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Not only would it cost more money for the city to assume the duties of the Meewasin Valley Authority, but folding the regulatory body into city hall would also erode the agency’s independence, two city councillors say.

“The reason that we have the quality of riverbank that we do now is because the MVA has been able to act independently,” Coun. Charlie Clark said.

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A recent city report shows it would cost taxpayers more money — around $1.5 million in 2017-18 — for the city to assume the role provided by the MVA. The city would not have the same ability to fundraise, the report says, and it would likely have to cut back on education programs to reduce costs.

The Meewasin Valley Interpretive Centre closed June 30 after the provincial government announced it was reviewing the agency’s funding. The MVA is jointly funded by the University of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon and the provincial government.