Council ups the RAP

More access to recreation facilities is the aim as Lloydminster City Council is adjusting the eligibility for the Recreation Access Program  or RAP.

The move got the green light on Monday and Administration estimates that the new RAP will help 260 more people who can apply and qualify. The 2016 Federal Census revealed that there were 1,815 residents that qualified.

The special user fees of $2.00 admission for adults 18 and older, $1.00 admission for children 2-17 years and 75 per cent reduction in membership cost will apply to the following facilities:

• Servus Sports Centre
• BioClean Aquatic Centre, Outdoor Pool
• Lloydminster Museum and Archives.

To be eligible, an applicant and their dependents must meet one of the following:

• Have annual household income less than:

Persons in Household:          1              2                   3                4                5               6                 7

Gross Annual Income:   $31,200   $36,173      $41,146     $46,119   $51,092   $56,065    $61,038

• Be receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) or Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID).
• Be a Permanent Resident, Temporary Foreign Worker, or Status Refugee, who has been in Canada for less than eighteen (18) months.
• Present extraordinary circumstances to be reviewed by the Social Programs and Services Department and subject to approval by the Department Manager.
• Applicants will have to re-apply every 12 months.

Mayor Gerald Aalbers is happy that the city can proceed with the adjusted program.

“We believe this will be more beneficial to those that are at that lower income level to be able to access community recreation facilities for improved health and mental well being. And this is terrific to move this forward.”

Administration indicates that the proposed rate was calculated using 2080 hours at $15.00/per hour with $4,973 added for each additional household member. This calculation will be re-evaluated at the next review.

Aalbers noted that the standard to qualify was shifted from a Federal to an Alberta guideline.

“From that perspective, we know the province of Alberta has initiated some items. From that perspective Saskatchewan has not, but the province of Alberta has. We will certainly be watching that going forward.”

Administration sees the program as opening up facilities to residents who would have otherwise not participated. As well, it brings in additional revenue. About $1,500 in revenue was generated from RAP attendees in 2019.

Application details can be found on the city’s website.