During budget discussions at City Hall on Wednesday, the Downtown Moose Jaw Association gave an update on what they’ve been up to, and their 2025 plans.
“Our mission is a downtown that encourages local spending, boosts tourism, honours our history, and facilitates events that create a welcoming atmosphere for all,” said Alex Carleton, chair of the Downtown Moose Jaw Association.
He outlined DMJA activities this year, including:
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Family Day in Crescent Park, which saw hundreds attend
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The installation of the Ukranian Sculpture in Crescent Park, funded by the former St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church
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Kinsmen Kids Art Project in the downtown core, with 32 pieces completed in 2024
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Third annual Little Chicago Show and Shine, the second largest car show provincially with 520 entrants
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Third annual Greek Night in partnership with Tourism Moose Jaw, with 385 attendees and a 38 per cent increase in revenue
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Christmas in October, and the ongoing Wish Book with 20,000 copies in circulation
Carleton said the organization is looking to retain an employee in 2025. “We are a volunteer board that has put in hundreds of hours, and we need support in this area.”
“We are a tourist destination, and over the past month, we’ve heard a lot of importance about our downtown, and small businesses, and we hope we can start putting these ideals into action with your support.”
Carleton said the group took efforts in August to clean the downtown core, adding that the core’s neglect was ‘disheartening’ to many business owners.
In an effort to be part of the solution, Carleton said, they want to bring forward a ‘Helping Hands’ initiative.
“Monday to Wednesday, for three hours a day for 12 weeks, we plan to have eight Helping Hands workers, along with a part-time employee overseeing this initiative.”
Carleton added the team would go from block to block, cleaning garbage, weeding, painting rusted grates and tree cages, as well as addressing vandalism.
“It would also be a great line of communication for things that are broken, and things that need to be removed or replaced with our city.”
Other projects planned include a mural to welcome visitors to the city at the Manitoba Expressway, and constructing two billboards on Highway 1 on the east and west sides, inviting people to visit the downtown area.
The group’s budget ask from the City for 2025 is $73,290, an increase of $29,000 above last year, to match the net profits from the Little Chicago Show and Shine and Greek Night.
Carleton said that the group will be presenting to City Council to request designation as a Business Improvement District next year.