County improves access to recreation and transit subsidies
July 6, 2022

Strathcona County Council passed a motion on June 28 to increase the income thresholds for municipal subsidies, providing more residents with access to key services such as transit and recreation.
Yesterday, Council approved Family and Community Services’ updated User Fees, Charges and Subsidies Policy, which now reflects the changes.
"As a Council, we recognize many people are facing tough times. Access to recreation and transit can make a big difference for kids, youth, families and seniors in our community. It's important that we make those services even more accessible," says Mayor Rod Frank.
Before Council’s decision, the income eligibility for municipal subsidies was set at the low income cut-off (LICO), an income threshold established annually by the federal government. Families below that threshold are likely to spend more of their income on necessities such as food, shelter and clothing than the average family. The new income eligibility thresholds in Strathcona County are now set at LICO plus 30 per cent.
The County’s Solutions Navigation team (who supports access to subsidies) found that residents reporting financial issues as a top need doubled from 2019 to 2022. Data from recent engagements, frontline services, community partners and other municipalities all indicate that using LICO alone as a threshold to qualify for subsidies is insufficient. The new income thresholds allow more residents in need to access subsidized transit and recreation.
The updated Strathcona County eligibility requirements are now in effect, ensuring more residents can access the Everybody Rides and Everybody Gets to Play programs. Everybody Rides provides local and commuter monthly transit passes at a discounted rate, and Everybody Gets to Play offers access to County recreation facilities through a no-cost, annual Active Pass+.
To learn more, visit strathcona.ca/AffordableServices. To explore subsidy options and other supports, call Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044 or visit their office on the second floor of the Community Centre (401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park).
-30-
Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595
Â
Monthly archive:
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017