Subsidy Programs

To qualify the program, you must;

1. Be a full-time Abbotsford resident
2. Family household income falls within the low-income cutoff chart (based on Statistics Canada)

Step 1

• Submit copies of documents required in the application
• Confirm your net family income after tax is lower than the low-income cutoff chart
• Complete the application form and details for all residents in your household 
• Review PRC Subsidy FAQ and Policy

Step 2 - Complete the application form and obtain copies of your required documents

• Provide proof of Abbotsford Residency (i.e. Utility Bill, letter from financial institution, rental agreement) dated within the last 3 months
• Provide valid government issued photo identification (i.e. Driver’s License, BC ID, Passport)
• Provide proof of income - ONE of the following:
  • 2024 Notice of Assessment of all adults 19 yrs and older. A Tax notice Summary is not accepted. Contact Revenue Canada at 1-800-387-1193. 
  • Independent Youth Letter – letter form Child & Youth Support Program of British Columbia 
  • Letter from Registered Social Worker (RSW) Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction 
• All new immigrants must visit Archway Community Services for an application form.
• If there are children listed on application, you must provide Canada Child Benefit Notice (CCB) listing the names of all dependent children.

Step 3 - Apply

• Completed applications and supporting documents can be submitted in 1 of 3 locations:
  in person at:
  • City Hall - 32315 South Fraser Way (3rd floor at Parks, Recreation & Culture Office)
  • Abbotsford Recreation Center (ARC) - 2499 McMillan Road
  • Matsqui Recreation Centre (MRC) - 3106 Clearbrook Road 

Please note for confidential reasons, the City of Abbotsford does not accept faxed or e-mailed applications. 

Step 4 - Obtain approval email 

Applicants will receive communication advising you of your status. If approved, you will receive an e-mail or letter providing instructions on how to obtain your Subsidy Pass; if denied, you will receive a letter in the mail detailing the reason(s) for denial.

Step 5 - Go to your nearest recreation centre to use your pass

• Go to Abbotsford Recreation Centre or Matsqui Recreation Centre to use your Subsidy Pass. 
• The PRC Subsidy Program is valid from May 1 through to April 30 of the following year. All applicants must re-apply each year.

The following registered program qualify for 25% off with PRC Subsidy:

• Group Swim Lessons (excluding private lessons)
• Group Skate Lessons (excluding private lessons)
• Specified Recreation Programs (Qualifying programs updated annually)
  • AEP Neighbourhood Camps (6yrs -12yrs)
  • ARC Neighbourhood Camps (5yrs - 8yrs) & (9yrs -12yrs)
  • Summer in the Park (7yrs -12yrs)
  • MRC Surf N Turf (7yrs -12yrs)

For more information please review the PRC Subsidy Program Policy

The PRC Specialized Access Program provides full-time Abbotsford residents, who have permanent disabilities as confirmed by a physician, with a 50% discount on recreation centre drop-in admissions and passes. Support workers that are required for clients that require assistance are admitted at no charge.

To apply:

Step 1

• Download and complete the application form
• Review FAQ 

Step 2

• Complete the application form and obtain copies of your required documents
• Acquire proof of permanent disability as confirmed by a physician (section to be completed on application form only, no copies required)
• Provide proof of Abbotsford Residency (i.e. Utility Bill, letter from financial institution, rental agreement) dated within the last 3 months
• Provide valid government issued photo identification (i.e. Driver’s License, BC ID, Passport) of applicant or legal guardian (if applicant is a minor)

Step 3 - Apply

• Completed applications and supporting documents can be submitted in person at 1 of 3 locations:
  • City Hall - 32315 South Fraser Way (3rd floor at Parks, Recreation & Culture Office)
    • Abbotsford Recreation Center (ARC) - 2499 McMillan Road
    • Matsqui Recreation Centre (MRC) - 3106 Clearbrook Road 
• Please note for confidential reasons, the City of Abbotsford does not accept faxed or e-mailed applications. 

Step 4 - Obtain approval letter 

• Applicants will receive communication advising you of your status. If approved, you will receive an e-mail or letter providing instructions on how to obtain your pass card. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter in the mail detailing the reason(s) for denial.

Step 5 - Go to your nearest recreation centre

• Go to Abbotsford Recreation Centre or Matsqui Recreation Centre to get your Specialized Access Card. 

Children and Youth (1 - 17 years) can enjoy unlimited drop-in access at Abbotsford Recreation Centre, Matsqui Recreation Centre and Centennial Pool all summer long for $20.

• Pass is valid during SD#34 summer break only
• Pass can be purchased in person, phone, or online starting June 1, 2025
• Please provide proof of age
• Pass is not refundable

View the Frequently Asked Question's for further information.

The Grade 5 Pass includes FREE admission to any public swim, skate or gym drop-in at ARC and MRC. The Grade 5 Pass is a simple, easy way for grade 5 students to enjoy the City’s recreation services.

• Pass is valid from September 2, 2024 - August 31, 2026.
• A parent or guardian must be present when picking up the pass.
• Proof of residency and age is required (birth certificate).
• If the applicant does not live in Abbotsford, but attends school in SD34, please ask that they have a teacher write a letter to indicate that they are in Grade 5 at an Abbotsford school.

Visit one of our Recreation Centres to sign up for an annual Rec pass which entitles you to free drop-in access for Abbotsford residents who are 75 years of age and older. Proof of age and residency required.

• The U-Pass program provides UFV students with access to free public transportation in Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack, access to recreation centres (Abbotsford and Mission), and the Campus Connector.
• The SUS U-Pass provides UFV students with unlimited access to the ValleyMax transit system of Abbotsford and Mission, as well as the Chilliwack transit system. It is valid in semesterly terms: Fall, Winter, and Summer. 
• Please note SUS U-Pass is not valid on the West Coast Express or with TransLink services.
• The U-Pass currently gives students access to recreation facilities in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission. This includes swimming pools, ice rinks, fitness classes and weight rooms. 
• U-Passes are available at the SUS Office in Abbotsford during regular office hours. Each semester, registered students must obtain a valid U-Pass to benefit from the various services provided by the U-Pass program.