The Saskatchewan Western Development Museum’s Board of Directors recently approved immediate admission increases due to budgetary restraints in its 2012-2013 fiscal year.
The board says this year’s budget allocations have not matched the realities of inflation such as rising utilities and purchased goods and services. The WDM anticipates a $465-thousand deficit in its operating budget for the upcoming year.
“Management and the board have examined many options in the past few weeks to address our budget shortfall. Our main concern is to ensure that we make decisions that are best for the people our Museums serves,” said executive director Joan Champ.
Get daily National news
“We do regret any inconvenience or hardship that will result.”
New admissions at Saskatoon, North Battlefod and Moose Jaw WDM’s include: $9 for adults, $8.50 for seniors, $6.50 for students, $2.50 for children, $20 for families and preschoolers remain free.
Admission increases at the Yorkton WDM will be implemented in September.
Some administration, managers and staff at the Curatorial Centre in Yorkton have agreed to take an unpaid leave of absence of at least one two-week pay period, which has saved the WDM from laying-off at least one full-time employee.
At the end of March, the Museum chain announced it would be closing its doors on Mondays due to the 2012 provincial budget.
Around 200-thousand people visit WDM each year generating $700-thousand in revenue.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.