One-On-One Support

Facilitating the inclusion of Children & Youth with disabilities in the Recreation & Culture Division’s Programming

• JIS support is FREE! (not including registration fees)
• A site or virtual visit will be conducted prior to the start of support
• To initially apply for JIS, complete a Participant Intake Form
• Please contact us prior to registering for a program

JIS supports the Recreation & Culture Division’s Children and Youth programs, swimming lessons and 4U programs.

4U Programs

The 4U Programs are specialized programming for children and youth with disabilities. This session we will be running Swim 4U and Fit 4U.

To register or if you have any questions, please email jis@thunderbay.ca.

The Personal Attendant for Leisure (PAL) Card is issued to a person with a disability, enabling their support person access to a facility that accepts the PAL Card, at no cost.

The PAL Card is accepted at City of Thunder Bay recreation programs and recreation facilities, as well as a number of private recreation facilities in the community. Email us for an up to date list.

Need help with fees for recreation and transit?

The Affordable Access Pilot for Recreation and Transit provides eligible applicants with a $350 credit for City of Thunder Bay recreation programs and half price monthly Transit passes.

General Eligibility

• You live in the City of Thunder Bay
• Have income at or below income limits (Low Income Cut Off numbers after tax)
• Age category of 18+ for Recreation credit, and 25-59 for transit pass)
• See website for criteria and information on program credits

Applications are administered by Lakehead Social Planning Council. Learn more:

PRO Kids makes it possible for children and youth to get involved in activities when families cannot afford the fees.

Application forms are also available at:

• Public Libraries
• Canada Games Complex
• Volunteer Pool
• Churchill Pool
• Victoriaville Civic Centre

Are you new to Thunder Bay? We want to hear your thoughts!

If the following describes you, please complete the survey to help us better understand experiences like yours.

• I was born outside of Canada.
• I am 18 years old or older.
• I arrived in Thunder Bay within the last 10 years (between 2015 and 2025).

This 15-minute survey hopes to better understand your experience settling into Thunder Bay. At the end, you will be asked whether you are interested in taking part in an in-person focus group, with a chance to earn $70 for your time. Please note that due to limited space, we will not be inviting everybody who took the survey to take part in a focus group.

Everything you share will be kept confidential.

This survey is a joint effort by the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, and the City of Thunder Bay’s Community Services Department. Your feedback will help these organizations better understand and support newcomers in our community.

Thank you!