Construction crews are preparing to transform a vacant, dusty, rectangular-shaped lot along Second Avenue North in Saskatoon, Sask. into a new public library.
Remediation work has started at the site and shovels for the new structure will be going into the ground in October. Anticipated completion date is summer 2027.
The project has been under consideration for several years but was slowed by higher-than-expected construction bids.
The budget for the project had been set at $134 million but separate bids received in 2023 were beyond that figure due to hikes caused by inflation.
The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) notes it is under “tremendous budget pressures” but remains confident the new library can be delivered within or close to the original amount without requesting additional borrowing.
According to a statement from the SPL board, it is now looking at where it can bring costs down.
“We have reduced construction costs by working closely with our architect, general contractor, engineering and design-assist trades teams,” SPL states. “Our dedication to responsible financial management ensures that every dollar is used to its fullest potential for the benefit of our community. We will continue to update the public on project financials as time goes on.”
To manage cost increases, funds have been reallocated within the project budget. The library has been redesigned and reduced in size by 2,700 square metres to lower construction costs. The basement along with support services employee workspaces were removed.
Some equipment for the library has been dropped and the SPL board has identified alternate funding sources if they are required, which includes applying for grants.
Ledcor Construction Limited was awarded the construction contract. The company will provide pre-construction and construction management services and see the building through to completion.
The library has been made smaller, primarily by reducing non-public spaces. The exterior of the structure, inspired by the First Nations tipi, was also simplified but the design integrity remains in place. Wood acoustic ceiling panels were simplified and windows were changed from triple- to double-pane. The west side of the façade will be metal-clad instead of limestone.
Meanwhile, the interior exposed mass timber structure of the building, which references traditional Métis log home design, was modified but remains the building’s primary structural support. The universally accessible design features are unchanged. It is anticipated the library will be the first in Canada to receive the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification.
The project is proceeding using construction management procurement and sequential tendering as the SPL board believes it is the most inexpensive way to deliver the project via more efficient scheduling and will mitigate escalation impacts. Additionally, the general contractor has been engaged early and is working collaboratively with the design and engineering teams.
The library is replacing the Frances Morrison Central Library a few blocks away. The library, built in 1966, was non-compliant with modern building codes and fire requirements for nearly 20 years. A KPMG report in 2017 indicated one of the violations was the absence of a sprinkler system.
The City of Saskatoon building standards branch determined in May 2000 that a renovation of the Frances Morrison building would cost about $57 million.
The new site was chosen for its size and configuration, access and potential for community impact. The library is adjacent to approved bus rapid transit lines and within walking distance of a station.
A groundbreaking was held recently and Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said in remarks he was pleased the project is finally set to start.
“This is a project that needs to happen and has been needed for a long time,” he said. “It needs to be a beautiful space an imaginative space, a space that helps people dream and gather together and have wonderful experiences in a public space.”
SPL board chair Jim Siemens said the new library will cost the average homeowner just a few dollars in levy increases over the next two years.
“That means that by the time we open the doors in 2027 there will be no further tax increases to fund this build.”
The community has been saving for a new library for more than 15 years. Between 2009 and 2026, the library levy increased incrementally. The SPL states the average homeowner with an assessed property value of $371,000 will actually see increases of less than $1.60 in both 2025 and 2026.
SPL interim CEO and director of libraries Beth Cote said the COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of challenges for the construction industry, and the library project, “so it wasn’t unusual for us to find that our construction projects became one that was sort of tied up in those challenges.”
The project is funded with $46.4 million from capital reserves, $67.5 million in borrowing, $15 million in donations and $4.5 million from the sale of the old library.
The SPL hopes to have an updated rendering of the new building in the fall.
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