Hastings County Programs & Services

The program is available to residential property owners whose property is their primary residence and who meet one of the following criteria:

Low-Income Seniors

Applicants, or their spouse, must:

• Be 65 years of age or older by December 31 of the taxation year; and
• Be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) or Ontario Works assistance.

Low-Income Persons with Disabilities

Applicants, or their spouse, must:

• Be receiving benefits through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
• There is no age requirement for qualifying applicants under this category.

To qualify, the property must:

• Be located within Hastings County.
• Be in the residential tax class.
• Be fully taxable.
• Be the applicant's principal residence for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the application.

Properties used seasonally, cottages, rental properties, or homes that are not the owner's primary residence are not eligible.

Eligible applicants may receive relief equal to the increase in property taxes from the previous year, up to a maximum of $250 annually.

Examples

• Previous taxes: $2,300 | Current taxes: $2,500
  Eligible relief: $200
• Previous taxes: $1,900 | Current taxes: $2,500
  Eligible relief: $250 (maximum)
• Previous taxes: $2,700 | Current taxes: $2,500
  Eligible relief: $0

If there is no increase in taxes, no relief can be granted under the program.

Applications should be submitted through your local municipal tax office. Centre Hastings residents can identify their municipality by the first four digits of their property tax roll number, which for Centre Hastings is 1230.

Residents are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and complete the application if they believe they qualify.

This program is designed to provide financial relief to low-income seniors and persons with disabilities who may be affected by rising property taxes, helping eligible residents remain in their homes and communities.

For additional information, application forms, and program details, visit the Hastings County Tax Relief Program webpage or contact the Centre Hastings Municipal Office.

CHMHA link

CHMHA Mailing Address:
CHMHA
PO Box 1032
Madoc, On
K0K 2K0

General Email: chmhagrizzlies@hotmail.com

We're excited to kick off the 2026-2027 Learn to Skate and Skating Skills season at the Madoc & District Recreation Centre Arena.

Whether you're stepping onto the ice for the first time or looking to build confidence and improve your skating abilities, these programs offer a fun and supportive environment for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

Registration will take place at the Madoc Arts Centre, located at 24 Seymour Street West, Madoc.

Lesson Schedule

Saturdays | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Fall Session
October 17 to December 19, 2026

Winter Session
January 9 to March 6, 2027
In-Person Registration

Please note that online registration is not available. Registration must be completed in person on one of the following dates:

⛸️September 20, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
⛸️October 3, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
⛸️October 14, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Payment Methods

► Cash
► Debit
► Cheque

For More Information Patti Lynn Davis, Program Coordinator
Email: skatingprograms@centrehastings.com

Spots are limited and fill quickly. We look forward to welcoming new and returning skaters for another great season on the ice. ⛸️

All classes are held on Saturday

Develop balance and posture. Introduction to forward skating, gliding, stopping and backward skating. This program is for participants who are new to skating or are unable to skate the width of the ice surface with a glide. Participants should be able to stand and walk on skates with straight ankles off the ice.

Class includes basic skating skills with a warm up, group lesson and games. Learning is focused through the caregiver to ensure comfort, communication, and extra safety. Caregiver must accompany each child enrolled, one caregiver per child over the age of 16 and must have a competent skating ability and be present and engaged on the ice to assist their child for the entire class. All participants (including caregiver) must wear skates while on the ice.

Children will receive an orientation to the ice surface and learn the basics of skating through games and songs. Participants should be able to stand and walk on skates with straight ankles off the ice.

Develop balance and posture. Introduction to forward skating, gliding, stopping and backward skating. Prerequisite: Level 1 is for participants who are new to skating or are unable to skate the width of the ice surface with a glide. Participants should be able to stand and walk on skates with straight ankles off the ice.

Development of forward gliding, stopping, backward skating. Introduction to one foot glides and backward gliding. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 or participant can demonstrate ability to stop and skate forward (alternate feet with a glide) the length of the ice without falling.

Improve your skills with further instruction on more complex skating techniques. This program is for participants who are already able to skate forwards competently, stop and have introduction to backwards skating.

Development of backward stopping, backwards gliding and edges. Introduction to cross-overs, slalom skating, 2 foot turns. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 2 or participant can demonstrate strong forward skating and stopping skills with the ability to glide forward on one foot (flat edge).

Development of cross-overs, backward stopping. Introduction to one-foot turns, backward circle thrusts. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 3 or participant can demonstrate strong backwards skating, competent forward circle thrusts using correct edges and stopping ability.

Development of backward cross-overs, forward edges, skill combinations. Introduction to parallel stopping, backward edges and turns. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 4 or participant is able to perform forward cross-overs, forward inside edges, 3-turns.

Helmet Policy and Required Equipment

✓All participants must wear a CSA approved hockey helmet with all helmet straps fully functional.
✓It is also mandatory for all participants under the age of 6 to wear a full-face mask.
✓Broken helmets, bike, utility helmets are not acceptable and will not be permitted on the ice.
✓The use of pylons and skating stands/walkers are not allowed.

Skates & Clothing

✓Proper fitting lace-up single blade skates are required.
✓Bob-skates, double bladed skates and speed skates will not be permitted on the ice.
✓The recommendation for purchasing skates is one size smaller than shoe size
✓Participants should be able to stand and walk on skates with straight ankles off the ice.
✓New skates do not come sharpened and will require sharpening prior to the first class.
✓Shoes/Boots are not to be worn on the ice.
✓Wear warm comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. i.e. warm, water-resistant pants, non-bulky jackets and warm gloves. Snow suits are not recommended.
✓Shorts will not be permitted on the ice.

PARENTS/CAREGIVERS MUST REMAIN AT THE FACILITY DURING LESSONS.

The full information package is available here