‘Disappointing doesn’t even cover it”, reaction to urban parks budget cut

The province eliminated funding for five urban parks in Wednesday’s budget, saving about $540,000. It’s a relatively small financial cut, but the impact has the potential to be huge.

“It was disappointing, but disappointing doesn’t even cover it,” Margaret Moran, Wakamow Valley Authority CEO, said.

The Moose Jaw park lost its $127,000 funding, plus their supplementary funding worth $30,000.

Moran said one third of their budget comes from the province. The park receives over $300,000 from the City of Moose Jaw and about $2,000 from the rural municipality.

For Moran, the budget cut is a lot to take in. She’s going to have to go back over the park’s budget and look for areas where savings can be made.

“It means that we might not be able to buy some new equipment, it may mean that we may have to lay-off some staff,” she explained.

READ MORE: Highlights of the Saskatchewan Budget

In Weyburn, the Tatagwa Park lost its $47,000 provincial funding. The province and city had a contribution matching agreement, so half the park’s funding is gone.

City councillor Nancy Styles is worried that this may lead to layoffs and a freeze, a freeze in projects, and an inability to keep up with infrastructure demands.

The province says the cities can come up with ways to make up the budgetary shortfall.

“Maybe the money’s not there, maybe there’s something else. The budget’s have been made,” Styles said.

She added that with the large infrastructure deficit projects like road and bridge repair are going to have to take priority.

Other parks that lost their funding are River Valley in the Battlefords, Prince Albert’s Pehonan, and Swift Current’s Chinook Valley.

Wascana Centre Authority

Regina’s Wascana Centre Authority is untouched for now, but hard times may be coming after their annual funding review.

“If there’s any changes in any of our funding we would work with our board of directors and any of our partners, the province, the city, and the university and do absolutely the best we can,” Bernadette McIntyre, Wascana Centre Authority CEO, said.

Mayor Michael Fourgere said Regina is open to talking about new funding models with the province, but they need to be fair and equitable for all parties.

“We’re going to watch it no question, but all the signals I’ve heard since the budget and after the budget is that the funding is stable, and that’s a good sign for everyone,” Fougere said.