WDM MJ

The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw (Photo: DiscoverMooseJaw.com)

 A funding freeze by the provincial government is affecting one of Saskatchewan's biggest tourist attractions.

The Western Development Museums in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Saskatoon, and North Battleford are taking steps to compensate for their budgetary constraints encountered earlier in the year.

With a $5.2 million operating budget this year and about $4 million in provincially allocated funds, the museums are making some hard decisions to make up the $465,000 deficit they are currently under.

WDM Executive Director Joan Champ says they accumulate about $700,000 in self-generated funds a year, but things will have to change for the museums to remain operational. "Our utility, goods and services bills keep going up and that's something the museums can't control. Those costs go up every year by about $125,000, so if all else remains the same and our budget remains the same then we have to look at making cuts."

The first cut began Monday, as all four branches will now remain closed on Mondays. Admission prices have also been raised by about 50 cents per age group. Adults now pay $9 for admission, seniors will pay $8.50, students $6.25 and for children it's $2.50.

Champ says they've put in a request to the government for more money, but haven't heard anything back yet. She hopes that the community will still support the museums and enjoy the programs and exhibits available.