Pre-CanSkate
- Open to preschool skaters aged 3-4 years with little to NO skating experience.
- Children need to be able to stand on their own in their skates (not on the ice).
- Skaters are on the ice for 30 minutes at a time.
- Children are introduced to basic skating through action songs, games and play.
- Younger skaters may register for this program upon approval of the head coach.
Why Sign Up For CanSkate?
CanSkate is Canada’s only national learn-to-skate program. It was developed by experts to teach the fundamentals of skating in a progressive and sequential manner.
When you/your child registers for a CanSkate program at your local Skate Canada club, you also become a member of Skate Canada, the national sport governing body for figure skating in Canada. Membership benefits in the CanSkate program can include:
- badges
- stickers
- tattoos
- coloring sheets
- parent information sheets
- progress updates and report cards
- special CanSkate events and club functions
- CanSkater of the Year award program
- opportunity to be talent-scouted
- opportunity to participate in a positive healthy lifestyle activity
Canadian Tire JumpStart Program
If you want to play, Canadian Tire can help! Their Individual Child Grants help families in financial need cover the costs of participating in sport and recreation.
KidSport Grant Program
The KidSport program provides grant funding, which is available for local families, and provides up to $250.00 in funding.
What Can I Expect During a CanSkate Session?
Your child’s CanSkate session will include:
- Warm-up
- Lesson time with new skill instruction, skill review and practice time
- Group activities
- Cool down
Report cards and earned badges are issued on the last day of the session. The six stage badges of the program are:
- Stage 1 – Balance
- Stage 2 – Glide Forward
- Stage 3 – Glide Backward
- Stage 4 – Edges
- Stage 5 – Power
- Stage 6 – Speed
Program Etiquette
- Please have your child at the arena on time, dressed and ready to go on the ice at the scheduled session time
- Please use the assigned dressing room. Signs are posted on the arena dressing room entries.
- Please read the PreCan - CanSkate Parent Orientation letter.
Equipment Required
Your child is required to have skates, helmet, warm clothing and mittens. For CanSkate, hockey or figure skates are acceptable.
Helmets
- CSA approved hockey/skating helmets are MANDATORY
- Fit should be snug
Clothing
- Clothing should provide warmth but not restrict movement
- Layering of sweat suits, sweaters, ski jackets and long underwear or leotards is recommended. Bulky snowsuits can hinder movement
- Warm mittens or gloves are a must (Please no fuzzy mittens as the fuzz gets stuck on the ice).
Skates
We recommend the following stores for purchasing skates, as the staff will help with the proper fitting of skates.
| Professional Skate 9216-51 Ave 438-9059 |
United Cycle North Side 16972-111Ave 481-5532 |
United Cycle South Side 10323-78 Ave 433-1181 |
Staff at the above stores will help with the proper fitting of skates, but before purchasing skates check carefully for:
- Proper fit
- Firm ankle support
- Correct blade placement
Canadian Tire JumpStart Program
Funding Details
- It is recommended that applications be submitted prior to the program start date.
- Funding is up to $300 per activity, subject to Chapter discretion and/or local demands.
- Children can be funded for successive seasons in an activity, up to a maximum of $300 per activity.
- The annual maximum amount a child is eligible to receive is up to $600, subject to Chapter discretion and/or local demands.
- All approvals will be determined by the local Jumpstart Chapter and designated Canadian Tire Jumpstart Regional Manager, and are subject to local demands and Chapter budgets.
- Cheques are made payable to the service organization, identified as the “payee” in the application. A payee can be a local hockey association, gymnastics club, etc., that coordinates the sports or physical activity on behalf of the qualifying youth/child.
Applications
- It is recommended that applications be submitted prior to the program start date. Applications submitted where the program has concluded will not be reviewed.
- Applications must include proof of financial need. A clear, legible, and current copy of pages 1 and 2 of your Canada Child Benefit (Statement) will be required as proof of need.