There has been an increase in households accessing subsidized recreation activities in Okotoks.
The Recreation Fee Assistance Program covers 80 per cent of the cost of recreation passes or programs offered by the Town, and there is no annual cap on the amount of subsidy eligible applicants can receive.
To participate, applicants must live in Okotoks, Diamond Valley or Foothills County and meet income requirements.
During a council meeting on Jan. 22, Town staff presented data that shows a 36 per cent increase in eligible households applying for the program.
According to the Town, 333 individuals from 145 households used the program in 2023, compared to 270 individuals from 107 households in 2022.
Town staff said they do not collect specific information from applicants about their circumstances.
Also, the Town said it is working to increase awareness of the program and removed the $200 annual cap per applicant.
The program is funded through grants, donations and tax revenue. The Town said grant opportunities are regularly reviewed.
Some of the costs for Foothills County and Diamond Valley residents to participate are covered by a grant from the Foothills Salvage and Recycling Society.
Although the Town has a service agreement with Foothills County to share certain costs, the Recreation Fee Assistance Program is not included, the Town said, and it recommends the program be added when the agreement is next amended.
As more regional services are being offered, the Town said it hopes to initiate cost-sharing discussions with Diamond Valley this year.
