Meewasin Valley Authority closing river access sites, reducing staff after budget cuts

Saskatoon's Meewasin Valley Authority has made a number of cuts to deal with a $443,000 funding shortfall.

At its annual general meeting last week, the Meewasin board voted to cut staff through attrition and slash the number of summer program staff to seven from 10.

"With a 17% reduction in statutory funding, it is the most challenging budget in Meewasin's 38 years," read a report from the group's board, referring to cuts made due to the provincial budget.

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A number of program cuts have been announced:

• Three river access sites at Paradise Beach, Fred Heal Canoe Launch and Poplar Bluffs Canoe Launch will be closed. The authority estimates the launches can see up to 500 users per day during peak, sunny afternoons.
• The popular Pelican Watch contest has been cancelled.
• Hours will be reduced at the Beaver Creek Conservation Area.
• Interpretive canoe programs along the South Saskatchewan River have been cancelled.

Other popular programs, including the city's outdoor rink and operations at the northeast swale, are under review by the group's board.

The authority also noted that the Meewasin Valley Authority Act has been changed, meaning that it will no longer be mandatory for the provincial government and the University of Saskatchewan to fund the group. Both the province and the university continue to give the group money, albeit at a reduced level.

Meewasin said it plans on increasing fundraising efforts in an attempt to make up some of the shortfall.