SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Social networking sites are off limits to the City of Yellowknife employees - including Mayor Gordon Van Tighem - but he is not convinced the measure is necessary.

"I don't see this as a requirement when you're dealing with adults, people who can make their own decisions," Van Tighem said.

Mayor Gordon Van Tighem said if he choses, he can bypass the city's social networking firewall on his smart phone. - Charlotte Hilling/NNSL photo

He said the desire to manage workplaces was understandable, but with the advent of Internet-enabled smart phones – of which Van Tighem relies on heavily – people have the ability to visit whatever sites they chose, wherever they are.

The measures were rolled out by the Department of Administration, however city administrator Max Hall could not be reached for comment.

Cory Van Thuyne, whose workplace recently instigated a social networking block, said despite social networking having become integral to communication for many people, he and his colleagues are not bothered by the block. Van Thuyne also has access to a smart phone.

However, if social networking sites were banned at Dennis Jordan Lyall's workplace, he said he would make a complaint.

"They should keep it on. People have a right to stay informed and to communicate," Lyall said. Similarly, Naomi Atookee said employees should be able to access the sites at work.

"They should be able to know what's going on and keep in contact with their families," Atookee said.

Despite the prevalence of social networking, Mayor Van Tighem is not aware of any staff complaints, and neither is the Union of Northern Workers president Todd Parsons, who said the union does not object to the measures.

"There are instances where this might be necessary, and employers have the right and responsibility to do so," Parsons said.

However, blogger Megan Holsapple said the policy is an erosion of democracy.

"They (social networking sites) are fundamentally democratic and are a major way regular people make their priorities and opinions known. This is not about parties or photos; it's about the fact that our city government has cut itself off from citizens," Holsapple said.