Inclusion
The City of Mount Pearl is committed to creating inclusive recreational opportunities for all community members. We believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful programs that promote health, wellness, and social connection. Through specialized programming and supportive environments, we strive to remove barriers and ensure that individuals of all abilities can participate fully in recreation and leisure activities.
Contact Breanna Pelley at 748-1000, ext. 1213 or bpelley@mountpearl.ca for more information or to set up a personal meeting to determine how we can better meet your needs.
RISE Program (Respect, Integrity, Strength through Community, and Empowerment)
RISE is a community-driven initiative designed to reduce barriers that leave residents feeling disconnected or at risk. Through inclusive, culturally grounded, and accessible programming, RISE helps participants build supportive networks, strengthen resilience, and foster a sense of belonging.
Our programs are delivered with a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and dignity-centered approach. Everyone deserves safe spaces where they can connect, learn, thrive, and RISE.
The RISE program is in partnership with ElevateHER, a survivor-led, community-based nonprofit organization committed to advancing gender equity, wellness, and social inclusion. ElevateHER designs and delivers trauma-informed programs that support women, girls and gender-diverse individuals in building confidence, life skills, leadership capacity, and economic resilience. Their work centers lived experience, community collaboration, and equity-driven practices to create safer, more inclusive spaces where individuals and communities can thrive.
Visit www.elevatehercanada.ca for more information.
Upcoming RISE Events (February–April 2026)
Wellness Walk / Snowshoe / Cross-country Ski
Every second week starting Thursday, February 12 – Power’s Pond
6:30–8:00 PM
Guided outdoor movement sessions encouraging gentle physical activity, routine, and social connection. All bodies and mobility levels are welcome; no fitness goals or pressure, just community, fresh air, and supportive company.
Elevate EveryBODY
Every second week starting Friday, February 13 – Park Place
6:30–8:00 PM
An inclusive, body positive wellness session dedicated to self-acceptance, embodiment, and confidence. Celebrates all bodies, all identities, and all levels of comfort and experience.
Adult Queer Social 19+
February 14 – Youth Centre at Reid Community Centre
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
March 9 & April 11 – Park Place
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
A facilitated social gathering for 2SLGBTQIA+ adults offering a low-pressure, joyful, and affirming space to connect. Participants can enjoy rotating activities such as art, cooking, games, and themed socials designed to build community, reduce isolation, and nurture belonging. Saturday, April 11 will include cash bar.
Community Skill Swap Café
Every second week starting Tuesday, February 17 – Summit MP Room
6:30–8:30 PM
A peer-led skill exchange celebrating community knowledge. Participants can learn — and share — everyday skills such as DIY fixes, knitting, budgeting basics, mechanics, and more. A welcoming space that builds confidence, connection, and mutual support.
Youth Queer Social
Monthly February 21, March 14, & April 25– Youth Centre at Reid Community Centre
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A supportive, age-appropriate space for queer and questioning youth to explore identity, build friendships, and have fun. Facilitated with clear boundaries and trauma-informed practices, this session prioritizes safety, creativity, and genuine peer connection.
Safety Planning Workshop
Last Monday of each month starting February 23 – Park Place
6:30–8:30 PM
Woman and girls, equity deserving woman and girls, and gender diverse individuals.
A practical, empowerment-focused workshop helping participants identify risks, establish boundaries, and build personal safety strategies. Topics may include transit safety, party safety, and responding confidently in challenging situations.
Drop-In – Newcomers, 2SLGBTQQIA+ and Woman and Girls.
Tuesday, February 24 and April 7 – Summit MP Room
6:30–8:30 PM
Participants will begin with an open-door gathering and community building support and available free swim from 7pm-7:45.
Tuesday March 10, March 24, and April 21 – Tennis Complex
6:30-8:30 PM
A flexible, open-door gathering for woman and girls, Newcomer woman and girls and gender diverse, where participants build community and can access informal support, ask questions, engage in activities, or simply enjoy quiet company. Each session features a new activity like movie nights and baking to sustainability projects, crafts, and more. No registration required.
Cultural Wellness Gathering
Monthly starting February 25 – Gloria Pearson
6:30–8:30 PM
A culturally grounded session that honours identity, tradition, and community-defined wellness. Participants can reconnect with cultural practices in a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
Grief Café
Twice monthly starting Monday, March 2 – Rocket Bakery
6:30–8:30 PM
A compassionate, facilitated space for anyone navigating grief related to death, trauma, identity changes, displacement, or life transitions. Conversations explore preparing for grief, experiencing grief, and living alongside it, centering shared experience over clinical approaches.
Micro-Finance Workshops
Every second week starting Thursday, March 5 – Park Place
6:30–8:30 PM
A shame-free introduction to financial well-being. Sessions cover budgeting, understanding credit, navigating debt, and building confidence in everyday money management. Woman and girls, equity deserving woman and girls and gender diverse.
Know Your Rights – Legal Café
March 18 – Gloria Pearson
6:30–8:30 PM
An informal, plain language session on legal rights related to employment, housing, and interactions with the justice system. A supportive space for reducing fear, accessing accurate information, and feeling more prepared.
Woman and Girls and Newcomer Woman and Girls Job Readiness Program
All ages and women identifying community members welcome.
April 1 & April 15 – Gloria Pearson
6:30–8:30 PM
Employment preparation tailored for newcomers and those who may face barriers to employment, including resume support, interview practice, understanding local workplace culture, and building confidence in navigating the job market.
2SLGBTQQIA+ Job Readiness
April 8 and April 22 – Gloria Pearson
6:30–8:30 PM
A general employment workshop open to gender and identity diverse community members who would like to learn more about employment preparedness while socializing with peers and mentors – all ages welcome. Covers resumes, applications, interview skills, workplace expectations, and practical tools for entering or re-entering the workforce.
Self-Defense Workshop
April 28 – Summit Multi-Purpose Room
6:30–8:30 PM
A beginner-friendly introduction to safety awareness and basic self-defense. Delivered through a trauma informed, consent-centered lens to support empowerment for participants of all identities and abilities.
For more information on all RISE programming, call 709.748.1002 or email steph@elevateher.ca.
New Summit Centre Swim Sessions
The City of Mount Pearl is excited to launch a pilot series of swim programs designed to create safe, welcoming, and affirming spaces for community members to enjoy the pool comfortably while supporting a sense of belonging. As part of the City’s RISE Program, these swims are offered free of charge with limited capacity.
While patrons are welcome to enjoy any of our recreational swim sessions, this pilot project is aimed at specific groups that may benefit from additional privacy, cultural consideration, or a more affirming environment.
These swims will feature privacy screens to ensure a comfortable environment for all participants. The program is intended to create dedicated spaces for the selected demographics to enjoy swimming in a setting where they feel safe, respected, and at ease.
For more information on this pilot project, please call 709.748.1002.
Women and Girls – Modesty Swim
This swim is designed for women and girls who prefer or require a culturally affirming environment that respects modesty practices. We recognize that some individuals face barriers to accessing recreational spaces due to cultural or religious considerations around attire and privacy. This dedicated time provides a supportive, respectful setting where participants can swim freely in a space that honours their identities and practices. We welcome all women and girls seeking this type of safe and inclusive space to enjoy the pool.
• Dates: Thursday February 12th, February 26th, March 12th, March 26th
• Time: 9:00–10:00 PM
• Both Pools & Sauna are available, no Waterslide.
- Cost: FREE
Women & Girls Swim
This swim is for women and girls to enjoy a dedicated swim time in a supportive and respectful setting. We welcome all women and girls who are seeking this type of safe and inclusive space to enjoy the pool.
• Dates: Thursday February 19th, March 5th, March 19th
• Time: 9:00–10:00 PM
• Both Pools & Sauna are available, no Waterslide.
• Cost: FREE
2SLGBTQIA+ Community Swim
This swim is intended for all members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, including transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, and Two-Spirit individuals. We welcome everyone across the full spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities to come together in a space that celebrates and affirms who you are.
• Dates: Tuesdays starting February 10th until March 24th
• Time 9:00-10:00PM
• Both Pools & Sauna are available, no Waterslide
• Cost: FREE
For more information, email info@mountpearl.ca or, call 709.748.1002.
CARE Day Program (Community, Accessibility, Recreation & Engagement)
The CARE Day Program is an inclusive, recreation-based daytime program designed for adults with intellectual disabilities. This supportive program promotes independence, social connection, and meaningful engagement through recreation, creative arts, and swimming
Program Details
DATES: January 6th, 2026 – March 17th, 2026
The deadline for this application is Friday, December 19th, or when the program is full.
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Day: Tuesdays
- Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Reid Community Centre, Reid Gym & Summit Swimming Pool
- Fee: $200
- Capacity: 15-20 participants
- Support Needs: Please note that some participants may need a support worker to ensure safe and meaningful participation. This requirement will be determined through the application process.
Who Can Join?
Adults (18+) who:
• Have an intellectual disability
• May also have a physical or developmental disability in addition to their cognitive needs
• Are able to participate in a recreation-based group setting with appropriate supportsPlease note: This program is not intended for individuals whose only support needs are related to physical disabilities.
Ready to apply? Click HERE to download the 2026 CARE Program Application. Please note that proof of residence is required.
TIME™ Program (Together in Movement & Exercise)
The TIME™ Program is a physiotherapist-designed, community-based exercise program for adults experiencing balance or mobility challenges. Ideal for those looking to keep moving forward—building strength, improving mobility, and staying independent in a supportive group setting with expert guidance.
Program Details
DATES: January 19 & 21, 2026 – March 16 & 18, 2026
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Days: Mondays & Wednesdays
- Times: 9:00–10:15 AM or 10:30–11:45 AM
- Location: Summit Center Maher Room
- Fee: $200 per 10-week intake
- Capacity: 8 participants per group
- Referral Required: Participants must be referred by a healthcare professional (e.g., physiotherapist, physician, occupational therapist).
Who Can Join?
Adults (18+) who:
- Experience balance or mobility challenges
- Have completed rehab but need continued support
- Are living with conditions such as MS, Parkinson’s, Acquired Brain Injury, general deconditioning or survivors of stroke
Please note: Participants must be able to walk 10 meters independently with or without a mobility aid.
Ready to apply? Click HERE to download the 2026 TIME Program Application. Please note that proof of residence is required.
Useful Resources
Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability
Beyond Recreation
If you’re interested in learning more about the City’s inclusive policies and initiatives outside of recreation programming, please contact us at info@mountpearl.ca