Calgary offers an extensive support system for families with children and newcomers through numerous discount programs, subsidies, and free services. The city understands the importance of ensuring access to essential services for all residents, regardless of their financial situation or status in Canada. Let's take a closer look at all the available opportunities and support programs.

Fair Entry Program — the foundation of the discount system

Fair Entry is the City of Calgary's central program that provides access to subsidized city services and programs for low-income residents. This program acts as a single application process that assesses eligibility for multiple city programs at once.

Programs included in Fair Entry

• Recreation Fee Assistance Program — up to 90% discount on most registered programs for children and youth aged 17 and under. For programs costing less than $100, the discount is 90%, meaning you pay only 10% of the cost.

For example: swimming lessons that cost $86 will only cost $8.60.

• Monthly transit pass for low-income individuals — a tiered system:
• Group A: $5.90/month
• Group B: $41.30/month
• Group C: $59.00/month
• Property tax assistance program — credit or discount for low-income homeowners.
• Free pet spay/neuter program — free spay/neuter services for low-income cat owners.
• Low-cost telecommunications services — access to affordable Rogers Communications services (internet, TV packages, mobile phone service).

Eligibility criteria

You must prove your low-income status in one of eight ways:

• Assured Income for Severely Handicapped (AISH)
• Alberta Works: income subsidy/support
• Canada Revenue Agency: Notice of Assessment (total household income from line 15000)
• Refugee Assistance Program
• Letter from a registered social worker

Federal family support programs

Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Monthly tax-free payments:

• Up to $7,997/year for children under 6 ($666.41/month)
• Up to $6,748/year per child aged 6–17 ($562.33/month) The amount depends on income, number of children, age, and family status. Automatic registration for the GST/HST credit and Canada Carbon Rebate.

Alberta Child and Family Benefit (ACFB)

Consists of a basic and working components:

• 1 child: $1,469 (basic) + $752 (working)

• 2 children: $2,204 (basic) + $1,437 (working)

• 3 children: $2,939 (basic) + $1,847 (working) Working component for families with income over $2,760/year.

Sports and recreation programs for children

KidSport Calgary & Area

• Grants of up to $500/year per child for sports programs
• Covers registration fees
• Access to the Comrie Sports Bank for free equipment

Documents: Assessment notice, Canada Child Benefit, AISH, Income Support, EI, Fair Entry confirmation.

Canadian Tire Jumpstart

• National program for financially disadvantaged families
• Covers registration, equipment, transportation
• Community development grants for programs for ages 4–18 (or 4–25 for youth with disabilities)

YMCA Calgary

• Financial assistance based on government low-income chart
• Free membership for 6th graders: 13 months of access to the YMCA, special events, up to 25% off programs, one free guest visit per month.

Services for Newcomers

Free Settlement Services

• CIWA: Programs for newcomers from over 140 countries, childcare, support in your native language.
• Centre for Newcomers: Legal referrals, immigration assistance for those who have been in Canada for less than 3 years.
• YMCA Calgary: free LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) programs.

Special programs

• HelloAlberta AMA membership: free annual AMA membership (over $120), 2 driving courses, 4 roadside assistance calls, insurance consultations, travel discounts.
• Calgary Public Library: assistance with immigration, housing, employment, ESL programs.

Emergency financial assistance programs

Basic Needs Fund (Distress Centre Calgary)

One-time assistance for low-income families and individuals:

• Assistance with rent, security deposits, and mortgages
• Utility payments Does not cover cell phone, internet, cable TV, or credit card debt.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Similar programs from Peace Power and other providers: one-time grants to pay for electricity or gas to prevent disconnection.

Educational programs and resources

Calgary Public Library

• Borrow books, digital resources, musical instruments
• Free programs for all ages
• Language learning and research resources
• Mental health services, career development, settlement assistance

Free programs for children and youth

• Calgary AfterSchool — database of free after-school programs
• City programs: arts, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, preschool programs (ages 2.5–5)

Health and social services

Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter

Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter provides free services to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Services include:

• Safe shelter for up to 21 days
• Food, clothing, and toiletries
• Individual counseling
• Safety planning
• Support through the court program
• Referrals to community resources

Community organizations and specialized programs

Trico Centre

Offers a 20% discount on most registered children's programs for family members. Programs include:

• Classes for parents with toddlers
• Preschool programs
• Programs for children and youth
• Ice skating lessons
• Summer day camps

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS)

The Settlement Service Program (SSP) is an ongoing support program that assists all newcomers to Calgary with resettlement and integration.

Practical tips for accessing discounts

Applying for Fair Entry

The application process can be completed:

• Online at fairentry.calgary.ca
• By mail, fax, or in person
• By calling to request an application form

We recommend using the paperless method for faster processing and the ability to track the status of your application.

Documents required for most programs

The following documents are usually required:

• Proof of identity
• Current utility bills (if applicable)
• Proof of household income
• Copy of lease, mortgage, or other housing documents
• Most recent bank statement

Contact information for key programs

• Fair Entry: fairentry.calgary.ca or 311
• KidSport: [email protected]
• YMCA Financial Assistance: visit any YMCA location
• Emergency assistance (211): 211 (free, 24/7)
• Calgary Women's Emergency Shelter: 403-234-SAFE (7233)

Calgary offers an extensive network of support for families with children and newcomers. From federal programs such as the Canada Child Benefit to local initiatives such as Fair Entry and free library services, there are a wide range of options available to reduce financial burdens and ensure access to essential services. The key to success is knowing what programs are available and actively seeking help through the appropriate channels.