Recreation Fee Subsidy Program
- About
- Program Application
- How to submit your RFSP Application
- Eligibility
- Program Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Information
About
The Recreation Fee Subsidy Program (RFSP) helps people of all ages living in Richmond who are in financial hardship. RFSP participants receive financial support for many registered and drop-in parks, recreation and cultural programs offered by the City of Richmond and its Community Associations and Societies.
The following rack cards provide a brief overview of the program:
RFSP Rack Card (English)
RFSP Rack Card (Chinese)
Program Application
All applicants need to re-apply each year as financial situations can change over time. Please choose from one of the application forms below:
"NEW" APPLY FOR RFSP 2021-2022
The RFSP 2021-2022 is valid from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
Intake opens June 15, 2021.
The RFSP 2020-2021 is valid from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
Intake closes July 31, 2021.
How to submit your RFSP application
At this time, we are not accepting application submissions or providing in-person application support at the Public Works Yard. Completed applications and supporting documents can be submitted in 1 of 3 ways:
- Email: subsidy@richmond.ca
- Mail: Recreation Fee Subsidy Program, Community Services Division, 5599 Lynas Lane, Richmond, BC, V7C 5B2
- City Hall Drop Box: 6911 No. 3 Road, located outside City Hall at the west side of the building
City Hall Drop Box instructions
- Completed RFSP applications MUST be sealed in an envelope and clearly labelled Recreation Fee Subsidy Program.
- The City Hall Drop Box is available 24 hours per day/seven days per week.
For application support or follow-up, contact the RFSP office at subsidy@richmond.ca or 604-247-4909.
- Youth Agreements
- Agreements with Young Adults (AYA)
- Income Assistance
- Disability Assistance*
- Resettlement Assistance
- Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
- Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Submit the 2020 Proof of Income Statement (Option C print) – required from BOTH you and your spouse (married or common-law).
- Print from Canada Revenue Agency My Account or phone 1-800-267-6999.
- Please note: we cannot accept the Notice of Assessment, T1 General or T4 Statement.
Eligibility
Financial hardship is when a person has trouble paying for basic living costs such as food, clothing, housing, and does not have savings or other financial resources.
You may be eligible for the RFSP if you:
1. Live in Richmond; AND
2. Option A or B applies to your situation (see below for details).
Option A
You receive government financial assistance from one of following programs:
*If you are receiving disability assistance, you are also eligible for the Recreation Access Program.
OR
Option B
You do not receive government financial assistance but are in financial hardship:
Applications are evaluated against the following financial limits. Applications that exceed one or more of these limits will not qualify for the RFSP.
Family Net Income (line 23600):
Based on the Low Income Measure After Tax (LIM-AT T1FF) from Statistics Canada (updated July 20, 2020). Family net income limits are updated annually when new data is released by Statistics Canada.
| Family Size | Maximum |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,183 |
| 2 | $34,200 |
| 3 | $41,886 |
| 4 | $48,366 |
| 5 | $54,075 |
| 6 | $59,236 |
| 7 | $63,982 |
|
Type |
Maximum |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Size 1 | Family Size 2+ | |||
| Interest and Investment Income (Line 12100) |
$250 | $500 | ||
| Rental Income (Line 12600) | $1,000 | $2,000 | ||
| Capital Gains (Line 12700) | $500 | $1,000 | ||
| RRSP Contributions (Line 20800) | $1,000 | $2,000 | ||
Program Benefits
Program benefits are valid from September 1, 2021 (or from the date of approval) to August 31, 2022 and include:
Free Drop-in Admission:
At this time, all activities require advanced registration and no drop-in programs are available, except at the following:
- West Richmond Pitch and Putt Golf Course
In lieu of free drop-in programs, RFSP will honour free admission to registered visits at the following City of Richmond recreation locations:
- Aquatic centres
- Skating arenas
- Minoru Centre for Active Living fitness centre
- Community centres (choose one)
To register, login online at myrichmond where the 100% discount will be automatically applied to your registration during checkout from your account or contact the Registration Call Centre at 604-276-4300, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm and inform staff before payment to apply your subsidy.
Registered Programs at Reduced Cost:
90% discount on most registered programs:
- Up to a maximum of $300 per year in subsidy for children and youth (18 years and under)
- Up to a maximum of $100 per year in subsidy for adults and seniors (19+ years)
When registering for a program, a maximum of 90% of the program cost is covered by the Recreation Fee Subsidy Program and a minimum of 10% is paid by the participant (including taxes and extra program fees if applicable).
The City of Richmond’s registered programs and drop-in activities have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To find out more about how the City is continuing to restore services in accordance with the Restoring Richmond Plan. For current information on available programs and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please visit the link below for answers to frequently asked questions, including who can submit an application, how to get required documents, and when you can begin to use your new subsidy:
RFSP Frequently Asked QuestionsContact Information
If you have questions about the Recreation Fee Subsidy Program, please contact:
Phone: 604-247-4909
Email: subsidy@richmond.ca