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The Vancouver Aquarium will soon be offering free admission to people with low incomes.

Starting March 12, people with low incomes in the City of Vancouver will be able to get free admission to the aquarium through an expansion of the Park Board’s Leisure Access Program.

The Aquarium says many residents in Vancouver have fond memories of visiting their facility because it’s the connection to aquatic life as children that make us care about our oceans, lakes and rivers.

Officials said they want to engage more residents through the access programs to develop that lifelong interest.

“As a conservation organization, our aim is to connect as many people as possible to the world of aquatic life to spark curiosity and a lifelong interest in protecting our imperilled oceans,” said Dr. John Nightingale, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre president and CEO, in a release. “We hope to engage more and more residents through all our access programs and we’re proud to partner with the Vancouver Park Board on one more way to foster those connections.”

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What is the Leisure Access Program?

It provides low-income Vancouver residents with access to basic recreation programs and services at Park Board facilities a reduced cost.

If you qualify, the subsidy is loaded onto a OneCard for discounted access to all Park Board pools, rinks, and participating fitness and community centres.

Starting March, 12, passholders can visit the Vancouver Aquarium for free once per year.

How do you qualify:

You have to be a resident of the City of Vancouver You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident And one of the following:

You receive income assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation

You have a Ministry-issued BC Bus Pass or red Compass Card

Your family’s total income is equal to or below specified amounts

For example:

Family size Gross family income 1 person $23,861 2 people $29,706 3 people $36,520 4 people $44,340 5 people $50,290 6 people $56,718 7 people $63,147 More than 7 people For each additional person, add $6,429

You are not eligible if:

You are an immigrant classified as an investor or entrepreneur

You are a temporary resident, including being on a study or work permit

You live in the University Endowment Lands

For more information on the program, check out the Park Board website.

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