Anyone who’s ever tried to sign up for a community recreation program knows the drill: find the right website, create yet another account, and hope the class isn’t full — Burlington’s Live and Play system makes that process a whole lot simpler, bundling registration, scheduling, and facility planning into one city-wide service.
Program Name: Live and Play Burlington ·
Managing Department: City of Burlington Recreation ·
Contact Email: liveandplay@burlington.ca ·
Contact Phone: 905-335-7738 ·
Registration Platform: cityofburlington.perfectmind.com
Quick snapshot
- City-run recreation and cultural program (City of Burlington Recreation (official municipal portal))
- One account for all registration and management (City of Burlington PDF (registration guide))
- Long-term plan guides facility decisions for 20–30 years (Get Involved Burlington (public engagement platform))
- Exact start year of the Live and Play Plan
- Future specific program listings beyond current year
- Plan replaces 2009 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Assets Master Plan (Get Involved Burlington (public engagement platform))
- Guides decisions until 2050s (Get Involved Burlington (public engagement platform))
- Create a Live and Play account online (PerfectMind (online registration platform))
- Browse programs and register (City of Burlington Recreation (official municipal portal))
- Contact support for help (liveandplay@burlington.ca / 905-335-7738) (PerfectMind (online registration platform))
Four key facts at a glance, from the city’s own data:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| City | Burlington, Ontario |
| Plan Duration | 20–30 years |
| Primary Platform | PerfectMind |
| Contact | liveandplay@burlington.ca / 905-335-7738 |
What is the Burlington Live and Play Plan?
What is the scope of the plan?
- Guides recreational and city-operated cultural facility decisions for 20 to 30 years (Get Involved Burlington (public engagement platform))
- Replaces the 2009 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Assets Master Plan (PRCAMP)
- Aligned with the Climate Action Plan and Vision to Focus 2022–2026
The plan doesn’t just list programs — it sets a framework for where and how recreation services will evolve as Burlington grows. The City of Burlington Recreation department manages the ongoing implementation, ensuring new facilities match community needs.
How was the plan developed?
- Created with public input via Get Involved Burlington
- In-person and online engagement opportunities
- Built on data about population growth and usage trends
The implication: Burlington residents aren’t just passive users — the plan’s direction reflects their stated priorities.
How do I register for Live and Play programs?
Create a Live and Play account
- Visit the official registration platform at PerfectMind (online registration platform)
- Click “Register” to start a new account (City of Burlington PDF (registration guide))
- You’ll need a household account — one login for the whole family
- If you forget your password, click “Forgot your Password” to reset
The City of Burlington Recreation department confirms that a household account is required to register for any program.
Step-by-step registration process
- After logging in, select “Course Registration” to browse available courses (YouTube tutorial (City of Burlington recreation channel))
- Search by activity number for the quickest results
- View course details: name, description, age range, available spots, price, day/time, location
- Click “Register” on the right side of the listing
- Select attendees, read and accept the online waiver, choose the fee, and proceed to checkout
- Remove items from cart using the X icon; add more via “Book another event”
The online system is designed to streamline the entire process and make registration easier and more user-friendly.
Manage waitlists
If a program is full, residents can add themselves to a waitlist directly through the PerfectMind platform. The city’s recreation staff monitor waitlists and will notify you if a spot opens. For immediate assistance, call 905-335-7738 or email liveandplay@burlington.ca. The catch: you need to watch for notifications or the spot may go to someone else.
The pattern: registration is straightforward once you have an account, but waitlist management requires staying on top of notifications.
What programs are available through Burlington Live and Play?
Programs for adults
- Fitness classes (yoga, pilates, strength training)
- Sports leagues (basketball, volleyball, pickleball)
- Arts and culture workshops
- Lifelong learning courses
Drop-in programs and activities
- Open swim at city pools
- Public skate at arenas
- Fitness centre access
- Drop-in rates apply
Year-round and seasonal schedule
- Summer recreation programs announced in spring
- Fall, winter, and spring sessions follow quarterly rotation
- Full schedule available at burlington.ca/recreation
The variety means most residents can find something that fits their interest and schedule — from one-off drop-in visits to multi-week courses.
What do Live and Play programs cost?
Registration fees
- Prices vary by program type, duration, and age group
- Drop-in fees are generally lower than registered programs
- Check individual course listings for exact pricing
Free programs and subsidies
- Some programs are offered free of charge — check the city’s recreation page for the current list
- Financial assistance may be available for low-income residents
- Contact liveandplay@burlington.ca to inquire about subsidies
Payment methods
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) accepted online
- Debit cards via online payment gateway
- Some in-person payments accepted at recreation centres
Register early for free programs — they fill fastest. The city’s online system shows real-time availability, so you can snap up a spot before the waitlist fills.
The trade-off: while many programs are affordable, the most popular ones fill quickly — especially free offerings. Registering early gives you the best chance.
Where to park for free in Burlington?
Free parking lots
- Downtown Burlington offers free parking on specific streets and in designated lots
- Locations near the waterfront and civic square often have free time-limited spots
- Consult the city’s parking guide for exact addresses (City of Burlington Parking (official parking guide))
Metered parking areas
- Major downtown streets have metered parking with time limits
- Pay-by-phone options available
- Rates vary by zone — check signage before parking
Time limits and enforcement
- Free lots typically have 2–3 hour maximum
- Enforcement hours are clearly posted
- Overtime parking may result in tickets
Why this matters: If you’re heading to a recreation program at a downtown facility, understanding parking rules saves you both time and money.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Email liveandplay@burlington.ca is active for support
- Registration is via cityofburlington.perfectmind.com
- Plan will guide facility decisions until 2050s
What’s unclear
- Exact start year of the Live and Play Plan
- Future specific program offerings beyond the current year
- Exact cost changes over time for individual programs
- Detailed parking availability near all recreation facilities
What Burlington residents say
The Live and Play Plan will guide recreational and city-operated cultural facility decisions over the next 20 to 30 years.
— City of Burlington Live and Play Plan (Get Involved Burlington (public engagement platform))
The online registration system is intended to streamline services and make registration easier and more user-friendly.
— City of Burlington Recreation Tutorial (YouTube tutorial (City of Burlington recreation channel))
For Burlington residents, the choice is clear: create your Live and Play account today, browse the schedule, and register early — especially for free and popular programs. The city’s system is designed for convenience, but the best spots go quickly. Use the PerfectMind platform or call 905-335-7738 to secure your place in the growing community recreation scene.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register someone else under my account?
Yes. Your household account allows you to register multiple family members in a single session. Just add each participant as an attendee during checkout.
What is the minimum age for programs?
Age requirements vary by program. Most youth programs start at age 3, while adult programs are for ages 18+. Check the course listing for specific age ranges.
How do I get a refund if I cancel?
Refund policies depend on the program. Generally, cancellations made at least 7 days before the start date receive a full refund. Contact liveandplay@burlington.ca for specific cases.
Is there a mobile app for account management?
There is no dedicated Live and Play mobile app. However, the PerfectMind platform is mobile-optimized and works well on smartphones and tablets.
Do I need to create a new account each session?
No. Your Live and Play account remains active year after year. Use the same login for all future registrations.
Are scholarships or discounts available for low-income residents?
Yes. The City of Burlington offers a recreation assistance program. Email liveandplay@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7738 to learn about eligibility and apply.
What happens if a program is full?
You can join the waitlist directly through the PerfectMind platform. If a spot opens, you’ll be notified by email. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Kevin Sullivan covers community events, neighbourhoods and local culture across Canada.