The City of Humboldt and the Community and Leisure Services Department are in the process of investigating a new program geared to low-income residents.

The Leisure Access Program will offer a one-year free leisure pass for qualifying applicants. The Leisure Pass allows the holder access to public swimming and open programs at the Aquatic Centre, the Fitness Room, Public Skating and Stick and Puck ice times, and adult drop-in day sports. The City recognizes the importance of physical, social, and mental health of residents and that income constraints should not be a barrier to reasonable access to services.

The threshold to qualify for the program is based on the current Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-Off Before Tax line. Income values for qualification are listed on the application form which is available online or at the Humboldt Uniplex. Applicants will be required to provide copies of last year's Income Tax Notice of Assessment either individually on behalf of the applicant and spouse if applicable. Applicants must be verified residents of Humboldt. The effective date for the program will be January 1, 2020. Participants need to reapply on an annual basis.

Mayor Rob Muench says, "It's designed to make sure that lower-income residents to access and use our facilitates to participate where they otherwise couldn't afford to as a family."

The initiative is modelled after one that has been successful in Saskatoon. The program will be reviewed by Community and Leisure Services yearly. More information is available through Community and Leisure Services at the Humboldt Uniplex.