In October of 2021, the Town of Drumheller’s Community Development and Social Planning (CDSP) and the Recreation Department presented a more inclusive structure to the Recreation Fee Assistance Program (RFAP).

The program has been revised to offer 50-90% subsidy on a membership, as well as a credit towards programming. Applicants may qualify for 50% membership cost and up to $100 credit, or 90% membership cost and up to $200 credit. “Applications will be reviewed by the Community Development and Social Planning Department,” begins Tiffany Scarlett, Manager of CDSP. “Our aim is to help connect residents with additional supports, reduce barriers and work toward more inclusive programming within our community.”

Applications will be available at the Town Hall, drumheller.ca and both the Badlands Community Facility and Drumheller Aquaplex. Applicants are encouraged to submit forms directly to CDSP at Town Hall. The financial thresholds are below:

	Full Benefits (90% membership + $200.00 programming credit)	Partial Benefits (50% membership + $100.00 programming credit)
Single income	up to $27,000	up to $31,500
Dual Income	up to $48,500	up to $63,000

Qualification for this program is automatic if you are a current resident of the Drumheller Valley and one of the following applies to you:

• You are on AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped):
  • Please bring a copy of your Health Benefits Card or a direct deposit statement.
• You are on Income Support or another Alberta Works program:
  • Please provide a copy of your letter stating the expiry date along with either Adult/Child Benefit Card or direct deposit statement.
• You are a Drumheller Housing Authority Tenant:
  • Please provide a copy of your most recent receipt.
• You are on Guaranteed Income Supplement:
  • Please provide a copy of your Guaranteed Income supplement approval letter or direct deposit statement.
• You have Refugee Status:
  • Please provide a copy of your Protected Person Status document. For Refugee Claimants, provide a copy of your Refugee Protection Claimant document.
• Income earners falling under the following categories

 “We do want people to know, however, that they may still qualify, even if they do not fall into one of the categories listed,” continues Scarlett. “All applications will be reviewed, and those without supporting documentation will be offered an interview. Membership fees will be prorated. Those on AISH and Seniors Benefits will only have to apply once.” Membership renewal is not automatic to ensure applicant information is up-to-date.

Improving the Recreation Fee Assistance Program to better serve the Drumheller Valley community is one of Council’s Strategic Priorities for the term. These amendments have been applied to the Council Policy on Recreation Fee Assistance, and applications are now being accepted.