Tourism Moose Jaw seeking emergency funding at tonight’s council meeting

Tourism Moose Jaw will be asking city council for a $73,500 line of credit for emergency financial assistance during tonight’s regular meeting.

According to a report to council, full repayment of the line of credit would occur in 2026.

Read more: 

• Province disputes direction to move Moose Jaw emergency shelter
• Social Services minister provides some clarity on Moose Jaw shelter confusion
• ‘It’s absolutely disgusting’: ALS Society, NDP call for investigation into Moose Jaw clinic

Tourism Moose Jaw is requesting the financial support after receiving an inspection report that identified a severe pigeon infestation at the Visitor Centre. The report found the building unsafe for staff and visitors due to serious health and air quality concerns.

Since the infestation, staff have been working out of a camper on-site. An insurance claim submitted to SGI was denied.

Tourism Moose Jaw is responsible for the Visitor Centre building, which was constructed by the organization more than 20 years ago on city-leased land. The building was valued at $1,075,337 in 2024. The organization says it does not have a reserve fund to cover the full cost of repairs.

During the 2024 budget deliberations, city council reviewed and filed a report outlining potential support options for Tourism Moose Jaw.

In 2025, the organization received $103,628 in annual funding from the city. The remaining 80 per cent of its budget comes from grants, donations, sponsorships, events, merchandise sales and tourism initiatives such as trolley tours.

Last year, building and property maintenance costs totaled about $40,000, leaving around $60,000 of city funding for marketing and tourism activities.

Discretionary use application

Council will also consider a discretionary use application for a proposed new building at 33 Highland Rd.

The applicant is seeking approval for a plumbing and electrical supplies and service business, along with indoor storage rental facilities.

The property is zoned C3 – Vehicle-Oriented Commercial District, where both uses are classified as discretionary.

Historical records show that the property was purchased from the city in October 2012. A previous discretionary use application for a contractor’s office and yards was approved in December 2012, but the development never proceeded, and the property has remained vacant since.

Other items on the agenda

In executive committee, council will receive the City of Moose Jaw’s Investment Attraction Report, prepared by the Ballad Consulting Group Inc.

The report highlights the city’s economic strengths, identifies growth opportunities and challenges, and provides recommendations to help attract large-scale investment.

Council will also receive results from the city’s Prioritizing Our Future resident survey. The survey ran from Sept. 9 to Sept. 30, and received 522 responses. It featured 33 questions, with both multiple choice and open-ended feedback options.

Finally, council will be presented with the mayor and councillor expense report for the period of July 1 to Sept. 30, outlining discretionary expenses for each council member.