LIFE Program

Leisure Involvement for Everyone (LIFE) Program 2025

The LIFE Program assists individuals and households with low income to access recreation programs and services.

Choose between two options

NEW! Option 1: L.I.F.E. Admission Pass 

(Valid for 2 years from date of application approval)

A card will be issues to each member of an eligible household and each household member will receive the following benefits: 

  • Unlimited free drop-in sessions in Esquimalt Recreation Centres using a scannable membership card.
  • 52x Free admissions to drop-in sessions at other Greater Victoria Recreation Centres (Saanich, City of Victoria, Oak Bay, Panorama, West Shore and SEAPARC Recreation Centre). The 52 passes follow a regular calendar year, individuals will need to visit Esquimalt Recreation Centre at 527 Fraser St. each calendar year to receive a new admissions sticker on their L.I.F.E. card.
  • L.I.F.E. subsidy program credit. Credit can be used toward fees for select registered programs at Esquimalt Recreation.
    • The amount noted below is allocated at the time of approval and is for use over the 2 years the pass is valid. 
      • $80 per preschooler (0-5yrs)
      • $120 per child/youth (6-18 yrs)
      • $80 per adult (19 yrs+).
  • Free Weight Room Orientation (13 yrs+)

Option 2: Annual Regional Pass Discount - 50% off

(Valid one year from date of purchase)

  • Receive this $570.00 pass for $285.00 ($23.75/month, 12-month term).
  • Unlimited access to drop-in programs at Esquimalt, Saanich, City of Victoria, Oak Bay, Panorama, West Shore and SEAPARC Recreation Centre.

  • Monthly payment plans available.

    *This option does not receive L.I.F.E. subsidy program credits

Who is Eligible?

  • Individuals and households residing in Esquimalt, whose combined gross household income falls at or below the low-income threshold determined annually. Thresholds are relative to household size and are based on Statistics Canada's Low-Income thresholds, with an additional 5% added to account for regional cost of living. 
  • Residents of Esquimalt may apply through the Esquimalt Recreation Centre. If you are not a resident of Esquimalt, you must apply in the municipality you are a resident in. 

  • To be eligible for participation in the L.I.F.E. program, gross household income must be within/below the following income ranges. Proof of combined income will be required in circumstances for married/common-law setting. 

    Estimated Stats Canada Low Income Thresholds 2024:

  • # in household:1234567 or more
    Income under:$28,460$38,493$47,145$54,438$60,864$67,645$75,312
    • NOTE: If the income on your NOA shows $0 you will be required to provide reasoning and supporting documents for this level of income. With your L.I.F.E. application you must include a copy of your Proof of Income Statement (Option "C") from the Canadian Revenue Agency. This can be obtained by calling 1-800-267-6999 or online at the 

CRA My Account

Adjudication: 

  • For those individuals under extenuating circumstances who are unable to clearly provide the required application documentation, an Adjudicator Form may be accepted in lieu, on a case-by-case basis. Adjudicators are members of the community who have a professional relationship with the applicant, and is familiar with the applicants financial and residential situation. 
  • Adjudicators can be a:
    • Professional in Social Work or Family Services
    • School Principal or Counsellor
    • Doctor or Healthcare Professional
    • Lawyer or Notary Public
    • Housing Worker or Support Advocate.
      • NOTE: Adjudicator applications will ONLY be accepted when accompanied by an official stamp and/or business card of the endorser from the recognized agency. Auditing is done for ALL adjudicator forms and use of an adjudicator form is a one-time exception. 
  • To obtain an adjudicator form please visit reception at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre or email life@esquimalt.ca 

How Do I Apply?

General Eligibility:

If applicants meet the eligibility criteria above, the following steps are required: To apply for the L.I.F.E. program please fill out an application form below, or visit Esquimalt Recreation Centre at 527 Fraser St. to obtain an application form. Please complete one application form per family, living in the same household. 

2025 Fillable Application Form                         2025 Printable Application Form

When applying please make sure you bring the following documentation with you, along with your application form:

  1. ID: Government issued identification such as a BC Services Card, BC ID, or Drivers License. 
  2. Proof of residency: One of the following in your name  with a current Esquimalt address: renters' agreement, phone, or utility bill dated in the last three months. Only one proof of residency is required for all family members. 

  3. Proof of income: Provide 2023 or 2024 Notice of Assessment (NOA) for anyone over the age of 19 years, in the family/household, as proof of gross annual income. Refer to line 15000 on your NOA for the amount to use to calculate the total income threshold.

    L.I.F.E. cards will be issued to each member of an eligible family and are valid for 2 years based on date of application approval. 

Other Forms of Eligibility Documentation:

If you do not meet the general eligibility requirements you may still be eligible to apply for the L.I.F.E. Program. Other scenarios in which we may accept a L.I.F.E. applicants are described below, along with documentation required. 

  1. Your Notice of Assessment does not accurately reflect your current income level due to an experience such as illness or job loss.  

    Contact life@esquimalt.ca to get a copy of an Adjudicator Form or pick up a hard copy from reception at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre. Have an adjudicator form filled out by a supporting organization or person as described on the form. Bring the completed form, along with your ID and proof of residency to Esquimalt Recreation Centre.

  2. If you are a refugee or arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) in the last year. 
    • Bring your landing papers along with your proof of Esquimalt residency to the Esquimalt Recreation Center. Note: if you are staying with a host family, your proof of residency can be in the host family's name. 
    • Fill out the L.I.F.E. application using your landing papers as proof of income.
    • Bring your completed application form, with all supporting documentation to Esquimalt Recreation Centre at 527 Fraser St.
How to Use your LIFE pass

After you have been approved, you've selected your benefit option, and you have your L.I.F.E. card, you are able to begin use right away. 

When visiting Esquimalt Recreation Centre, please scan your pass at the entrance scanners. For attendance at any other Greater Victoria Recreation Centre, you will be provided with a sticker affixed to the back of your L.I.F.E. pass with 52 visits. This card will need to be presented each time you visit a participating centre, other than Esquimalt, and each visit will be checked off by that facility. 

Your card must be presented or scanned each time you drop-in, regardless of the centre. 

Guidelines
  • Subsidy Program Credit cannot be used for single admissions or merchandise.
  • The L.I.F.E. Card & Subsidy Program Credit cannot be redeemed for cash, is non-transferable and expires at the end of your two-year term.
  • Participants must have their picture taken for their L.I.F.E. card.
  • $5 replacement charge for lost cards.
  • Replacement cards will be provided by subtracting 4 visits a month from January up to date the card is replaced from the affixed regional sticker on the back of the card.
Helpful Information
  • Applications for the L.I.F.E. program are processed confidentially and on a first-come, first served basis.
  • All eligible Esquimalt L.I.F.E. members (13 yrs+) may book a free Esquimalt Weight Room Orientation with Reception.
  • If you are not a resident of Esquimalt, you must apply in the municipality you are a resident in.
  • If you are unsure which municipality you reside in, you can go to https://maps.crd.bc.ca and enter your address in the search bar in the upper right and it will pinpoint your municipality for you.
  • Esquimalt Recreation offers a Free Income Tax service every March and April for low income Esquimalt residents.
  • Please contact life@esquimalt.ca with any further questions.
  • The L.I.F.E. (Leisure involvement For Everyone) program is supported by the Greater Victoria Active Communities Committee.