“Living in a rural community with frequent rain and limited indoor recreation options, opportunities for accessible activity are especially important…The grant not only removed financial barriers, but also strengthened community connection, encouraged healthy habits, and provided a much-needed outlet for recreation and socialization.“
PORT HARDY RECREATION
For many families, the cost of activities can be a major barrier to accessing recreation, especially in communities with high poverty rates. According to the 2025 BC Child Poverty Report Card, the Regional District of Mount Waddington’s child poverty rate of 30.3% is among the highest in the province. In Port Hardy, the district’s largest municipality with a population of <4,000, the recreation centre is vital to community health and connection. Using Active Communities Grant funding, Port Hardy Recreation was able to offer free public skates and swims for a whole year.
Port Hardy’s recreation manager Naomi Heith notes that through this initiative, they witnessed a remarkable increase in participation in swimming and skating. Over the course of the year, the total attendance in these programs was a whopping 16,596! Naomi said, “The energy in our facility was inspiring, with families, youth, adults, and seniors all taking advantage of these free programs. Some community members visit up to six times a week to stay active, sharing with us how transformative this access has been for their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”
An advertisement announcing the new, free swim and skates initiative. © Port Hardy Recreation.
Port Hardy Recreation conducted a survey to hear from active users of this initiative, and received statements like:
“My kids wouldn’t be able to access recreation if there wasn’t this grant.”
“It helps out big time having something free to do for the kids and being able to go with the family is great especially with how expensive everything else is these days.”
“I can put that money towards insane food/grocery store prices instead of having to choose between food or recreation for my kids.”
“Inflation has caused financial strain on all of us. Allowing free swim/skates has helped us stay healthy, have fun and create memories!”
As an example of cost savings, the grant allowed a family who used the facility three times per week to save $157 per month.
Key Learnings and Program Sustainability
Port Hardy Recreation worked to accommodate diverse schedules and preferences with their programming. For example, seeing that Public and Family Swims typically draw kids and youth out to them, they created an Adult Swim to allow adults to have a kid-free experience to exercise and enjoy a quieter setting.
Another important learning was seeing the powerful impact that free public skates and swims had on individuals, families, and the overall community. Naomi notes, “We learned that offering programs where people can connect with others, feel a genuine sense of belonging, and engage in regular physical activity is incredibly important. These opportunities not only support individual health and well-being, but also strengthen community ties, reduce social isolation, and create a more vibrant and supportive environment for everyone.”
Families enjoying active time together at a free swim session. © Port Hardy Recreation.
This grant concluded in June 2025; however, the feedback from the community was so powerful—and highlighted just how essential this initiative had become—that the District of Port Hardy’s Chief Administrative Officer, Mayor, and Council chose to continue supporting barrier-free recreation!
Naomi says, “We are fortunate to have an exceptional Mayor and Council who strongly support barrier-free recreation, as well as local businesses that consistently step forward to sponsor events whenever needed. Their collective commitment helps ensure our community has access to inclusive, accessible, and meaningful recreation opportunities.”
Thank you to Naomi, Port Hardy Recreation, and the District of Port Hardy for your remarkable work!
