Oak Bay Financial Assistance offers information regarding L.I.F.E. and Jumpstart. These community programs minimize financial barriers to participation and facilitate access to leisure services.
These programs provide support and resources for individuals to access a variety of sport and recreational activities, and are intended for residents who may not have access to recreational opportunities otherwise.
Leisure Involvement for Everyone (L.I.F.E.) Program
The L.I.F.E. program offers healthy lifestyle opportunities for Oak Bay residents with limited incomes and is available at all Greater Victoria Recreational Facilities.
How to Apply for the L.I.F.E. Program
To apply for the L.I.F.E. program, please bring the following items to any Oak Bay recreation centre reception desk: Oak Bay Recreation Centre, Henderson Recreation Centre, or Monterey Recreation Centre.
To apply, you will be asked for the following documentation:
- Current identification such as a BC Services Card, BC ID, or Drivers License.
- Proof of current Oak Bay residency (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.).
- Previous or current year’s Notices of Assessment (NOA)* for anyone over the age of 18 in the applying family/household as proof of gross annual income.
- Every individual receiving an access card will require their photo to be taken.
*To obtain a copy of your NOA call Revenue Canada at 1-800-959-8281 or visit the Government of Canada CRA Webpage.
In case of extenuating circumstances where applicants cannot provide necessary documentation, an Adjudicator Form may be accepted upon review
When applying for the L.I.F.E. 2025 Program, the following low-income threshold numbers will be used based on the number of people in the household:
Number of People in Household | Combined Income |
1 person | $28,460 |
2 people | $38,493 |
3 people | $47,145 |
4 people | $54,438 |
5 people | $60,864 |
6 people | $67,645 |
7+ people | $75,312 |
You’ll Receive one of two options based on your choice at the time of application:
Option A. – L.I.F.E. Admission Card
A card will be issued to each member of an eligible household and include:
- Unlimited free drop-in sessions at OAK BAY facilities ONLY using a scannable pass card. Valid for 2 years based on date of application approval.
- L.I.F.E. subsidy program credit for each member of the household: $80 per Adult (19yrs+), $120 per Child/Youth (5-18yrs), and $80 per Preschooler (0-4yrs). Valid for 2 years based on date of application approval. If not used will expire. Non-transferable.
- 52 free drop-in admissions sticker for use at OTHER GREATER VICTORIA recreation facilities. Stickers are good for one calendar year and must be replaced each year.
Option B. – A 50% off Regional Annual Pass
A Regional Annual pass sold to an individual at half price that can be used for unlimited drop-in sessions across all Greater Victoria recreation facilities. Valid for 1 year. Monthly payment option is available.
Restrictions:
Subsidy program credits, discount coupons, drop-in admissions, and memberships are non-transferable and are not eligible for general cash or credit.
Other Information:
- Participants must have their picture taken for their L.I.F.E. card.
- Replacement cards with stickers will be prorated by subtracting four visits per month from the date of issue up to the date the card is replaced.
- A L.I.F.E. Adjudicator Form [PDF – 435 KB] {*Note to editor: please link the Adjudicator Form here} is available during this time to assist those who would like to access the benefits of the L.I.F.E. program, but may not have income or residence information available.
For more information, please contact Oak Bay Reception at 250-595-7946.
Jumpstart
The Canadian Tire Jumpstart program is a community-based charitable program that helps kids aged 5-18 overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities.
Jumpstart means “yes” to more kids gaining the life-long health benefits, confidence and social skills that come from being active at an early age. And of course, it means “yes” to fun.
Please apply directly on Canadian Tire Jumpstart with verifying documentation. To learn about the process and to apply, please visit jumpstart.canadiantire.ca.
Funds are allocated each season. Contact your local recreation centre to enquire about these funds.
The Affordable Childcare Benefit
Children who are registered in Oak Bay Parks, Recreation & Culture’s Licensed Childcare Programs may be eligible for subsidized childcare through the Provincial Government. Please visit the Licensed Childcare webpage for more information.