A billboard on the outskirts of Moose Jaw has some people wondering why an anti-abortion message was placed above a "welcome to the city" greeting.

The larger message on the billboard, beside a busy stretch of Highway 1, shows a woman in a reflective pose with the words, "She can't abort the memory".

The ad appears to have been pasted over another message, which remains visible at the bottom of the billboard. It reads, "Welcome to Moose Jaw, drive safely."

The mixed message caught the attention of Courtney Lamothe, who went to social media to voice her concerns about how it looks.

"It portrays an intolerance that isn't here," Lamothe said, who said she does not share the opinion expressed on the larger sign. "My hope is that the 'Welcome to Moose Jaw' part of the sign be removed."

CBC News contacted officials from the City of Moose Jaw who said the city has nothing to do with the sign and was not aware of it until the issue arose on social media.

Moose Jaw's city manager noted the billboard is a private sign on private property.

However, the city is taking action.

"We are attempting to locate the owners and tell them to remove any reference to the city from that sign," city manager Matt Noble said. "It's not authorized."

CBC News was able to reach the owner of the sign who said he had not yet been contacted by the city about the reference to Moose Jaw.

However he said if there is any problem, he'll remove the 'Welcome to Moose Jaw" portion of the sign.