Nutrien and Wonderhub: A Struggle with Prices, Hours, and Funding
The popular children’s museum, Wonderhub, located in Saskatoon, has been facing some challenges recently. The museum, which was previously known as the Children’s Discovery Museum, was rebranded as Wonderhub in 2019 after receiving a $1 million donation from Nutrien, a Canadian fertilizer company. However, despite this generous contribution, the museum is now facing a funding shortfall and has had to make some changes to its prices and hours of operation.
According to Wonderhub’s executive director, Amanda McReynolds, the museum has been struggling to cover its operating costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the decrease in visitors and the cancellation of events and programs, the museum’s revenue has taken a hit. As a result, the museum has had to increase its admission prices and reduce its hours of operation in order to stay afloat.
The new admission prices, which came into effect on July 1, 2020, have seen a significant increase. General admission for children and adults has gone up from $8 to $10, while seniors and students now have to pay $8 instead of $6. However, McReynolds assures that the museum is still committed to providing affordable options for families, with discounted rates for low-income families and free admission for children under the age of two.
In addition to the price changes, Wonderhub has also reduced its hours of operation. The museum is now open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. This is a significant decrease from its previous hours of 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. McReynolds explains that this decision was made in order to reduce operating costs and ensure the sustainability of the museum.
The funding shortfall has also affected the museum’s plans for expansion. Wonderhub had initially planned to open a new exhibit called “The Wonderhub Farm” in the fall of 2020. However, due to the financial challenges, this project has been put on hold. McReynolds hopes that with the support of the community and potential donors, the museum will be able to resume its expansion plans in the future.
Despite these challenges, Wonderhub remains a beloved attraction for families in Saskatoon. The museum offers a variety of interactive and educational exhibits for children, promoting learning through play. McReynolds emphasizes that the museum’s mission to provide a safe and engaging space for children remains unchanged, and they are working hard to ensure that it can continue to do so for years to come.
In conclusion, Wonderhub’s struggle with prices, hours, and funding is a reflection of the difficult times we are living in. However, with the support of the community and potential donors, the museum is determined to overcome these challenges and continue to provide a valuable experience for children in Saskatoon.
