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Young people in Jasper can now have free memberships to the Fitness and Activity Centre indefinitely.
The municipal council voted this week to permanently change the tariffs for Jasper youths up to age 18.
“What’s to come from this is really monumental and is going to really help our community flourish,” said councillor Jenna McGrath.
Jasper’s youth have had free access to Jasper’s activity centre since the fall in an attempt to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
The pilot project was launched in response to Jasper Community Team members reporting that local youth were experiencing anxiety and isolation and reporting high levels of stress.
But feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from parents and students on their wellbeing.
Krista Bartziokas, a member of the Jasper Junior School council, addressed council this week.
She said: “On behalf of the parent council it [the project] has been great, super well received.
“Parents are really excited about it, kids are inspired. Some had never been before, it is opening the door for them and given them some purpose.
“It is a wonderful facility and we are extremely lucky.
"From the parents and the kids, thank you.”
Council voted unanimously at their meeting this week to continue to grant free passes to local youth.
And there is now an added benefit - passes for ages six to 12 will be changed to allow access to the climbing wall, too.
The anticipated loss in revenue is $14,500 per year based on 2019 rates, but so far there have been no additional staffing or maintenance costs as a result of the increased facility usage.
Councillor Rico Damota said: “This was a really good project to undertake and I am really happy with the results.”
To sign up for the local memberships, locals up to age 18 should go to Fitness and Aquatic Centre with their parent or guardian and proof of residence to complete paperwork.
Memberships will be valid until the end of the school year each year, at which point a new residence eligibility check and agreement will need to be read and filled out.
Fitness centre manager Jeremy Todgham said: “The fact that we are building community wellness, and that we have youth looking up to some of the adults in our community and finding mentors at the facility is outstanding.
“I look forward to seeing them grow, challenge themselves, and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.”
