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.

National Accessibility Week | May 31 – June 6, 2026

The City of Mount Pearl is proud to recognize National Accessibility Week from May 31 to June 6, 2026.

National Accessibility Week is an opportunity to highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion, and to reflect on how we can reduce barriers for people with disabilities. It reinforces the City’s ongoing commitment to building a community where everyone can participate fully and feel welcomed.

Throughout the week, residents are encouraged to learn more about local accessibility supports, explore inclusive programs, and consider ways we can continue improving access across Mount Pearl.

Through a series of events and initiatives, the City is focused on:

Raising awareness of local accessibility supports and services
Strengthening partnerships with community organizations
Encouraging inclusive and accessible recreation opportunities
Connecting residents with practical information and resources

Accessibility Resource Fair

The Accessibility Resource Fair brings together organizations from across the region that support accessibility and inclusion.

DATE: Monday, May 25, 2026
TIME: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: The Annex

This free, drop-in event is open to residents of Mount Pearl and surrounding communities.

What to expect

Learn about programs and services available locally
Speak directly with service providers and community organizations
Gain insight from lived experience
Make valuable connections and learn about ongoing supports

Participating organizations include Easter Seals NL, CNIB, Inclusion NL, Empower, Epilepsy NL, Canadian Mental Health Association, NL Association of the Deaf, Sport NL, and others.

Red Shirt Day | Wednesday, June 3, 2026

As part of National Accessibility Week, the City of Mount Pearl recognizes Red Shirt Day.

Red Shirt Day is a chance to reflect on the importance of accessibility and inclusion, and to show support for removing barriers. Residents and City staff are encouraged to wear red as a visible sign of commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Free Sensory Swim

To close out National Accessibility Week, the City is offering a free Sensory Swim designed to provide a calm, comfortable experience for participants and families.

This sensory-friendly swim will feature reduced capacity, dimmed lighting, and a relaxed environment to support accessibility and comfort.

DATE: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
LOCATION: Summit Centre

Registration is required. To register, please click here.

Get ready to RISE!

RISE is a community-driven initiative that reduces barriers and helps people feel connected, supported, and empowered. Through inclusive, culturally grounded, and accessible programs, participants build resilience, develop new skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging.Our programs use a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approach, creating safe spaces to connect, learn, and grow.

RISE is delivered in partnership with ElevateHER, a survivor-led nonprofit advancing gender equity, wellness, and social inclusion through programs that build confidence, leadership, life skills, and economic resilience.

For a full program schedule, visit www.mountpearl.ca/rise.

To learn more about ElevateHER, visit www.elevatehercanada.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, April 23rd, May 7th, May 21st, June 4th

•          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, April 30th, May 14th, May 28th, June 11th

•          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, April 14th – June 9th

•          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)

Registration now open!

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: April 14 – June 16, 2026

Duration: 10 weeks
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Reid Community Centre, Reid Gym & Summit Swimming Pool
Drop-in fee: $20 per session
Full program fee: $200 per person
Capacity: 15 (Drop-in spaces limited and based on program capacity. Drop-in participants must complete an application and intake interview prior to drop in.)
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 supports

Please note: This program is not intended for individuals whose only support needs are related to physical disabilities.

Drop-in spaces limited and based on program capacity. Contact bpelley@mountpearl.ca for an application and intake interview prior to drop in.

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).