RCMP museum needs more government funds
Attendance since it opened in 2007 down from 100,000 to 60,000 a year
The centre, which is run by a non-profit board, opened in 2007 on the grounds of the RCMP cadet training school known as Depot Division and has seen a steady decline in attendance in recent years.
In the 12 months after the centre opened, about 100,000 people visited the complex. That has dropped to 60,000 in the most recent 12-month period.
"The first year was a big year, and our attendance has dropped off a bit, especially with the recent economic downturn, and tourism has been down," Rachel Molnar, a spokeswoman for the centre, told CBC News Friday. "We really needed to look at securing some long-term funding."
According to a request for operational funding filed with the City of Regina, the centre is seeking an annual operating grant from all three levels of government. It wants $600,000 from the province; $600,000 from the federal government; and $120,000 from the city.
The $1.32 million subsidy would cover 54 per cent of the centre's annual operating expenses. The balance would come from admissions, space rentals and gift shop profits.
According to the request filed with the city, ongoing government support is needed "to ensure the viability and sustainability of the centre."
"No cultural/heritage attraction of this scope can operate without some operational funding from governments," the document says.
Molnar said the centre is also working on other revenue streams, such as corporate donations and increasing admission numbers.
The centre calls itself a "tourism flagship" for Regina. It has a collection of historical items and memorabilia that tell the story of the national police agency from its beginnings as the North West Mounted Police.
"Funding will allow us to stabilize our operations, marketing and education programming," the document said.
It noted that cost-cutting measures, including a staff reduction, had already been implemented to trim $430,000 from the annual operating budget.
The centre was built for $29 million, with the bulk of that — $23.5 million — coming from the federal government. The balance came from the provincial government and private donations.
Prior to 2007, the RCMP artifacts were on display in a much smaller museum space at Depot Division.
In a report to city council, Regina's administration recommends further study to determine whether or not the city should give the centre an annual operating grant.
The city already supports the centre by providing a property tax exemption, currently valued at $858,000 per year. That special exemption, however, is slated to end in 2012.
