Spectra Management put together an optimistic 2021 Mosaic Place budget for city council, that has caused some concerns among city councilors on Wednesday night. 

The biggest question revolved around whether there would be any sporting events and live concerts taking place in 2021. 

Mosaic Place general manager Ryan MacIvor said putting together this budget was much different than last year. 

“As we work with our partners the WHL, the WHL Warriors and the AAA's, etc., we do see that changing and shifting and we're working with them, but also understanding what is ahead of us with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the decisions that come forward with them,” he said. 

The 2021 budget would see $1.8 million in revenue and $2.5 million in expenses along with a $155,000 fee to Spectra for a subsidy of $864,000. 

Spectra had budgeted for 133 events in 2020, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, only 88 events took place. For 2021, they are budgeting for 109 events. 

Coun. Heather Eby was in favour of the budget, as she felt if health restrictions get lifted, Spectra needs the funding to hold events again. 

“But to hamstring them today and say well, 2021 is going to be terrible so we don't want to approve this budget because we think it's going to be a terrible year. I don't have a crystal ball. I really wish I did,” Eby said. 

Others were a little less optimistic.  

Coun. Crystal Froese voted in favour of the budget, but had some serious concerns. 

“I guess one of my concerns about this budget and I completely understand that you've actually tried to give us a much more realistic look at what it costs to have mosaic up and running in full capacity, but I don't see and hear sort of any contingency or what-ifs.” 

The budget passed 5-2 with councillors Jamey Logan and Dawn Luhning opposed. Both councillors also voiced their concerns that the budget didn’t reflect the COVID restrictions. 

Mosaic Place also asked for funding for three capital projects for 2021. 

Spectra asked for about $12,000 for fencing around the south parking lot for safety and security of the staff, tenants and contractors. 

There was a request for about $126,000 to replace the ice plant controller, which is becoming obsolete in 2021. 

Finally, there was a request of $41,000 for the replacement of the main kitchen range exhaust hood. The current hood has a crack in the exhaust ducting and does not meet fire code. 

The capital projects passed unanimously with Coun. Logan recusing himself due to a conflict of interest.