Are there any benefits or discounts for newcomers?

The first few months after moving to Canada are often accompanied by financial stress. The city of Calgary offers an extensive system of municipal, provincial, and community programs designed to ease the transition and reduce daily expenses for people with low incomes, including newcomers. This overview provides everything you need to know about discounts, subsidies, and free services that you can access from your first weeks in the city.

The main “key” to benefits: the Fair Entry program

Fair Entry is a single online and offline platform that allows you to apply for several city subsidies at once with a single set of documents. Launched in 2015, it eliminated the need to prove low income separately for each program. Once the application is approved, the family receives 12 months of access to all of the benefits listed below. Eligibility criteria:

• Residence within city limits
• Total annual family income does not exceed limits based on the Low Income Cut-Off — for example, CAD 47,851 for a family of three in 2025
• Supporting documents: CRA Notice of Assessment, AISH, Alberta Works, RAP, etc.

Applications can be submitted online through the myID portal, by mail, or in person at the municipal building or Village Square library.

Transportation: Low Income Monthly Pass

The most expensive monthly expense for newcomers is transportation. Calgary offers a sliding scale of fares:

Eligibility is determined through Fair Entry; once approved, you just need to show your ID when buying a pass at a terminal or service center. The program is funded by the city and province, but requires additional funding each year: CAD 52 million in subsidies in 2024.

Special features for teenagers and seniors

Young people aged 13-17 pay the same fares as adults, but children under 12 travel for free.

There is a separate annual Low Income Senior Pass for pensioners with an even lower average rate.

Recreation and sports: Recreation Fee Assistance

City pools, skating rinks, and fitness centers offer a 75% discount on single visits and courses to those who have passed Fair Entry. Each child receives a voucher worth CAD 250 or four sessions per year; adults receive CAD 50 for one course, with the client paying the difference if the program costs more. Partner institutions, such as Cardel Rec South, offer an additional 50% discount for several seasons.

Real estate: Property Tax Assistance Program

If a homeowner faces a tax increase and meets low-income criteria, the city will compensate for the annual rate increase. Applications are accepted from June 1 to December 31 each year; review takes 4–6 weeks. Requirements: must have lived in the home for at least one year and not own any other property in Calgary.

New seniors: Seniors Services Home Maintenance

Seniors aged 65+ with low income can get free lawn mowing, snow removal, and light house cleaning. Services are paid for by the provincial Special Needs Assistance program, and applications are submitted through Fair Entry.

Pets: No Cost Spay/Neuter

Cats owned by people with verified low income are spayed or neutered for free at Animal Services veterinary clinics; one application per 12 months. For dogs, there's a pilot free program from the Humane Society of Calgary that targets families with financial barriers.

Parking and internet

• Low Income Market Permit: 60% discount on resident parking permits for multi-unit buildings.
• High-Speed Low-Cost Telecom: Rogers Ignite promotional rates for families registered with Fair Entry.

Blue and green cards: waste rate reductions

In 2025, thanks to the launch of the provincial Extended Producer Responsibility model, the blue bin fee is planned to decrease from CAD 9.34 to CAD 2.17 per month, saving households approximately CAD 86 per year. This applies to all residents, but is especially important for newcomers' budgets.

Access to knowledge: Calgary Public Library

The library card is free and provides:

• 99 books or media items to take home;
• 5 CAD of free printing per month;
• LinkedIn Learning, Rosetta Stone, and Brainfuse online courses;
• Newcomers Desk with daily CCIS and ISC consultations;
• Workspaces and fast Wi-Fi.

How to apply for the first time: step-by-step guide

1. Gather your income documents (NOA or RAP letter).
2. Create a myID account at calgary.ca/fairentry.
3. Complete the online form and upload scans of your documents.
4. Wait for a confirmation email (5–10 business days).
5. Visit any transit office to purchase a Low Income Pass or a leisure center to obtain a Recreation FA card.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fair Entry apply to CUAET temporary visas? Yes, if the family lives in Calgary and meets the income thresholds, visa status does not matter for subsidy programs.

Do I need to renew my documents every year? Yes, approval is valid for 12 months; after that, you will need to re-certify your income.

Can I combine municipal benefits with federal benefits (GST Credit, CCB)? Yes, they do not conflict; tax credits are determined by the CRA independently of local programs.

Summary

Newcomers to Calgary have access to a wide range of benefits: from transportation passes for CAD 5.90 per month and 75% discounts at municipal pools to free cat sterilization and municipal tax subsidies. Everything is brought together through a single point of entry — Fair Entry — which you should apply for as soon as you receive your address and SIN number. By regularly renewing their approval and using library and community services, newcomers can significantly reduce their first-year expenses and integrate into city life more quickly.