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Program to help low income people access Humboldt recreation facilities

HUMBOLDT — Residents with incomes below the poverty line will soon be able to apply for an one-year leisure pass free of charge.
Uniplex

HUMBOLDT — Residents with incomes below the poverty line will soon be able to apply for an one-year leisure pass free of charge.

“It’s a program for the lower income people to have a way to access our leisure facilities so that they can participate where they maybe can't afford to as a family,” said Rob Muench, Humboldt’s mayor.

The program was passed at the June 24 council meeting. A report to council said because access to recreation contributes to physical, social and mental health of residents, the city should ensure that recreation services will be reasonably accessible to residents, regardless of income status. 

To apply for the program, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020, a person must prove that they are below the low-income cut-off, before tax for a community with a population under 30,000. According to Statistics Canada, that number is around $20,000 for a single person, $25,000 for a couple and $37,000 for a family of four. The person must also prove they are a resident of Humboldt.

The leisure access program is based on similar programs in Saskatoon and North Battleford. The city will review it every year to determine its effectiveness.