$9M for land for new central branch

The Saskatoon Public Library is one step closer to a new downtown branch after its board of directors approved an offer to purchase land for $9 million, with possession expected at the end of the month.

The library board, at its March 20 meeting, also ratified a $107,000 contract with Resource Planning Group Inc. for “library planning services” for the new $132-million central library project.

Both decisions were made behind closed doors and the library is not saying where it has acquired land. A request to interview board chair Brett Bradshaw was declined.

Library spokesman Kirk Sibbald said in an email that more details will be available “in the coming weeks.”

Saskatoon city council approved the proposed replacement for the Frances Morrison Central Library in November, after cutting the library’s request to borrow $87.5 million to $67.5 million. The original proposal, which came after more than 20 years of discussions about replacing the 54-year-old downtown branch, called for a 149,000-square-foot facility to be completed in 2026.

The library’s levy, paid as part of municipal property taxes, is expected to increase by about $35 for the owners of a home worth $371,000 over the next seven years to pay for the principal cost.

After the principal is paid, the additional funds will go toward repaying the debt.

The sale of the existing building is expected to help cover the cost of a new one.