You can call it a perk.  There will be free swimming, skating and workouts at YaraCentre for City of Moose Jaw employees in the coming weeks.

City council voted 4-3 in favour last night on a motion to direct the human resources department to "develop and implement an employee active living program...providing access to city facilities..."

City manager Jim Puffalt pointed out that having healthy employees could reduce "sick time" and this will be, overall, a benefit to the city.  He also noted that families of civic employees will have to pay fees like the rest of us.

It seems reasonable to me.  I think it's the kind of perk that might help attract and retain employees.  That's a good thing.

It's interesting to note, for the record, councillors Brian Swanson, Dawn Luhning and Scott McMann voted against the motion.  I don't suppose you'll see them out skating, swimming or working out at YaraCentre.  But, if you do, be sure to ask them if they paid to get in.