January has been designated In Motion Month in Yorkton following a unanimous decision of Yorkton Council at its regular meeting Monday.
In making the request of Council, Lisa Washington, Community Development Manager, with the City said the month's focus fits with Yorkton's established vision.
"Yorkton's 2020 Strategic Plan identifies building a healthy community encouraging healthy lifestyles and personal wellness as one of the community's goals. One of the ways Community Development, Parks and Recreation works to achieve this strategic goal is to provide social, recreational and educational opportunities for all community members," she said at Council.
The month is part of a broader provincial initiative.
"Saskatchewan In motion is a province-wide movement aimed at increasing physical activity for health, social, economic and environmental benefits. Simply put it encourages people to move more! The In motion brand is well recognized across the province and the City partners with them to promote the benefits of being physically active to the citizens of Yorkton," said Washington.
Being active is important to the community, continued Washington.
"Promoting the benefits of being physically active is one thing, but actually getting people to be physically active is another. What better time of year to support and encourage people to become more physically active than January when New Year's resolutions are discussed that most likely include being healthier," she said.
Washington's report to Council stated the promotions involved with designating January as In motion month in the City of Yorkton will help create awareness of the benefits of, and provide opportunities for, people to become more physically active. We hope that this promotion will:
Increase physical activity levels of our citizens.
Educate citizens and business about the importance of being physically active andmaking positive healthy lifestyle choices.
Increase use of our facilities, both in the revenue generating and non-revenue generating ones.
Encourage families to be physically active together.
Expose citizens (including newcomers) to different ways to become physically active.
Encourage neighbors and newcomers to gather together.
The planned activities will have a cost.
"Taking all expenses and revenue into account, the estimated budget impact for this initiative will be $850.00. The program at the Gloria Hayden Community Centre include waiving fees that Council approved therefore Council approval is also required when waiving those fees," said Washington.
