How to Register for Recreation Programs in Temiskaming Shores

What This Post Covers (and Why It Matters)

Getting into the right recreation program shouldn't feel like a puzzle. This guide walks through exactly how to register for recreation programs in Temiskaming Shores — from creating your account to securing a spot in popular classes before they fill up. Whether you're signing kids up for swimming lessons, joining an adult fitness class, or trying something new like pickleball, you'll find the steps, deadlines, and insider tips that make the process smoother.

How Do You Register for Recreation Programs in Temiskaming Shores?

You can register online through the Town of Temiskaming Shores website, by phone, or in person at the Temiskaming Shores Community Centre. Online registration opens at 8:00 AM on the dates listed in the seasonal guide — and spots in popular programs disappear fast.

The town uses ActiveNet, a widely-used recreation management system. If you've registered before, your account should still be active. New residents will need to set up a household account first — it's free, but don't wait until registration day to do it. The system can slow down when hundreds of people are trying to book at once.

Here's the thing: Temiskaming Shores runs three main registration seasons — winter/spring (opens January), summer (opens May), and fall (opens August). The exact dates get posted on the town website and social media about two weeks ahead. Mark your calendar, set a phone reminder, tell a neighbor — whatever it takes. The best programs (think junior lifeguard training, popular dance classes, prime-time fitness slots) can fill within hours.

Phone registration is available at 705-647-2722 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM). In-person registration happens at the community centre front desk — same hours, and they're open Saturday mornings during the first week of each registration period. Some folks prefer this option, especially if they're unsure which level to register for or need help with subsidy applications.

What Programs Are Available in Temiskaming Shores?

The town offers everything from traditional sports and fitness to creative arts and specialized programs for seniors and people with disabilities. The Temiskaming Shores Recreation and Community Services Department publishes a seasonal guide — usually 40-plus pages — breaking down every offering by age group, location, and cost.

Swimming lessons remain the most sought-after programs, held at the Temiskaming Shores Community Centre Pool on Whitewood Avenue. The centre also hosts fitness classes (yoga, spin, boot camp), martial arts, and gymnastics. Over at the Haileybury Arena on Highway 11, you'll find hockey programs, public skating, and figure skating lessons. New Liskeard residents aren't left out — the New Liskeard Arena on Armstrong Street North runs parallel programming.

Worth noting: Temiskaming Shores has invested heavily in accessible recreation. The ARC (Accessibility Recreation Centre) programs include adapted swimming, wheelchair sports, and specialized fitness classes. These programs often have smaller cohort sizes, so early registration matters even more.

Adult programming has expanded significantly in recent years. Pickleball — yes, the sport everyone's talking about — runs multiple sessions weekly at the community centre gym. There's also men's and women's basketball leagues, badminton, and a surprisingly competitive dodgeball scene. For something lower impact, the town partners with local instructors for tai chi, line dancing, and senior fitness classes.

Summer camps fill an entire section of the guide. The Temiskaming Shores Day Camp operates out of the community centre, offering weekly themed camps for kids ages 4 to 12. Specialty camps — soccer camp, art camp, science camp — run throughout July and August at various locations including the Haileybury Waterfront Park and New Liskeard Beach.

How Much Do Programs Cost (and What About Financial Help)?

Prices vary widely depending on the program length, facility, and whether instruction is involved. A 10-week fitness class might run $80-$120. Swimming lessons (typically 8-10 sessions) cost between $60-$90 depending on the level. Hockey programs and specialized camps are pricier — often $200-$400 per season.

The catch? Nobody in Temiskaming Shores should skip recreation because of cost. The town offers a Recreation Fee Assistance Program for low-income families and individuals. Applications are confidential — you submit proof of income (tax assessment, pay stubs, or social assistance documentation) to the recreation coordinator. Approved applicants receive credits that can be applied to any town-run program. The process takes about two weeks, so apply well before registration opens.

Many programs offer early-bird discounts — typically $10-$20 off if you register in the first week. Multi-child families should ask about sibling discounts. Some leagues (particularly hockey) offer payment plans stretching across the season.

What Do You Need Before Registering?

Gather your information before registration day. You'll need:

• ActiveNet account credentials — username and password (reset it beforehand if you can't remember)
• Household information — names and birthdates for everyone you're registering
• Health card numbers — required for aquatic programs and camps
• Emergency contact details — name, phone, relationship
• Payment method — Visa, Mastercard, or Interac online
• Program codes — the specific code for each program (found in the guide)

That said, don't stress if you don't have every detail perfect. You can update emergency contacts later, and the system saves your household information between sessions. The critical piece is having your account active and your top program choices identified with their codes.

For swimming lessons specifically, you'll need to know your child's current ability level. The town uses the Canadian Red Cross Swim Program standards. If you're unsure, the community centre offers free swim assessments — just show up during public swim hours and ask a lifeguard. They'll tell you exactly which level to register for, saving you from awkward rebooking later.

What Happens If a Program Is Full?

You join the waitlist — and in Temiskaming Shores, waitlists actually work. Cancellations happen frequently, especially in the first week after registration opens. The town contacts waitlisted families in order, usually by phone, and you have 24 hours to respond before they move to the next person.

Pro tip: Even if you're waitlisted for your first choice, register for a backup program immediately. You can always transfer if your waitlist spot opens up — and it beats missing the season entirely. The recreation staff at 705-647-2722 can help coordinate transfers; they're surprisingly accommodating if you're polite and flexible.

Some programs have expansion rules. If a fitness class has a full waitlist (usually 8+ people), the town will often open a second session — same instructor, different time slot. It doesn't always happen, but it's worth asking about, especially for popular offerings like beginner yoga or senior fitness.

Where Can You Get Help With Registration?

The Temiskaming Shores Community Centre staff are your best resource. Call 705-647-2722 or visit in person at 325 Whitewood Avenue West in New Liskeard. During registration periods, they extend hours and add extra phone lines. Staff can walk you through account setup, help with program selection, process subsidy applications, and troubleshoot payment issues.

The town's Facebook page and website also post reminders, deadline changes, and last-minute program additions. Following these accounts means you won't miss flash announcements — like when a popular instructor adds extra class slots or when weather cancellations affect outdoor programs.

For accessibility-related questions or accommodation requests, contact the Recreation Accessibility Coordinator directly. They can arrange ASL interpreters for programs, ensure physical accessibility at facilities, and connect you with adapted equipment. Temiskaming Shores has made genuine progress here — the pool has a chair lift, the arenas have sledges for para-hockey, and many trails at the Haileybury Waterfront are wheelchair accessible.

Finally, don't underestimate word-of-mouth in a community this size. Ask at the New Liskeard Farmers' Market, chat with parents at Splash Pad Park, or post in local Facebook groups. Someone always knows which instructor is patient with nervous swimmers, which hockey program has the best developmental focus, or which fitness class fits a working parent's schedule.

Recreation in Temiskaming Shores connects people — to activities, to neighbors, to the rhythms of community life. The registration process might seem daunting at first, but once you're set up in the system, it gets easier every season. And the payoff? Kids who gain confidence in the water, adults who find their pickleball people, seniors who stay active through accessible programming — that's what this town's recreation department builds, one registration at a time.