WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic
Thank you to all who joined us at Trout Lake last week and a big thank you to the Inclusion Plus Team and Dani for putting it all together!
It was a great turnout and an enjoyable event, with lots of socializing, fun and sharing good food.
Wendy took photos again this year and did an amazing job. Thank you, Wendy!
Please click HERE to see the photos and download your favorite ones 😊
DIGA | BC Native Bees Workshop
DIGA: Join us for a workshop about BC native bees with Kristen from the Native Bee Society of BC.
Learn about the different types of bees found in BC and how they support healthy gardens and ecosystems. We’ll also talk about seasonal forage guides, bumblebee ID cards, and overwintering habitats.
Please bring a hat and water, as it may be warm that day.
An optional group gathering will follow the workshop.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: GF Strong Courtyard Garden | 4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 2G9
COST: Free | Click to register!
Summer Swim Season is Here
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New Brighton, Second Beach, Maple Grove, and Kitsilano Outdoor Pools are the ideal spots to cool off, unwind, and create lasting summer memories!
Looking to plan ahead and reduce wait times?? You can reserve your swim session up to three days in advance. Even when reservations are full, we save space for drop-ins and accommodate additional drop-ins when reserved spots go unused.
Click here to purchase a 10-visit pass. Valid at 40+ gyms, pools and rinks.
Click here to buy single passes.
Timed sessions allow more people to enjoy the pool safely, in line with lifeguard staffing and capacity limits.
Flexipasses, 10-visit passes, and LAP are accepted for online bookings and drop-ins at all outdoor pools. Reservation fees apply to most online tickets, except for LAP and preschooler reservations.
Grab your sunscreen, pack your towel and make a splash this summer!
Still Moon Arts Society | Beaconsfield Food Forest Foraging & Tending
Still Moon Arts: Tend the food forest and forage berries with us! No experience is needed and everyone is welcome.
The Beaconsfield Food Forest is a community-engaged natural space tended by volunteers. Come & forage with us, enjoy time outside together!
Join facilitators Leona Brown and Maria Preoteasa to learn about food forests, refine our vision for the site’s future, enjoy ripe berries, and connect with other foragers in the community. We’ll also work with the land by removing invasive dock, blackberries, and other plants to make room for a diversity of food and medicine plants.
At Food Forest stewardship sessions, we’ll tend the food forest while we discuss our connection to the land. We will learn about the importance of food sovereignty through stewardship of native plant ecosystems and the roles of a food forest in a community.
At many of these gatherings, we forage for edible plants, taste them, and learn about their traditional uses!
WHEN: Saturday, July 25th | 4:00PM – 6:30PM
WHERE: Beaconsfield Park | 3215 Slocan Street, Vancouver, BC V5M 2P6 (Map)
COST: Free | Click here for more information and to register!
Stanley Park Mini Golf
The Stanley Park Mini Golf Experience is a new attraction in Stanley Park for Summer 2026!
Looking for a fun family outing this summer? The Stanley Park Mini Golf Experience offers an 18-hole course that’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. Spend quality time together in one of Vancouver’s most iconic parks while enjoying a little friendly competition. Create lasting summer memories with family and friends.
With 18 holes and a few hidden extras, guests will encounter a wonderland of 9 beginner holes at the front half, and can venture further down the rabbit hole to experience 9 more challenging and world-warping holes to complete the full course.
Walk-ins are welcome, booking is highly recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time. Book tickets here.
Admission:
9-holes:
- Children (3-12 years): $16 + tax
- Adults (13 years and over): $25 + tax
- Seniors: 15% off adult price
18-holes:
- Children (3-12 years): $23 + tax
- Adults (13 years and over): $25 + tax
- Seniors: 15% off adult price
Group Packages:
- 18 hole Family Package (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children): $90 + tax
- Group Package 15 players +): 10% off adult price
*Free for children under 3 years old
Join the City of Vancouver Accessibility Committee
City of Vancouver: We’re seeking members with a wide range of lived experiences and disabilities!
You can apply if:
- You identify as having a disability
- You live in Vancouver
What the Committee does:
- Provide guidance and advice on the City of Vancouver’s Accessibility Strategy and its renewal
- Review and provide feedback on the Accessibility Strategy departmental action plans with the Multi-Year Action Plan
- Help with the review of public feedback to identify barriers and solutions
To learn more: https://vancouver.ca/people-programs/accessibility-committee.aspx
Call 604-675-5926 to ask for support with the application if needed.
Questions? Call 604-675-5926 or accessibility@vancouver.ca
VIFF Centre | Accessible Movie Experiences
“VIFF is committed to making our events and screenings accessible to as many people as we can, and we strive to remove barriers to access whenever possible. For more information, please email accessibility@viff.org”
What is happening in Vancouver in July?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events/
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Click here to find your market!
Vancouver Community Fridge Project
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The Vancouver Community Fridge Project is a decentralized food distribution network and mutual aid initiative created to provide healthy, free food and essential supplies to our communities across lower mainland.
Our mission is to combat food insecurity by encouraging our communities to take part in laterally-directed mutual aid, starting with providing free, safe, non-policed, accessible and nutritious foods through community fridges and pantries.
All fridges and pantries that are apart of the VCFP network will be operating on a strict no policing, no-shame policy. This means, the VCFP does not condone patrolling how fridge users engage with the fridge, gatekeeping, or any exclusionary or harmful behaviours. The fridges should be accessible, welcoming places based on trust and communication of needs, established by and for the community.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
Telus Exclusive Partner Program – EPP
Here’s a reminder for all Spectrum staff that we have access to the Telus Exclusive Partner Program – EPP. There are good rates on phones and very good rates on plans.
Register here:
https://www.telus.com/en/mobility/epp-corporate-plan/eligibility?campaign_id=EPPDigitalHubFAQ.
You have to use your @spectrumsociety.org email address.
More information and answers to questions here:
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Plan Institute Webinars
The Plan Institute has FREE upcoming regular webinars on the topics of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Wills, Trusts and Estates Planning.
RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan for those with disabilities to better financially plan for their futures. The Level 1 webinar is meant for those who want to learn about what the RDSP is, who qualifies, and how to apply. The Level 2 webinar is for those who already have a RDSP, or have already taken Level 1.
Next Level 1 Webinar: Thursday, August 6th | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Thursday, September 6th | 10:00AM – 11:45AM
Click here to register and for more information
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (BC Only)
This webinar is meant for those who want to become better informed on the process of wills, trusts and estate planning to better secure the future of your relative or loved one with a disability. There is a limit of 60 participants so early registration is encouraged!
Next Webinar: Thursday, July 23rd | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Click here to register and for more information
Disability Alliance BC – MY DTC
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a tax benefit from the Government of Canada. It is meant to help people with disabilities and their families reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay. Benefits like the Registered Disability Saving Plan and the new Canada Disability Benefit coming in July 2025 can be accessed when you have the Disability Tax Credit.
My DTC is a free online guide to the Disability Tax Credit created by Disability Alliance BC. It has information on benefits, eligibility and the overall process, as well as tools to help with applying. Please note, My DTC does not allow people to apply for the DTC directly. This is done through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Visit My DTC here to explore the guide.
BC Hydro – Customer Crisis Fund
If you’re a residential customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis, such as a loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expenses, or a death in the family and you’ve fallen behind on your BC Hydro bill, you may be eligible for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service.
Eligibility for a grant
To receive a grant from the Customer Crisis Fund, you need to meet a few criteria:
- Be a residential account holder.
- Be applying for a grant for your primary residence account.
- Your account must have payments overdue by at least 21 days or be facing disconnection. You can apply as early as when you have a balance owing on your account, but your application will be on hold until your payment is 21 days overdue or your account is facing disconnection.
- You must have experienced a life event, within the last 12 months, that caused a temporary financial crisis.
- Have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or less, and have demonstrated some attempt to make payments towards your bill.
You may receive one grant per account holder annually (one per year). If a grant application is denied and your circumstances change, you can apply again in the same year.
Click here for more information and how to apply!
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Credit Counselling Society
The Credit Counselling Society is an accredited non-profit that helps Canadians solve their money problems. We do this by providing free credit counselling, low-cost debt solutions, and education to help you manage your money better.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools for building the financial success that everyone deserves. We’re here to help you through your difficult times and towards a better future.
Plan Institute – Canada Disability Benefit (CBD)
Applications are now open!
After months and years of advocacy (and a whole lot of waiting), the moment is finally here – applications for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are now open!
Applications opened on June 20, 2025 and are available on the Government of Canada website. You can submit your application via the online application portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.
You may have already received a letter from the government inviting you to apply for the CDB. The letter includes a unique application code and instructions on how to apply. If you did not receive a letter from the government and think you are eligible for the CDB, you can still apply.
It may be helpful to gather some key information before you complete the application, including:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Mailing address
- Direct deposit information
- Optional: your net income (line 23600) from your 2024 notice of assessment. Providing this information will speed up your application, but it is not required.
If you are a legal guardian or representative for someone with a disability and you are applying for the CDB on their behalf, you will also need to provide proof that you are authorized to act as the beneficiary’s legal representative.
Click here to learn more about the application process
When will I receive my payment?
The first payments of the CDB will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. If your application is approved in July or later, you will receive your first payment in the month after your application is approved.
How much can I receive?
The maximum benefit amount is $2,400 per year, or $200 per month. The amount you receive will depend on your income (and the income of your spouse or partner, if relevant).
Learn more about how your benefit is calculated
How do I know if I’m eligible for the CDB?
To qualify for the CDB, you must be aged between 18-64 and be currently approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). You must also have filed your taxes for the previous tax year.
Find out more about the eligibility criteria
Where can I get support?
Plan Institute’s Disability Planning Helpline can offer support with the CDB, including understanding the application process and finding out whether you are eligible. Our advisors can also support you to apply for the DTC.
You can contact the Helpline by calling 1-844-311-7526 or emailing helpline@planinstitute.ca.
You can also talk to Service Canada directly about the CDB on their designated CDB call center telephone line: 1-833-486-3007 or by teletypewriter (TTY): 1-833-467-2700.
Disability Without Poverty | CDB Overview
Follow these steps:
1. File your tax return.
Need help? There are free tax clinics available to help you.
2. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit
Fill Form T2201 – Download the form from the Canada Revenue Agency website. Fill in Part A.
Find a Medical Practitioner – Take the form to a qualified medical practitioner to certify the impairment by completing Part B.
Submit Your Application to the CRA – Mail the completed form or submit it online. The CRA will review your application and send a notice of determination.
While you wait for the applications to open, see if you qualify for other federal programs like:
- Registered Disability Savings Plan
- Canada Workers Benefit
- Disability Supplement
- Child Disability Benefit
3. Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
Applications for the Canada Disability Benefit open in June Payments start in July 2025!
STEP ONE: File your taxes for free
STEP TWO: Get help with your DTC application
STEP THREE: Learn more about the CDB
Community Support for Spectrum
Spectrum is a registered charitable organization that fundraises to provide the extra things that aren’t covered by government funding. We appreciate the support our community provides in these ways:
Donations: We receive donations through our monthly giving program from both community members and our employees.
Different ways you can donate to Spectrum Society
- You can make a donation online through CanadaHelps.org on our secure donation page here.
- You can complete this Donation Form and send a cheque to our office.
- You can join our monthly giving club and provide us with permission to make a monthly deduction from your bank account. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org or mail it to our office.
- As an employee, you can give us permission to make a deduction from your payroll each pay period. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org.
- Remember Spectrum Society for Community Living when you are preparing your Will. We have an Endowment Fund that provides us with regular income to assist in providing supports to people with disabilities in the Community. Please call if you have any questions about this.
Click here for more information!
REFERRAL PROGRAM
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Is there anyone you know that is looking for meaningful work?
If you have a friend, family member or meet someone in the community that is interested in joining the team and you refer them to Spectrum, you could be eligible for a referral bonus!
If the person referred is hired and maintains at least 6 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $250 Referral Bonus.
*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org
We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!