2019, was another strong year for Morden's Canadian fossil discovery centre. Although 2020 has been a difficult start because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the board and executive director are optimistic about the museum's future.

Visitation was the third highest in the museum's 48-year history at 12,341, raised more than $20,000 for the Heritage Trust Fund, which was matched by an additional $10,000 from the province. Factoring in unearned and deferred revenue the museum finished the year with an excess revenue of $4,216, there was $22,352 in donations, salaries and wages were $12,000 under budget, and the gift shop earned more than $34,500 in revenue.

Since only starting February this year, Executive Director Adolfo Cuettera only communicated the 2019 report but indicates because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 will look very different for the museum. However, Cuettera says the museum will continue to reduce its reliance from Morden to prove its sustainability.

"From the city of Morden, we were receiving an operational grant to remain open to the public. That started five years ago, but it's been decreasing every year. Around 10 to 15 percent each year. 2019 was the last year for the agreement with the city, and this year, well only do a one year agreement."

With many fundraising events had to be cancelled this year, it's going to be a challenge. With the end goal of a new facility, Cuettera says they can't rely on public funding. Still, there will always be a place for the city to be a partner in improvements or renovations, but not operational costs.

Over the last year, the CFDC added 77 new specimens to its collection, honoured Dr. Phillip Currie with the Betsy Nicholls Award, and unveiled a collection of art on mosasaur skull moulds with artists from across Canada.

According to Cuettera, 77 new specimens is a significant amount for a field season and grow the museum's already vast collection. To improve the scientific and educational importance of its fossil collection, Cuettera has prioritized creating a relationship with the University of Manitoba. The CFDC has welcomed Kirstin Brink as the new Adjunct Vertebrate Curator, Assistant Professor of Paleontology, in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Manitoba.

"We already had a memorandum with the University of Manitoba back in 2011, but it never was implemented. One of my plans, when I started the position, was to improve that collaboration. We've had other visiting paleontologists for specific purposes, but Brink will be a permanent adjunct curator."

Cuettera adds she will be the bridge between the University and CFDC. Brink will advise the CFDC on curatorial and research-oriented initiatives on the collection and field sites and connect the museum's fossils and collection with the students, researchers, and educational resources at the university.