HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-008-08
CI~ilJgron
REPORT
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting:
GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Resolution #: ~fJ)- d hg -0 ~
Date:
April 14, 2008
Report #: eSD-OOS-OS
File#:
By-law #:
Subject:
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report CSD-008-08 be received;
2. THAT the Community Services Financial Assistance Programs (Attachment #2)
be approved; and
3. THAT Barb Glaspell be advised of Council's decision.
Reviewed bC)~ - ~~
Franklin Wu
Chief Administrative Officer
JPC/SM/wg
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506
REPORT NO.: CSD-008-08
PAGE 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 In October 2007, Council passed resolution GPA 597-07 requesting that the
Director of Community SeNices review a resident request to implement a
separate rate at the municipality's fitness centre for individuals with a disability.
1.2 The resolution also requested that the Accessibility Advisory Committee review
the request and provide input.
1.3 Prior to the resident request, staff were in the early stages of researching
municipal financial assistance policies. While the resident request is specific to
individuals with a disability, staff believe that the issue of access to recreation
needs to be viewed in the broader context and therefore this report deals with
both the initial request of a rate for individuals with a disability as well as the
broader issue of financial barriers to participation from a more general
perspective.
2.0 RESEARCH
2.1 Staff completed an environmental scan of Durham Region Municipalities as well
as larger Greater Toronto Area Municipalities and Durham Region Transit to
assess the current policies and practices related to providing financial
assistance.
2.2 Staff sUNeyed nine municipalities and Durham Region Transit. Of the
municipalities sUNeyed, three currently have financial assistance programs
available to individuals with a disability:
Oshawa
A'ax
Pickerin
Whitb
Markham
Guel h
Halton Hills
London
Caledon
Clarin ton
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
REPORT NO.: CSD-008-08
PAGE 3
2.4 While many municipalities do not currently offer reduced rates for individuals with
a disability, all municipalities surveyed did have some form of a financial
assistance policy in place to ensure that residents would not be excluded from
participation due to an inability to pay. Generally, municipalities view this as a
universal approach to providing fee subsidy maximizing the reach into the
community and focusing the financial assistance where the community needs are
the greatest.
2.5 All municipal financial assistance policies that staff reviewed provided financial
assistance to individuals who are receiving Ontario Disability Support Program
(ODSP) Income Support or recipients of Ontario Works Income Support. Some
municipal policies also provide support for individuals where the household
income falls below the low income cut-off line (L1CO) as determined by Statistics
Canada.
2.6 Although a Regional responsibility, Durham Region Transit was included in the
survey as they do provide service to Clarington residents. Durham Region
Transit does offer an "ACCESS Pass" for individuals with a disability and who
require financial assistance (recipients of the Ontario Disability Support
Program).
2.7 Currently, the Municipality of Clarington does not have a financial assistance
policy, therefore there is no financial assistance available through the
municipality for individuals with a permanent disability or low-income families
(single parent families, new immigrants, temporary unemployment, and persons
with a permanent disability).
2.8 The Jump Start program was launched by Canadian Tire in 1999 to address the
growing issue of inactivity and to help kids in need get active. The program
funds children in low-income families between the ages of 4-18 yrs up to $300
per child for sport and recreation registration and equipment needs. The
Municipality of Clarington entered into a partnership with the Canadian Tire Jump
Start Program in January 2006.
2.9 In 2007, the program funded ten Clarington children a total of $2,401.00. In the
1 st quarter of 2008, the program received seven requests for funding totalling
$1,645.66. Although the Jump Start program has only been available in
Clarington for 2 years, the participation clearly indicates that there are families in
Clarington who require financial assistance in order to participate in recreation
activities.
2.10 There has been significant research in the area of the benefits of recreation and
the challenges faced by low-income families. "Everybody gets to play"
(Attachment #1) provides an overview of the Canadian Parks and Recreation
initiative which focuses on the importance of increasing access to Parks and
Recreation activities for those in financial need.
REPORT NO.: CSD-008-08
PAGE 4
2.11 Staff met with David Kelly, Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee on
January 4, 2008 and the Accessibility Advisory Committee on February 27, 2008
to discuss the resident request. Overall, the committee supported a discount to
the Fitness Centre at the Courtice Community Complex for individuals with a
permanent disability on the basis that generally individuals with a permanent
disability are not able to make full use of much of the fitness equipment and
therefore do not purchase memberships due to a perception that there is not the
same value for money as with able bodied individuals. It was the opinion of the
committee that a reduced rate may encourage greater participation of individuals
with a disability.
2.12 The committee also felt that a policy should be developed to support the
community at large including individuals with a disability on the basis of ability to
pay for other programs and activities.
3.0 CONCLUSION
3.1 The issue of access to recreation is an important one as everyone in the
community deserves a fair chance to play, grow and develop and maintain skills.
It has been proven that accessible recreation not only enhances lives today, it is
an investment in a healthy society for tomorrow.
3.2 The creation of any financial assistance policy should take a global look at the
issues to ensure assistance is appropriately allocated and will have the greatest
community impact.
3.3 The Community Services Department is committed to increasing access and
participation in recreation activities among Clarington residents. The
Department is committed to removing barriers to participation in recreation and
providing leisure opportunities for all.
Attachment #1-Canadian Parks and Recreation Initiative "Everybody gets to play"
Attachment #2-Community Services Financial Assistance Programs
Interested parties to be advised:
Barbara Glaspell
Accessibility Advisory Committee
~
CSD-008-08
Attachment #1
Introduction
Everybody needs to play
Everybody deserves a fair chance to play
and grow. But not all kids get the chance.
For low-income families, food, clothing and
shelter come first. For some, recreation may
seem like an unreachable luxury; for others it
may seem like a frivolous expense. Paying user
fees, buying clothing, equipment and uniforms, or paying for travel to facilities may not even be an
option. Low-income families may not own vehicles and bus systems in low-income neighbourhoods
or rural areas may be inadequate or non-existent.
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The Elleryboqy:Jets to pJ~ Tool Kit was developed as part of the Canadian Parks and Recreation
Association's (CPRA) national initiative to enhance the lives of Canadian children in low-income
families through increased access to recreation. Created by recreation practitioners and partners across
the country, it gives you-recreation practitioners and volunteers-the tools you need to mobilize
communities and reduce barriers to recreation for low-income families and their children. It can be a
useful resource for anyone who believes that children should have the opportunity to develop their
physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and creative potential.
To ensure that the Tool Kit would meet the needs of urban and rural groups, CPRA pilot-tested the
project and held consultations in both large and small communities across Canada. CPRA also held
a workshop in partnership with the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport
and Physical Activity to ensure that the Tool Kit would address the needs, interests and experiences
of girls and young women.
For more information on the Ellerybo<ly ~ets to pJ~ initiative, see the Everybody gets to play
backgrounder (Al) on the Tool Kit CD.
Why recreation for low-income families matters
Children in low-income families live with risk
In 1989, the House of Commons resolved to eradicate child poverty by the year 2000. But by 1996,
there were 1.5 million children living in poverty-the highest number in 17 years'!
Today about 1.1 million or lout of 6 children in Canada live in poverty.2
In spite of the country's strong economic performance in recent years, child poverty continues to
increase. There are many reasons. The changing make-up of our population is one. The number of
new Canadians, members of visible minorities, and Aboriginal peoples is increasing. These people
often fall into the lowest income groups. Divorce rates also continue to rise and single-parent families,
especially those headed by mothers, are among the poorest in Canada. Children in female lone-parent
families are four times as likely to be poor as children in two-parent families.
1 Be Campaign 2000, 1997.
2 Campaign 2000, Report Card r)1l Child and Family Poverty in Canada, 2002.
Recreation can help
Recreation is an efficient and economical way for
society to help improve the lives oflow-income
families and their children. Accessible recreation
not only enhances their lives today, it's.an invest-
roentin a healthy society for tomorrow.
While thc ftght against poverty continues, children in low-income families are living with health
and development challenges that their affluent peers rarely face. Research shows that:
. more than 35% of children in low-income families have delayed vocabulary development
. nearly 40% show high levels of indirect aggression, such as starting fights with their peers
. nearly 35% live in substandard housing
. almost 75% rarely participate in organized sports
These conditions may lead to further problems such as violence in schools, substance abuse
-and homelessness.
. Recreation improves family interactions and
academic performance.
. Recreation boosts self-esteem and reduces
depression, loneliness and anxiety.
. Young people say they value the chance
to have fun, learn new skills and be
with friends.
. Recreation can help prevent or reduce
anti-social behaviour, smoking and
substance abuse.
. Recreation reduces the use of services such as probation, child psychiatry and psychology,
and social work.
. Children can learn motor and social skills and develop creativity through physical activity
and play,
. Recreation exposes children to positive role models.
. Recreation for children can ease family pressures and help adults access training and other services,
. Recreation programs bring communities together and encourage people to volunteer,
. Facilities and green spaces provide welcoming places for communities to meet and are a source
of community pride.
/
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Why youth say rec~tion i. important
. It makes me feel better about myself,
. It improves my fttness and health.
. It teaches me that I can learn new skills,
. I feel proud when I succeed at a new activity.
. I tan do fun things with my friends,
. I meet new friends and feel less lonely,
. It teaches me how to resolve conflict and play on a team.
. I can forget about my problems.
What's the problem?
Barriers to recreation
Children and youth living in low-income families face significant barriers to recreation, many of
which are systemic:
. gender barriers-there is a bias in favour of boys, especially in sports
. cultural barriers-visible minorities feel uncomfortable and unwelcome
. socioeconomic barriers-the cost of recreation is prohibitive
. organizational barriers-a lack of supportive policies, facilities and financial resources
. communications barriers-youth and families are unaware of resources ,and services
Although children have the right to recreation, many of those living in low-income families are denied
the opportunity to participate. The statistics below tell the story:3
Activity
Organized sport
Arts and cultural activities
25%
19%
Children in high-income families
who te
75%
32%
...
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989): "The child has the
right to rest and leisure... play and recreational activities."
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Canada's National Children's Agenda: "As a nation, we aspire to have children who are
as physically and emotionally healthy as they can be, with strong self-esteem, life skills
and enthusiasm."
What kids say
Poverty is:
. not being able to play soccer or hockey, take swim-
ming lessons, or go on school trips or to camp
. being teased about clothes, being afraid to tell your
mom or dad you need gym shoes, or not buying
books at the book fair
. not getting to go to birthday parties or have your
friend sleep over
. not having breakfast, or pretending you forgot your
lunch
. being ashamed when your dad or mam can't get a jab
or when you get a basket from the Santa Fund
J National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, Statistics Canada, 1996.
I
A barrier may be something that limits participation, but.it can also be something that discourages
people from making the effort. For e:a~ple,low-inco:ne fa~ilies ma~ feel isolated and n.o! wa~ted by
the community. Or they may fear bemg Judged and sngmatIzed; low-mcome people seeking assIstance
often have to prove they cannot pay. To compound the problem, recreation staff may be insensitive
and ull\vdcoming.
On a practical level, low-income families may lack transportation or childcare, and some families may
not ha\/e the financial resources to participate. In a national survey, over 90% of municipal facilities
said they charge user fees for recreation programs. Moreover, when faced with budget cuts, depart-
ments often eliminate subsidy programs.
In general, recreation departments help only those who ask for it, leaving many low-income families
and their children with limited or no access to recreation.
What can you do?
The EverybOcly 3efs to f'Jay Tool Kit
To increase recreation opportunities for low-income families and their children we must remove barriers.
This means creating change throughout communities. It requires cooperation from governments,
recreation and social service organizations, schools, the justice system and the business community.
It also means changing shortsighted attitudes that have a long-term impact on the health of commu-
nitics--attitudes like "If you can't pay, you shouldn't play."
If you believe that childten and youth ate valuable resources that we cannot afford to ignore, you
can help by spreading that vision throughout your community. The Ellerybo<fy 3efs to rillY Tool Kit
can help you do just that.
The need is great and you can make a difference. Statting right now...
Community attitudes
CPRA:s consultations with practitioners and pattners indicate
that they believe children have a right to play and that it's
important to personal and community health for everyone
to have fair access to recreation. But:
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. communities of all sizes often don't recognize that poverty
exists in their neighbourhoods
. recreation departments often require that low-income
families come to them and ask for help
.. commission,. council and board members often take the
attitude that "IfI have to pay, everyone should pay."
Clarj nDtI\R. CSD-008-08 Attachment #2
Leading t~UI.i
Administrative and Corporate Policies
Section:
Category:
Subsection:
Application:
Date Approved:
Last Revised:
Approved by:
1.0 Purpose
It is the belief of the Municipality of Clarington, Community Services Department
that recreation opportunities should be available to all residents. To ensure that a
resident is not excluded from a recreation program or service, financial assistance
and accessibility programs are in place to reduce or eliminate barriers to
participation.
2.0 Financial Assistance Program
2.1 Policy Conditions:
a) Applicants must be Clarington residents
b) Financial assistance is provided for Municipality of Clarington programs
and services only
c) Applicants must meet program criteria
d) Applicants will need to complete and submit program application forms as
required
e) Financial assistance is limited to a maximum number of
programs/memberships armually per individual
f) The Municipality of Clarington may provide financial assistance up to a
maximum of 50% of the program registration/membership fee
Page I of4-
CSD-008-08 Attachment #2
2.2 Criteria:
The following Government income support programs will be used for determining
economic disadvantage and will receive a 50% fee subsidv bv the municipalitv of
Clarinlrton:
Recipients of:
.
Ontario Disability Support Program - Income Support
Ontario Works - Income Support
.
*
Where possible and necessary, Municipality of Clarington support may be
combined with other existing programs (Jump Start) to increase the support to
100%. Wherever possible, individuals are strongly encouraged to contribute a
minimum of25% ofthe program/membership fee.
2.3
Availability of Services:
All Community Services registered programs, facility memberships and 10 ticket
passes are eligible for financial assistance.
In order to assist as many families as possible, individuals or families who qualify
will receive municipal fee subsidy with the following limitations:
. 3 programs/l 0 ticket passes per year for each eligible child
· 2 programs/lO ticket pass per year and/or one fitness membership (any term) for
each eligible adult or senior
* Fee assistance does not include the costs of materials or supplies for programs.
2.4 Financial Assistance Program Application Process:
a) Complete the application "Access to Recreation"; applications are available
on-line at www.clarington.net or in person at any recreation facility or the
Municipal Administrative Centre
b) Return the application form with supporting documentation to the address
on the form. Individuals may apply for themselves and dependant children
17 years of age or under
c) Applications will be valid for a 1 year period
d) All applications will be treated as strictly confidential
Page 2 of 4 -
CSD-008-08 Attachment #2
e) Once the application is approved, registration for desired programs can take
place at any of our recreation facilities or the Municipal Administrative
Centre, Community Services Department
3.0 Membership Access Program for Persons with a Disability
In order to increase recreation opportunities for persons with a permanent disability,
Clarington residents who meet the age criteria for facility memberships and who
meet the following criteria will be eligible for the Membership Access Program.
3.1 Policy Conditions:
a) Applicants must be Clarington residents
b) Financial assistance is provided for Municipality of Clarington Fitness
Centre memberships only
c) Applicants must meet established criteria
d) Applicants will need to complete and submit application forms as required
3.2 Criteria:
· Where your disability restricts you from performing activities within a range
considered normal; (verification from a medical professional may be required)
· A disability that has lasted longer than six months and is not eliminated by the use
of a technical aid like eye glasses.
3.3 Availability of Services:
Adults (18 yrs+) with a permanent disability are eligible to:
. Purchase a Facility Membership (any term) at the "senior rate"
Youth (15-17 yrs) and Seniors (65yrs+)
· Purchase a Facility Membership (any term) with a 20% discount
4.0 Membership Access Program Application Process:
a) Complete the application "Access to Recreation"; applications are available
on-line at www.clarington.net or in person at any recreation facility or the
Municipal Administrative Centre
Page 3 of 4 -
CSD-008-08 Attachment #2
b) Return the application form with supporting documentation to the address
on the form
c) All applications will be treated as strictly confidential
d) Once the application is approved, a membership can be purchased at the
Courtice Community Complex
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