Policies and Guidelines for Recreation Programs

Registration, cancellation, and refunds 

Program changes

Fees, dates, times, and locations of programs are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on recreation programs, visit halifax.ca/myREC. If there has been a change to the date, location, or content of the program that affects your ability or interest in attending, please contact the recreation centre offering your program for a refund.

Do I get reimbursed if one of my classes is cancelled? 

There are times when organizers must cancel an individual class due to inclement weather or instructor- or facility-related conflicts. When this happens, every effort will be made to reschedule the cancelled classes, otherwise you’ll be given a credit on your account for future use. Contact the recreation centre offering your program for details.  

What if the program I have registered for is cancelled?

If your program is cancelled, you will automatically be given a refund (prorated, if applicable). 
Recreation staff reserve the right to cancel any program or to change class times and/or locations. Do not wait until the last minute to register, as programs with low registration may be cancelled. 

Will I get a refund if I choose to withdraw from a program?

You may withdraw from a program or class by calling our municipal recreation line at 490-6666 or in person up to five business days prior to the program start date for a full refund.

What can I do with the credit on my recreation account?

Credit on your account can be put toward another activity or program. Account credits must be used within one year from their date of issue. After 12 months, credits over $5 will be refunded to you; credits under $5 will be removed from the account.

Inclusion and Accessibility for Recreation Programs

Parks and Recreation invites individuals of all abilities to participate in our recreation and leisure programs. The municipality is committed to providing safe and accessible programs for everyone to enjoy. We recognize that some of our citizens will require assistance to participate via adapted equipment, program modification, and/or through the provision of One-to-One Inclusion support. A completed intake form must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the program start date when requesting inclusion support. To learn more, visit our Inclusion and Accessibility page.

What if my child needs medication during a program? 

If your child needs medication to be administered or stored by staff during a program, complete the Administration of Medication and Health Care Provision form and return it to the recreation centre prior to the start of the program. Please review our policy on the Administration of Medication and Personal Care Provisions to Program Participants.

If your child has a life-threatening allergy, please complete the Anaphylaxis Action Plan and review it with program staff. 

Can I register my child for a program that is advertised for a different age group?

For most programs, participants must meet the required age within one month following the start of the program. 

Do some programs have prerequisites to register?

All participants must meet the course requirements outlined in the recreation catalogue. In the event you don’t meet the requirements, call the recreation centre offering your program and speak to a program supervisor for clarification and review.

Other financial concerns

Is assistance available if I am unable to pay the full amount for a program?

Working to provide recreation opportunities to children, youth and families in financial need. This application is designed to provide assistance to those who, due to financial constraints, would otherwise be unable to participate in recreation programs at one of our recreation facilities. Complete an Funding Access Form and call your local recreation centre and ask to speak to the community recreation coordinator. 

Are there discounts for seniors?

As of April 1, 2022, individuals who are over 60 and who sign up for adult-fee programs are eligible to receive a 25 per cent discount off of the full adult rate. This discount does not apply to all programs, and the discount cannot be used in conjunction with any others. 

Returned cheques, non-sufficient funds, and administrative fees

If your cheque does not clear, you will be required to pay a subsequent penalty fee by cash, debit, or credit card following notification of the return of the cheque. This fee covers both the cost of the program and the non-sufficient fund/administrative fee.

Payment Plans

A payment plan option is available for summer camps. This program requires a deposit payment (25% of the total charges) when registering with the remaining balance paid using monthly installments on the 1st of each month up until your program start date.

Families requiring financial assistance can view details of the Funding Access Application here.