The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is urging the City of Saskatoon to cancel the artist-in-residence program at the Saskatoon Zoo, as it is costing taxpayers roughly $87 thousand.

The program, which started in 2019, aims to give artists a place to stay while encouraging them to create art and host workshops.

So far, the City has spent over $13,000 on the program, and bunkhouse renovations and repairs cost another $74,000.

CTF Prairie Director Gage Haubrich says ‘Taxpayers can understand when they pay for habitats for naked mole rats and crested porcupines at the zoo, but why are they paying for a human artist’s terrarium too?’

Haubrich urges Mayor Charlie Clark and the rest of City Council to ‘cancel the project before any more taxpayers’ dollars are wasted.’