Recreation Assistance Program

Words, For more information, contact your local municipal recreation office or visit PathwayToPotential.ca, logos for Pathway to Potential (P2P) and funding partners County of Essex and City of Windsor, and drawing of individuals participating in recreational activities

Pathway to Potential (P2P) recognizes and promotes the full participation of all Windsor-Essex residents in recreation and culture, regardless of financial circumstances. The Recreation Assistance Program provides a range of affordable recreational, cultural and artistic opportunities for Windsor-Essex residents living in low-income households to improve their quality of life and to participate in their local community. These affordable recreation programs include the 90% Recreation Discount, Third Party Partnerships, Targeted Initiatives and Universal Programs.

To learn further about the Recreation Assistance Program in your community, please contact your local municipal recreation department. 

90% Recreation Discount

The 90% Recreation Discount is a fee subsidy that provides affordable access to recreational, artistic and cultural programs for Windsor-Essex residents and households living on a low income. The program subsidizes eligible residents for 90% off the program registration fee (before taxes). Before applying, please review the program guidelines and eligibility criteria below. Please note that program eligibility may differ across municipalities.

To apply for or further inquire about the program, residents can contact their local municipal recreation department.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for the 90% Recreation Discount is based on the income of all members within the household, as well as family size and availability of funding. To apply for the program, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and submit required documents. Please refer to the Eligibility Requirements web page for detailed information.

Eligible and Ineligible Programs

  • Funding is allocated to sustained programs that involve sport, physical, cultural or artistic activity.
  • Programs should be a minimum of five weeks in duration and include at least one session per week. In the case of day camps or specialty camps, the program must last at least five consecutive days for consideration.
  • Ineligible programs include competitive activities, travel teams, fitness centre orientations, personal training and private lessons.
  • Funding covers program registration fees. Funding does not cover equipment and material costs.

Funding Details, Restrictions and Parameters

  • Funding availability is based on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Funding is available per eligible person per calendar year.
  • Responsibility for informing their local municipal recreation department of changes to financial, residency or other circumstances pertaining to the 90% Recreation Discount program application and eligibility is the responsibility of the program participant. The program participant must notify their municipality of changes within thirty (30) days of the change taking effect.
  • Program eligibility is non-transferable between individuals.
  • Approved funding must be used within the calendar year. Funding is not transferable from one year to the next.
  • All approvals will be determined by the local recreation department and are subject to local demands and budgets.
  • The subsidy extends to eligible programs and services directly delivered by municipal recreation departments and approved service organizations within Windsor-Essex County. (To check if a service organization is approved, please contact your local recreation department.)
  • Payment is either issued directly to the program provider or you can request a reimbursement if the registration fees were paid in advance. (Note: If you are requesting a reimbursement, it must be done within thirty [30] days of payment.)