Local News
Mosaic invests $1.5 million in Moose Jaw community partnerships
The Mosaic Company announced it is investing $1.5 million over three years in renewed community partnerships in Moose Jaw, with funding directed toward health care, food security and community well-being initiatives. The announcement was made Wednesday at Mosaic's Belle Plaine potash mine in conjunction with Saskatchewan Mining Week. Mosaic is supporting four local organizations: the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, Hunger in Moose Jaw and the Wakamow Valley Authority's Mosaic Community Food Farm. Supporting the Moose Jaw community Located about 25 kilometres east of Moose Jaw, The Mosaic Company operates the Belle Plaine potash solution mine and says the investment reflects its long-term commitment to the region. "We believe that we need to invest in our own backyard and for us, Moose Jaw is very close to our Belle Plaine facility," said Marnel Jones, director of government and public affairs for Mosaic Canada. "We have 500 employees and contractors that work there. About half of them live in Moose Jaw, so it's not only benefiting them, but all of the people who support our company and our greater communities." Jones added that Mosaic has been supporting organizations in Moose Jaw for the past 15 years. Mayor James Murdock welcomed the investment into the community. "Mosaic's commitment to community has been instilled in this province for decades and to see the continued partnerships that they have established over the years in the city of Moose Jaw is inspiring for us all," said Murdock. Related Stories: Rising costs driving food insecurity among working families in Saskatchewan Local Food Bank introduces new eligibility process as demand continues to climb Concerts in the Park returns for 31st summer in Crescent Park ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Funding aimed at health care and food security According to Mosaic, the funding will support a variety of projects and services across the community. The Moose Jaw Health Foundation will use the funding to support improvements in patient care at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, including diagnostic imaging and surgical upgrades. "It's amazing. They've been long-time partners with the health foundation," said Ryan Hrechka, chair of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation. "They've provided funding for us for many, many years. Saskatchewan is a great community. People always give, and so it's just wonderful to see. We can't say thank you enough to them for everything they've done and continue to do for our communities." Hrechka said the commitment is for $1 million over the next three years. The Moose Jaw and District Food Bank will focus on modernizing its services through online booking and intake tools, improved volunteer coordination and expanded grocery partnerships. Hunger in Moose Jaw will receive support for its child nutrition program, which helps ensure local schoolchildren have a healthy lunch every day. "It keeps our program sustainable. We are serving over 400 children a day doing lunches and this funding allows us to plan for the future and it allows us to support those children in any way possible," said Sharla Sept, executive director of Hunger in Moose Jaw. Sept said the commitment is for $180,000 over the three-year term. Meanwhile, the Wakamow Valley Mosaic Food Farm will use the funding to help sustain operations and plan for future growth, including the potential expansion of orchard space and the addition of a greenhouse to improve access to fresh food. Economic impact highlighted The announcement coincides with Saskatchewan Mining Week, which celebrates the contributions of the province's mining sector. Mosaic highlighted findings from a recent independent analysis conducted by Economic Development Regina. The report found the company's Saskatchewan operations generate nearly $2 billion in economic activity annually and support approximately 8,400 jobs across the province. According to Mosaic, those economic benefits extend to communities such as Moose Jaw through wages, local spending, procurement opportunities and community investment partnerships. The company said it seeks long-term partnerships with organizations that are making a difference in the communities where its employees live and work.