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Recreation Subsidies
York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth leadership camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth leadership camp funding provides families with the ability to attend an approved overnight camp.
The subsidies that are available are:
- The Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)
- Summer Camp Funding
- Youth Leadership Camp Funding
York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps.
PLAY Program - Positive Leisure Activities for Youth
The PLAY Program is for children ages four to 18 and single parents. The funding is available in the fall, winter and spring.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Receive Rent Subsidy
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
- Receive Child Care Fee Subsidy with an annual income of $36,000 or less
Aquatic Leadership Programs
The PLAY program will approve the following Aquatic Leadership Programs that may exceed the maximum rate for eligible participants:
- Bronze Star
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Medallion with Emergency First Aid
- Emergency First Aid
- Bronze Cross
- Bronze Cross with Standard First Aid
- Standard First Aid
- Lifesaving Assistant Instructor
- Lifesaving Instructor Certificate
- Lifesaving Swim and Lifesaving Instructor Certificate
- National Lifeguard Certificate
- Red Cross Instructors (WSI) (Part 1 and 2)
How to Apply
Applications for the winter Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY) program open on November 5, 2019. You can apply online or by telephone:
- Online: PLAY Program - Positive Leisure Activities for Youth Program (PLAY) Application Form
- Call: KIDS Line at 1-888-703-KIDS (5437) and ask about the PLAY program
Once you are approved, you can sign up for a program at a local municipal recreation department.
Please note: When you became eligible for the fall 2019 PLAY program, you also became eligible for the winter 2020 PLAY program. There is no need to re-apply. Please go in-person to your community centre to register for your winter recreation programs.
Here are the registration dates for each local city and town:
City or Town | Winter registration dates |
Town of Aurora |
November 11, 2019: General programs December 2, 2019: Aquatic programs |
Town of East Gwillimbury | August 6, 2019 (fall and winter registration) |
Town of Georgina | December 3, 2019 |
Township of King | December 2, 2019 |
Town of Newmarket | December 4, 2019 |
City of Markham |
November 12, 2019: General programs November 26, 2019: Aquatic programs |
City of Richmond Hill | December 4, 2019 |
City of Vaughan |
August 20, 2019: General programs and aquatic leadership (fall and winter registration) August 21 to 23 2019: Aquatic programs (fall and winter registration) |
Town of Whitchurch Stouffville | November 26, 2019 |
Summer Day Camp Subsidy
Summer day camp subsidy is for children ages four to 13 and is available during July and August. The approval period for the summer day camp subsidy is from February to July.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Receive Rent Subsidy
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
How to Apply
Applications for the Summer Day Camp Subsidy program are now closed. Applications will open January 30, 2020 for the 2020 Summer Day Camp Subsidy program.
Once approved, you can sign up for a summer camp with your local municipal recreation department.
Youth Leadership Camp
Youth Leadership Camp subsidy is for children ages 13 to 17 and is available during July and August. The approval period for the summer day camp subsidy is from February to July. Limited spots are available.
Eligibility
Families who live in York Region, who have children and meet at least one of the following criteria may be eligible:
- Live in one of the following communities, Housing York Inc., York Region non-profit Housing, Co-operative Housing Community in York Region
- Receive Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities
How to Apply
Call the KIDS Line at 1-888-703-KIDS (5437) and ask about free youth overnight camp.
Related Resources
- Government of Canada Benefits Finder