Shovels have finally hit the ground for the new library in Saskatoon after facing multiple delays. Mayor Charlie Clark expressed his excitement at the groundbreaking event, emphasizing the importance of libraries in the community. He mentioned that 52% of Saskatoon residents are library members, highlighting the necessity of the new central library project. The mayor recalled discussions about the location of the new library from 18 years ago when he was first elected to council, indicating that the project has been long overdue.
In September 2023, the Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) revealed that construction bids were significantly higher than budgeted, despite multiple cost estimates. A construction manager was brought in to provide input and help the organization understand the bids and estimates. Although the Frances Morrison Central Library was sold with a possession date set for December 2026, former SPL CEO Carol Cooley stated that they would not be moving out due to the delays, as per the sale agreement. The SPL has worked closely with various teams to reduce construction costs and maintain the original vision of the new library.
A 2017 KPMG report highlighted that the Francis Morrison Central Library, built in 1966, had been non-compliant with modern building codes and fire requirements for nearly two decades. It lacked essential safety features like a sprinkler system in case of fire. Despite these setbacks, the SPL’s interim CEO and director of libraries, Beth Côté, expressed confidence in the project’s progress. She attributed some delays to challenges brought about by the pandemic, which affected the construction industry. The SPL is aiming to unveil updated renderings of the new library in the fall.
The groundbreaking event for the new library in Saskatoon marks a significant milestone, considering the various challenges and delays the project has encountered. Mayor Charlie Clark reiterated the importance of libraries in the community, with over half of Saskatoon’s residents being library members. The delays in construction bids and cost estimates were addressed by bringing in a construction manager to provide guidance and reduce expenses. Despite setbacks, the SPL has managed to work closely with various teams to maintain the original vision of the new library.
The 2017 KPMG report shed light on the non-compliance of the Francis Morrison Central Library with modern building codes and safety requirements for many years. This underscores the urgent need for the new central library project in Saskatoon. Despite facing challenges and delays, including those exacerbated by the pandemic, the SPL remains optimistic about the project’s future. The organization has made efforts to reduce construction costs while ensuring the cultural integrity of the new library is preserved. The unveiling of updated renderings in the fall is a significant step towards realizing the long-awaited new central library in Saskatoon.
In conclusion, the groundbreaking of the new library in Saskatoon signals a positive development after facing delays and challenges. The importance of libraries in the community was emphasized by Mayor Charlie Clark, who highlighted the necessity of the new central library project. Despite setbacks in construction bids and cost estimates, the SPL has managed to work towards reducing expenses and maintaining the original vision of the new library. The non-compliance of the existing library building with modern standards further underscores the urgency of the new project. Overall, the project shows promise and progress despite past difficulties, with the hope of unveiling updated renderings in the near future.
