Just Ask: How Do I Access Recreation on the Coast If I’m on a Budget?
Hayley Toth | Sunshine Coast Resource Centre
Spring is just around the corner, and registration for Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) spring programs is now open. Spring programs run from April 1 to June 30 and offer a wide variety of opportunities to get active, learn something new, and connect with others in the community. Recreation programs are a great way to have fun and be active in a social setting, with a wide range of options this season including Learn to Play Pickleball, Intro to Acrylic Painting, Tai Chi, Yoga, gymnastics programs for kids, swim lessons, lifeguard training, and more.
The SCRD recognizes that fitting recreation into the budget can sometimes be challenging for households that are struggling to make ends meet. To help make recreation more accessible, the Leisure Inclusion for Everyone (LIFE) Program provides pass visits and program credit that can be used toward recreation programming for eligible low-income residents. Residents can download an application at www.scrd.ca/financial-assistance and submit it by mail, or in person at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre (700 Park Road, Gibsons), Sechelt Aquatic Centre (5500 Shorncliffe Avenue, Sechelt), or the Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre (13639 Sunshine Coast Highway, Madeira Park). Eligibility is based on household income or applicants may be referred by an agency.. Income thresholds are tiered according to household size, starting at $26,127 for a single person and increasing with each additional household member (for example, $32,525 for two people, $39,986 for three, and up to $69,143 for seven). Applicants are asked to allow up to two weeks for processing their application. Email applications are not accepted.
SCRD recreation facilities also offer regular low-cost admission times each week, making it easier for individuals and families to enjoy recreation together. During these times, admission is just $3 for individuals or $6 for families. Low-cost times are:
Gibsons Pool, Mondays from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Gibsons & Area Community Centre, Fridays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Sechelt Aquatic Centre, Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Sechelt Arena, Fridays from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m.
Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The SCRD MYPASS provides access to drop-in swimming, skating, Pickleball, weight room usage, squash or racquetball, fitness and aquafit classes in all five SCRD recreation facilities. . For adults and seniors who attend a lot of drop-in activities, the monthly MYPASS can save you money. The SCRD offers an incredible discounted rate for youth where children and youth aged 6 to 17 can access a full year of drop-in activities for just $40.95.
Another great opportunity for youth on the Coast is the Youth Centre Graphics Lab, a free drop-in program for youth ages 12 to 18 operated by the YMCA of Greater Vancouver. The Youth Centre provides a welcoming lounge and design studio where young people can hang out, build skills, and access creative technology such as a 3D printer, vinyl cutter, serger, colour printer, and recording studio. Knowledgeable facilitators are available to support youth in exploring the equipment and developing new skills. The Youth Centre is normally open Monday to Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and closed on weekends and statutory holidays. During Spring Break, hours are adjusted with the centre open March 16 to 18 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., March 19 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., March 20 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., and March 23 to 27 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. More information about the Youth Centre can be found at www.scrd.ca/community-centre.
Many recreation facilities, including the Gibsons and Area Community Centre, Gibsons and District Aquatic Facility, and the Sechelt Aquatic Centre, are accessible by transit bus, and youth can use their S-PASS to get there. More information about recreation passes and programs can also be found at www.scrd.ca/fees-and-passes.
The SCRD manages and maintains a variety of parks, trails, beach accesses, playgrounds, sports fields and bicycle/walking paths that provide healthy and active ways to get outside and explore the great outdoors on the Sunshine Coast. There is no cost to use SCRD Parks. Visit www.scrd.ca/parks to learn more.
There are many social and leisure opportunities available across the Sunshine Coast, including those offered by the SCRD as well as local seniors centres and community organizations. Recreation can play an important role in supporting health, wellbeing, and connection. Seniors who are interested in getting involved in recreational activities but are not sure where to start, are having difficulty affording membership fees, or need help accessing transportation can reach out to the Resource Centre’s Seniors Community Connector, Tanis. Tanis can help connect seniors with local programs, resources, community supports, and transportation options. Reach out to Tanis at scc@resourcecentre.ca or by calling or texting 604-989-4945. Just Ask – we’re here to help!