It was announced on May 19th that the government of Saskatchewan would be providing all communities within the province funding under the new Municipal Economic Enhancement Program 2020 (MEEP).

The funding will provide $150 million to communities across the province, or approximately $143 per capita. According to Government Relations Minister Lori Carr "This $150 million investment into Saskatchewan’s municipalities can be used for shovel ready infrastructure projects and initiatives, and will help keep our municipalities strong during the current pandemic."

Moose Jaw will receive $4,870,956.

City Manager Jim Puffalt however, says there are some stipulations to receiving the funds.

"Our understanding of this, and we haven't had a whole bunch of time to dive into it, is that we have to develop a plan to present along with it, present it to the province, and there's potential to get some funding this year and some funding next year. We think its too soon to say completely that we will be able to get all of the money in 2020 or 2021, but it has to be spent by the end of March 2022."

"We want to come back with a recommendation as to the most strategic use of the funds that will meet the largest majority of needs that we have. Certainly we think being fiscally responsible and not borrowing if we don't have to is a good option, and we're glad that this program gives council that option to take a look at it."

The program is a part of the government's $7.5 billion capital plan meant to stimulate economic recovery within the province after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.