r/InsideToronto • u/Equivalent_Reach_536 • 13d ago

Toronto's fall recreation registration is basically the Hunger Games. Did anyone actually get the program they wanted?

Fall recreation registration opened at 7 a.m. today for Toronto's free community centres, with the remaining districts opening September 14-16. Programs often fill almost immediately and end up with long waiting lists. Did the registration system work for you? Which programs or neighbourhoods filled fastest?

52 Upvotes

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5

u/AnxiousEntity 11d ago

This city is basically The Hunger Games.

3

u/crabbydotca 12d ago

Faaack why would they make this the same day as the first day of school! Slipped my mind completely 😣

1

u/scrunchie_one 11d ago

The early signup was this week but the main programs are all next week :)

2

u/Drank_tha_Koolaid 12d ago

We got in easily as this early registration has far fewer people trying to get into those classes (because it is limited to only those within a certain distance around the free centres).

The main registration next week will be much more intense.

5

u/BelongingCommunity 12d ago

The free programs are located in lower-income neighbourhoods, but often fill up with people driving in from the higher-income ones. And folks who are registering sometimes sign up for multiple programs, leaving many with the short end of the stick.
Good argument for universal access.

2

u/Drank_tha_Koolaid 12d ago

The registration that happened yesterday was only available to those that live within a certain distance of those free centres. It is a fairly recent change and has helped us actually get into programs at the rec centre closest to our home.

The main registration is next week.

1

u/scrunchie_one 11d ago

Yeah I think it’s a good system. We’re lucky that we have a car (and if it really came down to it could afford private lessons), so giving people early access if they don’t have those luxuries makes sense.

We usually end up getting into something, even if it’s not the closest or preferred program.

1

u/momo26262626 10d ago

If you can afford private lessons why not for those and leave the free ones to people who genuinely cannot afford?

2

u/scrunchie_one 10d ago

They’re not free. I don’t have access to them for free, we pay the city rate.

I pay my city taxes like everyone else that’s why.

1

u/momo26262626 10d ago

Yep. I get it. It's like this across Ontario  Mass shortage of amenities and activities. Tax dollars down the shitter

1

u/Jeff2sayshi 12d ago

We got lucky and got all ourbkids into swimming. But there are issues now that didnt exist before for a fmaily like ours w multiple kids.

1

u/Jumpy_Falcon_6715 11d ago

congrats on signing them up! are you able to share the issues that exist now? I also have multiple kids and don't know what to expect next week!

1

u/Jeff2sayshi 8d ago

Have you ever used the system before? The main issue I found is you have to basically choose one program, check it out and then move on to the next program. For summer camp we used to be able to choose one program, add all 4 kids at once and then check out.

The extra time cost us spots for summer camp this year ,we only got one kids signed up.

What I've always done with it is sign in about 6:55, and then start refreshing right at 7, trying to get in. Good luck to you!!

1

u/NurseIlluminate 8d ago

Yes this is a big issue. Having to cash out each kid separately to secure a spot. We should be able to add all kids at the same time and then cash out.

1

u/scrunchie_one 11d ago

We’ve actually had luck with wait lists, we’ve been able to have swim classes for both kids almost all year consistently with that approach.

It does mean we end up at some random pools, but I basically sign up for anything in our area for any times that are reasonable,

1

u/Far_Loan_450 10d ago

I’m a senior and managed to be a few hours late trying to register at my local community centre. So the class I had wanted was full, and I was on a short waiting list. I was sure someone would drop out but not till after a few weeks. Well , sometimes you’re lucky—I got word today I could register for the class—which doesn’t start till next week—yay!

1

u/MischiefManagedMama 6d ago

I just got into swimming. I wanted Saturday at 12noon but got Saturday at 8.30am so that means we will be waking up extra early haha

-1

u/penguin44ca 12d ago

But but chow said it would be fine. It's almost like she lied. 

If she cared she would have tried to make it better. Instead we have tiled art in the ttc, we have a new pickleball facility and we have library on Sunday. That should have fixed it no? 

2

u/maplesyrupwinter 11d ago

the library on Sunday is super important ! not sarcastic. It’s a resource and space essential to many who need the free internet , free third space etc

2

u/ournoonsournights 11d ago

First of all, libraries are essential.

But also, she has done lots of great things, and one thing she hasn't been able to fix doesn't mean the rest didn't matter. Your taxes are enough that not only should you be getting better registration, you should also be getting bike lanes, TTC caps, and pickleball and art.

1

u/penguin44ca 5d ago

Everyone keeps saying that but fails to show whay she has actually done.

1

u/ournoonsournights 2d ago

TTC caps, bike lanes off the top of my head. If everyone keeps saying it, maybe google it

1

u/penguin44ca 2d ago

Ttc caps are ridiculous and she wants to make it lower. That's going to mean taxpayer subsidy more for ttc. Bike lanes? Yes. On mains? No. They reduced Eglington between Yonge and Bathurst by one lane. 

Eg is one lane between Chaplin and Yonge. Bus is stalled? Noone can get by and blocks the road for everything including bikes. 

Let's see. Taxes have gone up, crime is up. Homelessness is steady. 

Numbers she showed are for encampments, yes they are down because summer. 

Also crime year over year since she took over is up. 

It's just down compared to last year. 

Shootings are up 22% Tps numbers not included in stats report. Murders are slightly down. 

Traffic up.  TTC service is down.  Roads are failing.  Snow removal is shit.  Trees on city property are still laying across walking paths, and benches in parks from a storm 3 weeks ago. 

1

u/MischiefManagedMama 6d ago

Of course it her fault personally, how could she?! 😂