Dovercourt Recreation Association

What Dovercourt Recreation Association does

Dovercourt Recreation Association (DRA) is a registered Canadian charity (No. 119444263RR0001) and not-for-profit organization founded in 1977 that has managed the Dovercourt Recreation Centre at 411 Dovercourt Ave, Ottawa under a service agreement with the City of Ottawa since 1987. DRA operates a community-directed social enterprise delivering swimming lessons, aquatic leadership certification, group fitness, personal training, day camps (summer, March break, winter), after-school care, arts and sports recreation, and the WAVE program for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization employs 51–100 staff, supports approximately 15,000 registered clients producing 400,000 annual attendances, and is Eastern Ontario's first HIGH FIVE Accredited organization — Canada's comprehensive quality standard for children's sport and recreation.

Name

Dovercourt Recreation Association

Legal name

Dovercourt Recreation Association

Website

https://dovercourt.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Dovercourt Recreation Association is a registered Canadian charity operating the Dovercourt Recreation Centre in Ottawa under a service agreement with the City of Ottawa, delivering swimming, fitness, camps, after-school care, and inclusion programming to approximately 15,000 registered clients through a social-enterprise model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Recreation Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Aquatic Centers & Swimming Facilities (MPAKAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aquatic Family Entertainment Centers (Splash Pads, Aquatic Playgrounds, Swim Parks) (THAJAEAL)

Keywords

• Community recreation programs
• Swimming lessons aquatics
• Fitness memberships
• Youth day camps
• Aquatic leadership training

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Revenues: Over 90% of Dovercourt's operating budget comes from program revenues — fees paid by clients for swim lessons, fitness classes, camps, after-school care, arts, sports, and specialty programs. Revenue is generated through per-class fees, session registrations, and pass purchases.
2. Fit Pass and Pool Pass Memberships: Monthly ongoing Fit Pass ($48/month) and pool pass purchases generate recurring membership revenue. One-month paid-in-full options also available at $58.
3. City of Ottawa Funding: Dovercourt receives $454,116 in annual cash funding from the City of Ottawa, plus approximately $500,000 in in-kind support (heating, lighting, pool operator, pool chemicals, cleaning supplies). DRA manages the Dovercourt Recreation Centre through a service agreement with the City.
4. Room and Facility Rentals: Rooms are rented to the public and not-for-profit groups for meetings, parties, and events when not in use by programs. Minimum booking time is 2 hours at the main centre, 3 hours at McKellar Field House.
5. Donations and Charitable Fundraising: As a registered charity (No. 119444263RR0001), Dovercourt receives donations supporting financial assistance, camp subsidies, accessibility equipment, and the WAVE program. Tax receipts issued via CanadaHelps.
6. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors (Carling Motors, Ottawa Physiotherapy, Morris Home Team, Westboro Village, The Guy with the Dog) provide sponsorship revenue and in-kind support in exchange for room naming rights, banner placements, and marketing visibility.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Dovercourt Recreation Association operates the Dovercourt Recreation Centre as a not-for-profit community recreation facility, delivering aquatics (learn-to-swim lessons, recreational swims, aquatic leadership certifications), fitness programming (group classes, spin, aquafitness, Fit Pass memberships), day camps (summer, March break, winter), after-school care, recreation programs (arts, sports, dance), inclusion services including the WAVE program for adults with developmental disabilities, and supporting amenities (room rentals, cafe, art gallery, Open Door Kitchen social enterprise).

Product overview

Dovercourt Recreation Association operates the Dovercourt Recreation Centre as a not-for-profit community recreation facility. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of recreational programs and services organized around several core areas: Swimming Programs (learn-to-swim lessons, recreational swims, aquatic leadership), Health & Wellness (fitness classes, aquafitness, personal training, and the Dovercourt Fit Pass membership), Camps (summer, March break, and winter holiday day camps), After School & Child Care, Recreation Programs (arts, sports, dance, workshops), Training & Certifications (lifeguarding, first aid, babysitting), and Inclusion Services (WAVE program for adults with disabilities, accessibility support). Supporting amenities include room rentals, the Dovercourt Cafe, and the Linda Street Art Gallery. The organization also launched a Mobile App for program registration and introduced WAVE's Open Door Kitchen as a new social enterprise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Swimming Programs Aquatic programs including Lifesaving Society Swim for Life lessons, recreational swims, aquatic leadership training, drop-in swims, and access to a warm-water leisure pool (86-88°F), baby pool, whirlpool, sauna, and water slide. Designed for children, adults, and seniors in Ottawa.
• Health & Wellness Fitness Programs Group fitness classes, spin, aquafitness, specialty fitness (Pilates, Yoga, TRX, Barre, Zumba), and fitness centre access with personal training. Available to adults and seniors in Ottawa.
• Dovercourt Fit Pass Monthly membership providing unlimited access to group fitness classes, fitness centre, drop-in swims, and pickleball at $48/month ongoing or $58 one-month paid-in-full. Cancellable with 21 days written notice.
• Day Camps Day camps including summer camps, March break camps, summer camps (offsite), and winter holiday camps. Programs for children and youth spanning recreation, sports, arts, and swimming.
• After School & Child Care Before and after school care programs and PD day child care for school-age children.
• Recreation Programs General recreation activities including arts, music, dance, sports, drop-in sports, and recreation workshops for all ages.
• Training & Certifications Certification programs including aquatic leadership (National Lifeguard, Swim Instructor), babysitting, home alone safety, First Aid & CPR (WSIB Ontario Approved Training Provider), and HIGH FIVE certification. Aimed at youth and young adults seeking employment credentials.
• WAVE (Work and Volunteer Experience) Day program (Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm) for adults 19+ on the autism spectrum and/or living with developmental disabilities. Provides skills training, volunteer experience, and recreation opportunities to promote autonomy and independence.
• Inclusion & Accessibility Programs Programs ensuring participation for all abilities including inclusion specialists, shared care, camp buddies, one-on-one support workers, adapted fitness classes, accessible swim sessions, and financial assistance (up to $200 per person).
• Room Rentals Rental of facility rooms and spaces for meetings, parties, showers, and events when not in use by programs. Minimum booking time 2 hours at main centre, 3 hours at McKellar Field House.
• WAVE's Open Door Kitchen Social enterprise food production business creating and selling fresh soups, frozen meals, and pizzas dispensed through a Smart Vending Machine in the upstairs lobby, with corporate delivery and online orders. Part of the WAVE program providing training and meaningful employment for adults with developmental disabilities. Funded in part by Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.
• Dovercourt Cafe Cafe located in the upstairs lobby offering coffee, snacks, prepared foods, and beverages. Open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm.
• Linda Street Art Gallery Monthly rotating art gallery in the upstairs lobby featuring works by local artists, often available for purchase.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400,000 annual attendances and 15,000 registered clients — one of the busiest community centres in Ottawa
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Morris Home Team (Royal LePage)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Sponsor of the Gym (upper level, completed Spring 2019), named in honour of Pat and Susan Morris. One of DRA's first and most loyal sponsors; Pat and Susan came to Dovercourt asking how they could help. They have also sponsored the Dovercat Funmobile (cargo van), bouncy house, water safety banners, and staff uniforms.
• City of OttawaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1987City of Ottawa is Dovercourt's most important partner. In 1987, DRA was given responsibility for managing the new Dovercourt Recreation Centre through a service agreement. The City provides facilities, $454,116 in annual cash funding, and approximately $500,000 in in-kind support (heating, lighting, pool operator, pool chemicals, and cleaning supplies). DRA empowers the City of Ottawa's recreation system.
• Carling Motors Volvo and MazdacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFirst contracted sponsor of Dovercourt. Sponsored the Activity Room (lower-level multipurpose room used for WAVE program, spinning, aerial yoga, TRX, afterschool program). Located at carlingmotors.ca.
• Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport ClinicscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the Assembly Hall (upstairs, largest room hosting daily fitness programs, after-school programs, Hoop jams, rentals). Three Westboro clinic locations offering acupuncture, massage therapy, aqua therapy, and custom knee bracing.
• Ottawa Tool LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit tool lending library in Ottawa providing tools, expertise, and workspace. Hosts Repair Cafés, Demo Nights, and workshops. DRA partners on community events and resource sharing.
• Carlington Community Health Centre (CCHC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides health, social, and community services to residents of its catchment area. DRA collaborates on community health and inclusion initiatives.
• Highland Park Lawn Bowling ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner110-year-old lawn bowling club in Westboro. DRA partners on community events and programming.
• Automondial Shared MobilityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCar-sharing program with vehicles located at Carling Motors and other dealership locations. DRA partners to offer mobility access to clients at $17/hour including fuel, insurance, maintenance, and winter tires.
• Fermes des Petites Victoires (formerly Ferme Larkspur Farm)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertified organic vegetable and flower farm in Luskville, QC. DRA serves as a CSA basket pickup location for farm members.
• Westboro Village (Business Improvement Area)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerDovercourt's first sponsor for projects including Music in the Park, wading pool paint project, and Dovercat mascot costume. Westboro Village is a local BIA supporting local businesses and community events such as WESTFEST and street sales.
• Sean McCann / The Guy with the Dog Real Estate GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Garage band Alley and Dog Pond at WESTFEST. Sponsors free swims for children and youth on Friday nights — the last free public swims at public pools in Ottawa. Also sponsors the annual dog swim at end of summer season.
• Ottawa Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Difficulties (OCAPDD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDRA has partnered with OCAPDD for over 30 years to provide meaningful employment for clients with developmental disabilities. Supported workers like Barb (20-year employee) and John McLeod work at Dovercourt through this partnership.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region: Largest community recreation and childcare non-profit in Ottawa, offering swimming, fitness, camps, child care, and inclusion services. Most directly comparable multi-service community recreation operator in the same geography.
• Nepean Sportsplex: Major Ottawa multi-purpose recreation facility offering aquatic centre, fitness, camps, and child care under a community-association model. Operates a comparable mix of aquatics, fitness, and youth programming to Dovercourt.
• Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa: Non-profit delivering afterschool care, day camps, recreation programming, and inclusion services to Ottawa youth and families. Closely aligned mission around accessibility, subsidised participation, and youth development programming.
• Britannia Community Centre (City of Ottawa): Large multi-purpose municipal community centre in Ottawa offering pool, fitness, arena, and community programming. Competes directly for swim, fitness, and family programming participation within Ottawa's catchment area.
• JCC Ottawa (Jewish Community Centre): Ottawa community centre offering aquatics, fitness, camps, child care, arts, and inclusion programming under a membership/non-profit model. Highly comparable in mission, programming breadth, and member-pass structure.

Emerging players

• Ottawa Gymnastics Centre: Canada's oldest operating not-for-profit gymnastics organisation, headquartered in Ottawa. Dovercourt's current Executive Director Sureen Gosal previously led OGC, and the two organizations overlap in recreation programming and youth development mandates.
• Toronto's MLSE LaunchPad: Toronto-based sport and recreation non-profit serving youth and families through accessible programming; supported by MLSE Foundation. Comparable as a large-scale, community-directed recreation non-profit operating a social-enterprise-influenced model.

Broad incumbents

• GoodLife Fitness: Canada's largest commercial fitness club chain, with significant Ottawa presence including low-cost memberships. Represents the primary commercial pricing benchmark against Dovercourt's $48 Fit Pass.
• City of Ottawa Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services: Direct municipal operator of community centres, pools, arenas, and recreation programs across Ottawa. Competes with Dovercourt for programming participation and shares the same municipal funding pool under the City's recreation system.

Regional players

• Centretown Community Health Centre: Ottawa community-services organisation delivering health, recreation, and inclusion programming in a different catchment. Comparable as a non-profit social-services operator delivering recreation and accessibility programming to vulnerable populations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Dovercourt411
• Facebookfacebook.com/DovercourtRecreation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dovercourt-recreation-association

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dovercourt Recreation Association