Subsidy and Assistance

The City of Abbotsford Subsidized Program provides full-time Abbotsford residents who experience financial barriers to participate in recreation opportunities, and who meet the necessary criteria, with admission to Abbotsford's indoor facilities (Abbotsford Recreation Center and Matsqui Recreation Center), plus a 25% discount on group swim and skate lessons, and non-specialized day camps. Skate and helmet rentals are complimentary - inquire at ARC or MRC for details.

To apply:

•  2024-25 subsidy application 
• Include all necessary documentation as required for proof of low-income threshold, net household/family income through Revenue Canada Notice of Assessments, Goods and Services tax (GST) Credit and BC Low Income climate Action Tax (BCLICAT) Credit Notice.
• Submit the completed application in person at Abbotsford City Hall, 3rd Floor, Parks, Recreation & Culture Office.

The PRC Special Needs 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:

• Download and complete the application form
• Include all necessary documentation as required for proof of Abbotsford residency and proof of permanent disability as confirmed by a physician.
• Submit the completed application in person at Abbotsford City Hall, 3rd Floor, Parks, Recreation & Culture Office. 

Please note; The Recreation Buddy program is unfortunately on hiatus due to COVID-19 limitations. Please contact the reception desk at Abbotsford Recreation Centre 604-853-4221 or Matsqui Recreation Centre 604-855-0500 to be connected to the program lead for your chosen program to discuss alternate options.

The Recreation Buddy Program is a volunteer program that seeks to provide 1:1 support to children with diverse abilities aged 3 to 12 years who may need assistance to participate in Abbotsford Parks, Recreation & Culture programs. Volunteers receive basic skills training which enables them to provide social support, redirection, clarification of instructions, assistance on focusing to complete tasks and problem solving.

• To complete an application form to become a client, complete the Recreation Buddy Client Application Form 
• To complete an application form to become a recreation buddy volunteer, complete the Recreation Buddy Volunteer Application Form 

• 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.

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 June to September 
• Pass can be purchased by phoning ARC or MRC or online through your account on direct2rec.com
• Please provide proof of age
• Pass is not refundable

View the Frequently Asked Question's for further information.

At the Abbotsford Recreation Centre, our Sensory Friendly Space provides a place for individuals to go when they are feeling overwhelmed and need a quiet environment to calm down and self-regulate. Our recreation team makes an effort to reduce the level of lighting, sound, and scents in our designated space, helping to create a calming atmosphere.

We offer comfortable seating and a variety of elements to support relaxation for a broad spectrum and age range of individuals. Features of our space include: fidget/sensory toys, books, games, and noise cancelling headphones, that are all specifically selected with consultation from the Canucks Autism Network.

All are welcome with no appointment required.