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Jasper鈥檚 youth have had free access to Jasper鈥檚 activity centre since the fall in an attempt to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
And the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
A report was shown to the municipal council on Tuesday with attendance statistics and comments from young people and parents.
鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty fantastic,鈥� said Jeremy Todgham, manager of the Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
More than 140 membership passes were issued to local youths as part of the pilot project and feedback was collected in May.
A survey showed 64 per cent of respondents left positive comments about the impact the free Fitness and Aquatic Centre pass had on their life.
One said: 鈥淕oing to the gym helps with dealing with stress. Every time I go I feel better and I鈥檓 becoming healthier.鈥�
Most of the students鈥� comments pleaded for the free passes to continue.
One said: 鈥淚 think this program really helps teens get out of the house to exercise and socialise.鈥�
And parents were even happier with the scheme: 93 per cent of respondents expressed a positive change in their teenager鈥檚 physical, emotional or mental well-being as a result of this pilot project.
One said: 鈥淚 have noticed that he is more outgoing. He wants to communicate more with me and he is starting to appreciate who he is.鈥�
And another commented: 鈥淪he started eating better, getting more rest, drinking more water, and her marks and study habits also improved.鈥�
In September 2018, the municipal council voted to grant free passes to the Fitness and Aquatic Centre to local youth enrolled in grades 7-12 for the duration of the 2018/2019 school year.
The 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.
The new report said the anticipated loss in revenue as a result of offering the free passes is $14,500 per year based on 2019 rates.
It said at this time, there have been no additional staffing or maintenance costs as a result of the increased facility usage.
Councillor Rico Damota: 鈥淚 think it is a bargain if we are encouraging the health of our young people in our community.鈥�
Councillor Paul Butler said he was happy to see the 鈥渟ocial return on investment鈥�.
He said: 鈥淚 really hope it is the kind of information we use in the Culture and Recreation review that we can weigh the benefit for the community against the cost.鈥�
The council will decide at their July 2 meeting if the project will continue.
