City expands Ticket2Play program to include firefighters and community peace officers

The City of Calgary is expanding the popular Ticket2Play program which has in the past empowered Calgary Police officers to award positive tickets to children and youth who are doing great things in the community. The program will now provide City firefighters and community peace officers with an opportunity to do the same. Young people who receive a Ticket2Play enjoy two free admissions to any City of Calgary recreation facility, as well as Vivo.

Since the program’s inception in 2017, Calgary Police Service has awarded more than 500 tickets across Calgary for behaviors like:

• Following safety guidelines such as wearing a bike helmet, crossing only on walk lights, and playing safely in the community.

• Positively contributing to their community through volunteering or picking up litter and putting it in its place.

• Displaying a positive attitude in interactions with other Calgarians like shoveling a neighbour’s walk or helping to carry groceries.

“With more City partners onboard, we’re excited to see the Ticket2Play program grow, and we’re thrilled about the opportunity to impact more children and youth by rewarding them for their positive actions,” says Heather Cowie, North Region Manager, Calgary Recreation. “Together, these partnerships provide Calgary Recreation with an opportunity to support the outstanding community development work being done by Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire and Calgary Community Standards while also encouraging youth to be physically active”.

Ticket2Play also aligns with the Mayor and Council’s direction for community action on mental health, addiction and crime prevention. By increasing positive relationships and interactions between uniformed officers and children and youth, The City is demonstrating that law enforcement can be a helpful influence in the lives of young people.

For more information on the Ticket2Play program, visit calgary.ca/Ticket2Play.