At a time when municipal finances are tight, the city is looking to splurge on a new fitness area for its employees.

“A lot of our staff are now spending 10 to 12 hours a day in the building,” said Coun. Grant Gibson about a 2017 capital budget item he argued would “go a long way for our staff's mental and physical wellness.”

City councillors are working on next year’s fiscal plan. While officials managed to trim down the projected levy increase from 4.9 per cent to just over 3 per cent, some items taxpayers are being asked to pay for next year are raising eyebrows.

The 2017 capital budget includes $200,000 for a new employee fitness room in the West Tower that would feature cardio machines, strength training and other amenities that “support a healthy workplace.”