Changes to two major Saskatoon parks are highlighting the province’s latest budget.
The Saskatchewan government’s 2017-18 budget shows the province is reducing funding for the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon and taking full control of Wascana Park in Regina.
Meewasin received about $900,000 from the province last year. The number accounted for about 35 per cent of the authority’s total budget, with the City of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan covering the remainder.
This year’s budget will see the MVA receive about $400,000 less. The authority will receive $500,000 from the Saskatchewan government via urban parks funding.
“It certainly is a major hit for Meewasin. We knew there would be likely some reduction. We certainly hadn’t planned for something like this,” MVA CEO Lloyd Isaak said.
Wascana, meanwhile, will move solely under the province’s control. The City of Regina and the University of Regina will no longer be involved in Wascana Centre’s management and operation.
“Wascana Centre is not only home to the Legislative Building and the seat of government, but also a place the province’s people and visitors truly cherish,” said Christine Tell, the minister responsible for the provincial capital commission, in a news release.
“I want to offer reassurances that under the new model we will continue to invest in infrastructure and make sure the park is well-maintained for all those who enjoy the beauty of this natural and recreational area.”
The city and university will still be involved in the park via committee, but the Wascana Centre will now be part of the provincial capital commission, which will oversee assets like the park, Government House and the legislative precinct.
Exact details on how the move will affect Wascana’s budget are still not clear.
The province designated about $3.6 million — $0.78 million of which was required funding — in last year’s budget to Wascana Centre Authority. Money set for the provincial capital commission in this latest budget sits at about $4.6 million.
