August 21, 2023 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AIRDRIE, AB – Today, Council endorsed the addition of Bert Church Live Theatre (BCLT) services to the Airdrie Fair Access (AFA) program.
AFA, formerly known as the Airdrie Participant Support Program, provides income-based subsidies on select transit passes and fares, Genesis Place recreation and now also BCLT programs and services.
“This unanimous decision by the Council comes at a time when we’re working towards providing a wider range of recreation opportunities to more Airdrie residents. The inclusion of BCLT services to the AFA program is a testament to that,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “I encourage all residents who qualify for AFA to apply and have an equal opportunity to utilize City services,” he added.
On January 1, changes were made to the City of Airdrie’s subsidy program for low-income residents to improve access to vital city services for Airdrie residents. Through AFA, residents whose household income is within 25 per cent of the Low-Income Cut-Off before taxes (LICO-BT) or below, as defined by Statistics Canada, can receive a 25-75 per cent discount on eligible City programs and services.
“Having BCLT join AFA makes our existing portfolio of income-based offerings and services even stronger and reinforces our commitment to removing barriers to accessing municipal services,” said Chris Esselmont, social planner with the City of Airdrie eligible. “Airdrie residents can access most available programs and services in the 2023-2024 theatrical season of BCLT,” he added.
“The Bert Church Live Theatre understands that access to the performing arts provides a sense of community wellbeing. Through our various programs, classes and performances, the theatre strives to be a safe place focusing on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We are pleased to be a part of removing barriers like financial accessibility to allow more of our community to experience the joy of the theatre,” said Beverly Stadelmann, performing arts coordinator at Bert Church Live Theatre.
For more information on Airdrie Fair Access and to see the list of eligible services, please visit airdrie.ca/afa.
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Media Contact:
Chris Esselmont
Social Planner
City of Airdrie
403.948.8800 ext. 8483
chris.esselmont@airdrie.ca