provides further subsidy on general admission, membership services, and most registered programs up to a maximum of $100 for adults and $150 for children per year to eligible participants. Should an additional credit subsidy be needed, participants would be able to make a second application within the same year through a third party adjudicator (this protion of the program is currently underdevelopment and won't be availble until June 1, 2025).

Once approved, LAP members would be able to use their available credit to support accessing recreation services based on the following subsidies:

1. General Admissions – 50% (Adults) & 75% (Youth)
2. Memberships - 50% (Adults) & 75% (Youth)
3. Programs – 50% subsidy on advertised rates for programs.
4. CHEER events – 100% subsidized admission

Eligibility

Residents of the Regional District of Central Kootenay may apply. The program is designed for individuals (19 years of age or older) and families. Eligibility requires:

1. Proof of primary residency within the RDCK via Driver’s License, Utility billing, property tax notice, or rental agreement.
   

   And one of the following (2, 3 or 4):

2. Confirmation applicant is receiving government financial assistance through one of the following means:
   • Youth Agreement of Agreement with Youth Adults (AYA) or Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) 
     
     • Confirmation letter from the Ministry of Children & Families
   • Income Assistance or Disability Assistance
     • Confirmation letter from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
   • Resettlement Assistance
     • Confirmation letter of Permanent Residence indicating status as a Government Assisted Refugee from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
   • Rental Assistance Program or Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
     • Confirmation letter from BC Housing
   • Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
     • Confirmation of current Status of Guaranteed Income Supplement from Service Canada. Required for both the main applicant and spouse (married or common law). If only one spouse receives GIS, the other must provide Proof of Income Statement.
       
       
3. For applicants who do not receive government assistance, a Notice of Assessment from the most recent tax year verifying financial hardship measured against the Low-Income Measure (LIM) limits as established by Stats Canada for both the primary applicant and their spouse (married or common law).
   
   

   Household Size	Low Income Measure (LIM) After Tax Income
   1 Person	$28,863
   2 Person	$40,818
   3 Person	$49,992
   4 Person	$57,726
   5 Person	$64,540
   6 Person	$70,700
   7 Person	$76,364
   8 Person	$81,637
   9 Person	$86,589
   10 Person	$91,273

   
   NOTE: After Tax income is determined by the latest Statistics Canada information.
   
   
4. A letter from a pre-approved social service organization within the RDCK validating the individual or family is in an emergent situation and that they endorse there is a need for financial support, as options 1 & 2 do not apply

Term

Once approved, the Leisure Access Pass will be valid for up to one year and will expire every May 31st. To continue the program, participants must reapply.

To continue with the program, participants may re-apply. It is recommended that reapplication occurs at least three weeks in advance of the expiry date to prevent interruption to receiving program benefits.

If your Leisure Access Pass has expired, you will be required to pay full admission or program registration rates. These fees will not be refundable even if an LAP pass is approved at a later date.

To access the LAP subsidy, you must present your LAP card to staff at the time of a transaction. If a card is not presented, you will be required to pay full admission or program registration rates.

Application Steps:

1. Completed the application form.
2. Ensure the form is completed in full. In complete applications cannot be processed.
3. Once the application is submitted, approval may take up to three (3) weeks.

Privacy
Personal information you provide in this form is collected pursuant to section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information will be used for the purpose of the Leisure Access Program. Questions about the collection of this information may be directed to the Privacy Officer, 250.352.6665, info@rdck.bc.ca or Box 590, 202 Lakeside Drive, Nelson, BC V1L 5R4.

Step 1. Applicant Information

If you are not already receiving government assistance, verify you are in financial need by indicating which category reflects your total household income as noted on your combined Notice of Assessments?

Please use the chart below to help inform your answer.

Household Size	Low Income Measure (LIM) After Tax Income
1 Person	$28,863
2 Person	$40,818
3 Person	$49,992
4 Person	$57,726
5 Person	$64,540
6 Person	$70,700
7 Person	$76,364
8 Person	$81,637
9 Person	$86,589
10 Person	$91,273

NOTE: After Tax income is determined by the latest Statistics Canada information

Please Note:
You may be requested to provide documentation for our program auditing purposes to verify eligibility to participate in this program. To avoid an audit, you may upload your information as part of this application.

Audits will be periodically conducted. Please keep the documentation your have selected to verify eligibility need as you may be required to show as proof of eligibility.