by Sarah Routliffe
Published in the Glebe Report, August 14, 2026
There’s a lot on everyone’s minds these days from never-ending to-do lists to the ambitious dream of giving our kids a screen-free, $12-smoothie-free 90s summer, and the constant pressure of keeping up with rising costs. At GNAG, we know there’s a lot we cannot control; contractor fees, gas prices, minimum wage increases, and everything else that drives up the cost of running community programs.
But here’s what we can control: how we respond when families are feeling the squeeze.
That’s why, despite rising costs, we’re keeping GNAG run camp prices flat this summer. And this fall, we’re introducing new affordability programs.
After School Walkover Program
Walkover is a service designed to remove one major logistical headache for working parents. If you would like your child to attend a GNAG program but cannot pick them up after school, our staff will walk to the school, bring your child back to GNAG and provide them with a snack while they wait for their program to begin. This fall, Walkover will cost between $24 and $35 for up to 12 weeks of service, which works out to about $3 a day.
Playgroup
To support the youngest members of our community participants, we are subsidizing the cost of Playgroup through our Community Development Fund, with the support of the GNAG Board of Directors. For parents and grandparents, this means you can pay a $60 membership fee and attend Playgroup on an unlimited basis from September through June. For reference, the program previously cost $10 per day. We are thrilled to be able to make this program significantly more accessible to our community.
Investing in Community
This summer, we distributed $14,000 in financial assistance to families who need it, and next year’s will grow even larger.
Keep an eye out for accessible programs throughout the year, like last year’s Holiday Card Making Workshop, led by Maya Ethier, our full-time Financial Administrator and creative genius. I attended with my family last year, surrounded by children and adults of all ages. Affordability doesn’t mean settling for less joy, you just have to get creative!
Fall Programming: Search and Register
Our newly redesigned website integrates the full Program Guide online. You can browse, filter and find programs tailored to your family based on interests and age groups in an intuitive and visual format. We hope more people discover GNAG programs through online searches, and that you feel inspired to explore a range of activities such as fitness, theatre, yoga, dance and pottery to name a few!
One important reminder: register early! Our programs require a minimum enrollment to run, and registrations that fall short one week before start date may be cancelled. So, if something catches your eye—grab a friend, sign up, and help keep your favourite programs running!
Fall registration opens at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 25th. The fall program guide will be available online a few weeks before registration opens, so keep an eye on www.gnag.ca and start planning your fall!
The Glebe House Tour
The Glebe House Tour is back on September 20th for an inspired afternoon celebrating architecture, design and tea! Proceeds support of GNAG’s Community Development Fund. I want to extend my gratitude to the homeowners for generously opening their homes for this special event. Tickets available at gnag.ca. To volunteer or become a sponsor, please email clare@gnag.ca.
