Atchison now says library should be `paused,' challenges BRT
Don Atchison now says the new downtown library branch must be “paused,” though he could not explain how the mayor and council would convince the library board to stop work on the project.
The former mayor, seeking a political comeback this fall, also denied that this is a contradiction from his earlier comments that the project is the board's responsibility and that it is “going to happen, period.”
“The pause is just so people can take a deep breath here,” Atchison said of the $134-million New Central Library, which has become a polarizing issue in the civic election campaign even though it is not a City of Saskatoon project.
Saskatoon Public Library board chair Brett Bradshaw has said the request to borrow $67.5 million for the project was “democratically approved by Saskatoon city council, and we are proceeding accordingly.”
Asked how he would persuade the SPL — which has already spent or committed $20 million for the project — to change its mind if elected on Nov. 9, Atchison acknowledged that council cannot direct the library board.
He said nominations for boards and committees — which council does control — come up in November, but noted that installing people willing to do the mayor's bidding would “be in very poor interest of everyone in the city.”
“Would they not want to at least take a second look at it? ” Atchison said of the board, which has been saving money for the project since 2009.
The project's critics have pointed to the price tag; its supporters emphasize that it will create jobs, boost the economy and serve the city for decades. The budget includes $9 million for land at Second Avenue and 25th Street East, $12.6 million for professional services and consultants, $9.6 million for furnishings, $73.3 million for construction and a $16.4-million contingency that may not be spent.
The SPL plans to pay for the project through a combination of the $67.5 million loan, $46.3 million from its capital reserves, $4.6 million from selling the existing Frances Morrison Central Library and $15 million in donations.
The loan will be repaid through increases to the library's portion of property taxes through 2026, which are budgeted to cost the owner of a $371,000 home a total of $22.47 over the next five years.
Mayoral candidate Rob Norris has proposed rescinding approval for the loan if elected, but it remains unclear whether city council has that ability. Charlie Clark has said the NCL is “pretty much impossible to delay,” and warned that any attempt to rescind approval for the loan could open the city to the risk of legal action.
Atchison also reiterated his criticisms of the planned bus rapid transit-style overhaul, which he insists will cost $500 million despite city hall's estimate that it will be between $120 million and $150 million. Citing issues with level rail crossings, reduced parking, and lanes closed to other traffic, Atchison said he would prefer higher frequency buses running down major routes “every five minutes.”