Keep MVA independent, councillors say

Councillors don’t want agency to disappear

Not only would it cost more money for the city to assume the duties of the Meewasin Valley Authority, but folding the regulatory body into city hall would also erode the agency’s independence, two city councillors say.

“The reason that we have the quality of riverbank that we do now is because the MVA has been able to act independently,” Coun. Charlie Clark said.

A recent city report shows it would cost taxpayers more money — around $1.5 million in 2017-18 — for the city to assume the role provided by the MVA. The city would not have the same ability to fundraise, the report says, and it would likely have to cut back on education programs to reduce costs.

The Meewasin Valley Interpretive Centre closed June 30 after the provincial government announced it

What it comes down to is, it’s going to be more expensive to take care of the MVA’s functions without the MVA.

was reviewing the agency’s funding. The MVA is jointly funded by the University of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon and the provincial government.

Coun. Zach Jefferies said he would like to see the province continue to fund the agency and keep it at arm’s length from the city.

“What it comes down to is, it’s going to be more expensive to take care of the MVA’s functions without the MVA,” Jefferies said.

He said joint funding means the agency acts independently and isn’t beholden to other civic departments or even city councillors. The board has the ability to approve or deny development projects along the riverbank, for example, he said.

He said that is part of why Saskatoon’s river valley has maintained its integrity.

“I don’t think a person has to go any further than other Western cities. You will see what conservation looks like when you don’t have that,” Jefferies said.

Both councillors also said the river valley protected by the MVA extends far beyond the city and as a result the funding for it should not solely rest with Saskatoon taxpayers.

City councillors sent a letter to provincial officials last month urging them to maintain funding for the MVA. So far, there is no official word on whether the province will cut funding.