Back in 2016, the provincial government cut funding to Wakamow Valley, though CEO Todd Johnson is hoping to fix that.

The Wakamow Valley Authority recently extended an invite the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Gene Makowsky for a visit, and he accepted.

Motivated by the potential for future government funding, as well as to show off what Moose Jaw has to offer, Johnson said he gave him a very in-depth tour.

"The suspension bridge that we have just down from 4th Ave. Took him back into the ecozone, which is really close to Tatawaw Park on 7th Ave. And then around Connor's Park. Showed him Plaxton Lake and then the campground. He had seen some of the park, but he hadn't been through all 500 acres. He wasn't aware of the suspension bridge, and we had a chance to show off what we have in the park."

In 1981 the Wakamow Valley Authority Act was signed, which provided Wakamow with $127,000 annually to help care for the land through Wakamow Valley. In recent years, that annual allotment was topped up to $157,000.

However, the Sask Party government announced in the budget that all Urban Parks funding would be cut for 5 municipal parks in Saskatchewan, including Wakamow.

"That was part of the invite was to make him aware. I think everyone is aware that the funding was taken away, and so it sometimes is great to start a new relationship. And I'm new in the position so to introduce myself. But also to show him in the past what the funding has gone to pay for, and to explain to him the amount of upkeep that still remains even though the funding isn't there."

Currently, Wakamow counts on local government, including the City of Moose Jaw and the local Rural Municipality for funding, along with rental revenue from the campground and the Sportsman Centre. And through grants and community partners and sponsors.

"He was very gracious", said Johnson, "and was in awe of what a gem we have down in the park. It's another person that realizes how valuable Wakamow is and we're really excited about that."