RPL asks for mill rate increase not loan for Central Library

Posted on October 17, 2026 | Leave a comment

The RPL budget for 2027 and 2028 is now available. https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/annual-reporting Please review re finances and for descriptions of RPL’s many good programs. It is easy to read.

City agenda at https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/calendar.aspx

See Executive Committee Wed. Oct. 21, 2026 Agenda Packet pages 15 to 35, has budget and also includes City Admin referral.

Meeting starts at 9 am. RPL is first on the agenda.

The meeting will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide comments. And hear City Council’s questions for RPL. These discussions at Executive Committee are usually more detailed than those at the City’s budget meeting.

A written presentation is not required in advance. But anyone wishing to speak or send a written statement will still have to register by completing the online form https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/register-to-address-committee-council/ Deadline to register is no later than 12 p.m. on the Monday the 19th  For assistance, contact the City Clerk at 306-777-7262.

EX26-107 2027 Budget Submission – Regina Public Library

Recommendation That the Executive Committee refer the 2027 mill rate requests as submitted by the Regina Public Library (RPL) to the December 7, 2026 City Council budget deliberations.

From City Admin report:

For 2027, the RPL is requesting a mill rate increase of 3.99 per cent for general operations, which is an increase of $0.82 per month or $9.89 per year for the average homeowner.

The RPL is also requesting a mill rate increase of 11.00 per cent which is dedicated to raising the funds needed to cover the projected costs of the Central Library Renewal Project (CLRP). This represents an increase of $2.27 per month or $27.24 per year for the average homeowner.

For 2028, the RPL is requesting approval in principle of an operational mill rate increase of 4.04 per cent and a CLRP mill rate increase of 11.00 per cent. It is important to note that to raise sufficient funds for the CLRP, the RPL is planning for a dedicated mill rate increase of 11.00 per cent per year for the next nine years, 2027 to 2035.

Excerpts From RPL budget

Request for Central Library Renewal

In March 2026 Regina City Council voted against debt funding for Central Library Renewal (CLR). With that in mind, in order to save up the entire funds for the project, Regina Public Library is requesting a CLR related mill rate increase of 11% for 2027 and 2028 – equivalent to about a 1% increase in the City’s mill rate. This is equivalent to a $2.27 increase per month for the average homeowner (calculated based on the City’s average residential assessed value of $324,000).

A mill rate increase of 11% every year is estimated to allow RPL to save enough funds for a new central library by 2035. The previous plan for an annual 5.5% mill rate increase was based on the assumption that this mill rate increase would be used to make debt payments over 30 years, not save up for the entire capital cost. However, since it is unlikely the City will take on debt for the library, the new plan assumes the library will save up the full capital cost. In order to consider affordability to taxpayers, we created a reasonable mill rate request for Central Library by extending our expectations for a new library from five years to ten.

Central Library Development Reserve

The balance in this reserve at the end of 2025 is $18.6M. This reserve is needed to fund a new central library and helps reduce any debt that is needed and minimizes mill rate request for this project.

Transfers to Reserves

Funding will be earmarked for future projects across the library system. One of the largest transfers to reserves in 2027 is the allocation of property tax revenue, interest income, and donations transferred to the Central Library Development Reserve to save for a future new central library.

A second large transfer will go to the Branch Library Development reserve, which has been allocated $1.46 million to continue building funds to move forward with the Service Points and Branch Renewal plan. It is important to note that this transfer still will not be enough to meet the investment need related to branches and service points.

Our Strategic Plan

In 2025, RPL’s Board of Directors finalized a new strategic plan to guide our work from 2026 to 2028. Led by RPL’s Board of Directors, the new plan is guided by our aspiration, mission, 10-year vision, values, and strategic imperative. The new plan is available on our website. Our budget is developed with our Strategic Plan as a key focus.

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RPL gets new CEO

Posted on October 17, 2026 | Leave a comment

Jeff Barber retiried Oct. 9. https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/media/4464

The new Chief Executive Officer, Beth Côté, started Oct.13. https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/media/4530

CBC interview https://leaderpost.com/news/new-regina-library-ceo-brings-branch-renewal-experience-to-the-role/

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Central at City Council – decisions Mar 25, 2026

Posted on May 16, 2026 | Leave a comment

On March 25 City Council discussed its debt limit and said it does not currently have the debt room to support the Central Library Renewal Project. The motion noted below was passed. See the Recordings Archive https://www.myaccess.ca/accessnowwatch/live/regina-city-council for the discussion on video. Timing of discussion is listed below.

The RPL Board is now considering its options, which include presenting a request for funds that would go into the City budget planning process for 2027, that will occur this Fall.

In the future, if the City has: a reduction in costs, e.g. savings related to the sale of several facilities in the REAL District to the Brandt Group; or receives federal Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund money, or applies to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board again and is allowed to have additional debt room. So, if and whenever cost savings occur or SMB approval is obtained, the City could go ahead and allow the RPL to incur its debt.

So, the Central project, as currently envisioned, with slant toward demolishing the current heritage building, is not necessarily halted forever.

On April 2 the RPL issued this statement https://central.reginalibrary.ca/a-message-from-jeff-barber-library-director-and-ceo There is much important info and ideas at that website.

MOTION: From City Clerk’s office

At its meeting on March 25, 2026, City Council considered report CM26-2 Debt, Other Capital Funding Considerations, and Opportunities for Central Library Renewal and adopted the following resolution:

That City Council affirm the following definition clarifies the intent of its July 9, 2024 decision pertaining to item CR24-74 Central Library Renewal Project Debt Financing Report:

“A Council commitment to debt fund a project is an indication that Council is generally supportive of the type of project presented. It does not bind the City or Administration to the project or the related assumed debt until such time as the project and funding source are approved during budget deliberations. As commitments do not bind the City in any way, it would be possible for Council to commit to more projects than there is currently debt room available. Commitments will be tracked by Administration and reported annually in the debt report.”

“At this time, Council recognizes there is currently not enough debt room to proceed with the Central Library Renewal Project. The Regina Public Library can consider the options presented in this report (CM26-2) and return during future budget deliberations.”

Timing of City Council discussion March 25, 2026 (Note: discussions paraphrased from video recording as accurately as can be. For exact wording see the meeting video.)

Delegations for written reports see chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=4498&Inline=True

  • Jim Elliott: 4:16 to 4:22
  • Joanne Havelock, FRPL: 4:23 to 4:39
  • Marj Gavigan RPL Board Chair, Jeff Barber Library Director and CEO, Curtis Smith ED Finance and Strategy.: 4:29 to 4:33
  • Questions from Councillors to RPL: 4:33
  • Mancinelli: Appreciates there have been false starts and different directions over the years. Library has big responsibilities. This is a large junk of money. The library represents all areas of the city. Do Central problems spill over into the rest of Regina’s branches?
  • Barber: The Service Points Master Plan (SPMP) was laid aside a couple of times. But it is designed to work together with planning for Central. Central is a funding challenge. Funding for other branch development will be addressed in long term planning.
  • Froh: giving RPL a chance to highlight the importance of Central project “good for all wards”.
  • Gavigan: Central a community hub; creates start to revitalizing downtown; safety in numbers in the downtown; 400,000 visits [later she said 400.000 people, which is not correct].
  • Barber: Docs on website show RPL work [by the way, many reports are there due to FRPL request for them].
  • Gavigan: Canadian Urban Libraries Council ‘s Social Impact Study, Jan 30, 2026 shows value of libraries. https://culc.ca/project/social-impact-study/4:33 to 4:39
  • Bezos: Unfortunate situation re City commitments to RPL. But, is there an asset management of all library buildings that will be shared with City Council,
  • Barber: SPMP to lay out philosophy of service management, but also establish a long term plan the Board can work with.
  • Bezos: Are you talking about a long-term focus on the capital required for asset management?
  • Barber: Yes, service and asset management.
  • Bezos: Why are we not looking at that right now? Why don’t we have an asset management plan?
  • Barber: We do have full asset reports. The SPMP got set aside a couple of times due to Central becoming front and centre when it was not expected to be.
  • Bezos: We now know we aren’t’ going to be building a new library, so going forward we are going to focus on what it takes to repair the existing facility and how much capital is required?
  • Gavigan: The RPL Board will be discussing closing off the current process of last 18 months and determining a path forward.
  • Bezos: Will we know what is happening with those assets? Gavigan: At some time. I can’t tell you when. 4:40 to 4:43

Discussion by Councillors: 4:44 to 4:49

Daren Anderson, Deputy City Manager and CFO: explained City Administration’s report. Three parts: official debt plan, other capital funding considerations and opportunities for the Central Library Renewal Project. City has many priorities. There is not enough debt room for Central project.

Froh: RPL does good work. RPL needs clarity from City re debt funding. Introduced his motion, seconded by Turnbull. To 4:49

Zachiniak: Agrees re need for clarity.

Burton: Not good with process that has led to RPL bouncing off the side rails. City needs to support water, housing. Supports motion.
Mancinelli: Supports motion.

Turnbull: Appreciates expensive and time-consuming work of RPL. She wants City to work in partnership. Supports motion.

Bachynski: Unfortunate that this situation has occurred. Supports motion.

Vote: Motion passed unanimously. 4:50

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FRPL Speaks out on RPL debt for Central

Posted on March 23, 2026 | Leave a comment

City Administration has outlined to City Council about how to address the proposed debt for the RPL ideas for Central Library, The report will be discussed at City Council’s March 25, 2026 meeting. See report from City Administration in Full Agenda pages 130-149. https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/council-meetings/agendas-and-meeting-documents/

See FRPL’s points in the attached letter. FRPL to Council re RPL debt- Mar 23, 2026 – final FRPL’s main recommendations are as follows.

‘Under the current state of affairs, as explained in the report, the Friends of the Regina Public Library, given the needs explained above, would recommend that Regina City Council support:

Option 1 c) submit capital plans to renovate its existing main library building using current reserve ($18.5 million) and the funds generated from the dedicated 5.5 % library mill rate to date.

For the renovation, if needed, follow Option 1a) continuing the 5.5% dedicated mill rate or Option 1 b) increasing the dedicated mill rate to10% or 20%.

If a long-term expansion is seen as needed by the Regina citizens, apply:

Option 1.d) include a limit of $51.2 million …. total project costs (estimated cash savings through dedicated mill rates plus RPL’s reserve) in its Request For Proposal (RFP).‘

The concise meeting Agenda will also be available soon. You can attend in person, watch the meeting online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaM0G_SxmMc or watch on TV Access Communications channel.

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FRPL on RPL Debt for Central

Posted on March 23, 2026 | Leave a comment

FRPL sent its views on the proposed debt for Central Library and past history of planning re Central. See FRPL letter to RPL March 24, 2026 Board meeting.FRPL to RPL for Mar 24, 2026 mtg – final-rev

In brief

It makes most sense to keep and update the heritage Central building, do repairs, as needed, to the current structurally sound building, and put on an addition when funds are available.

In July 2024, the RPL had asked and City Council had committed up to $119 million of debt for the Central Library Renewal
Project (CLRP). BUT these funds were actually not fully committed in the budget and now only a portion will be available by 2030, unless federal and provincial grants offset other city debts.

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RPL debt for Central – City Council Mar 25

Posted on March 21, 2026 | Leave a comment

Write to City Council by noon Mar 23 about debt for Central Library.

Submit to City Council by noon Monday March 23 your letters for submission and presentation if you want to make one, https://www.regina.ca/…/register-to-address-committee…/

The Full Agenda listing City Admin suggestions for RPL options for the Central Library project. See pages 130 to 149 of the March 25 Full Agenda PDF. https://www.regina.ca/…/agendas-and-meeting-documents/

3 levels of options for RPL are suggested. starting page 139
for Central Library Renewal Project (CLRP)

1. As part of RPL’s 2027 Budget, it could request, save and invest a library mill rate to cover the cost of CLRP. The following are a few examples of what RPL could request.

a. continue to collect the extra 5.5% dedicated mill rate.

b. ask for for a larger annual dedicated library mill rate e.g. 10% or 20% .

c. submit capital plans to renovate its existing main library building using current reserve ($18.5 million) and the funds generated from the dedicated 5.5 % library mill rate to date.

d. include a limit of $51.2 million (Table 12 below) total project costs (estimated cash savings through dedicated mill rates plus RPL’s reserve) in its Request For Proposal (RFP).

2. As part of RPL’s 2027 Budget, it could request the City acquire debt for CLRP and a corresponding dedicated library mill rate to cover the debt servicing costs.


a. The available debt room be used for City infrastructure priority 1 projects estimated at $764 million as outlined in Table 6 above


b. Direct Administration to request a $120 million increase to the debt limit that would be used exclusively for the CLRP.

3. RPL could seek donations, apply for grants and consider where it could charge for services to fund the CLRP.

Other options

a. Consider other grants from Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) – The City monitors and applies for grants when appropriate. The CIB does not issue grants, as it is a financial services organization that provides debt financing. The City has been in contact with CIB and plans to work with them for the debt for the Northwest Regional Lift Station and WWTP.

b. Use capital carryforward – The City has capital carryforward that will be used for existing and future projects. Any capital carryforward no longer required must be returned to source
before it can be allocated to other projects. Administration is planning to provide recommendations as part of its Capital Governance Principles document that will be shared with City Council at its July 28, 2026 meeting, whereby projects that do not begin after two years are cancelled. Administration is planning to complete a detailed review with the intention of providing information in the 2027 capital budget.

c. Cash flow CLRP with City investments and loan money to RPL with interest – The investments are reserve accounts and capital carryforward amounts set aside for designated capital projects or replenishment of assets. Using those funds for other purposes would be irresponsible and risks the City not having funds available for intended purposes when needed. Using cash and investments is only appropriate for short-term funding of projects until a final funding mechanism is put in place.

Best and worst case scenarios are listed for the City’s overall debt.

The City has applied for $90 million in funding from the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) for the Northwest Regional Lift Station, including the trunk Line for the Skywood neighbourhood.

The City anticipates receiving confirmation of grant funding in the summer of 2026. Until a grant amount is confirmed, the full amount of the debt remains as $51.4 million.
The City is expecting to fund $12 million of the project with Housing Accelerator Funding (HAF). This funding source has not yet been approved by City Council. If this funding source is not approved an additional $12 million of debt will be required.
If the City receives more than 15 per cent of the grant amount requested, the amount of the debt required will decrease. The amount of the decrease ranges up to the $51.4 million full amount of debt currently anticipated. If the City receives 15 per cent or less of the amount applied for, the debt requirements
for the project will increase by up to an estimated $5 million. Due to the uncertainty of the grant amount, the original debt amount has been included in the debt limit calculation.

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Last chance for Central- deadline Jan 20

Posted on January 18, 2026 | Leave a comment

RPL Board mtg (submissions due January 20th at noon)

The RPL has some new Board members
https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership

The Agendas for the AGM and regular board meeting  
Draft agendas https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership/board-meetings-2026
These were not posted Friday at noon, as outlined on the RPL website, but only posted Saturday at 7 pm after a prompting email from FRPL.

The regular meeting agenda includes
7. a) iii) Strategic Plan (2026-28) – Three Year Deliverables
and
8. Contracts (a hidden way to list the discussion of Central Library building plans)

The RPL had a Request for Qualification this fall but was only available  to those who could access SaskTenders. This is a violation of accountability.

The RFQ contained a lot of detail. leading to a demand for much more building space.

The RPL will pick 3 or 4 developers from the applicants to go ahead with developing a design. This essentially chooses the nature of the design. This was to be done in January, so probably before the Jan 27th meeting.

Supposedly all options are open but the RPL is leaving it up to the developers suggestions. NOT saying we definitely want the building preserved.

Please send in a letter or ask to address the Board – Whether a written submission only, or a delegation request, the request and supporting documentation are due by NOON on the Tuesday before the meeting – that is Jan 20th . Your written submission may be in the form of an email or a PDF document attached to an email. If you wish to submit your document in another format, please contact the CEO’s Office.  https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership/presenting-to-the-board Written submissions must be sent to therplboard@reginalibrary.ca. 

People can attend the 2nd floor boardroom in person, attend by teleconference, or online through Microsoft Teams (must get link from RPL admin by the morning before the meeting – email librarydirectorsoffice@reginalibrary.ca ). By telephone, Dial-in: 1 (647) 749-9317, passcode 179 860 995#

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RPL budget at City Council Mon Dec 15 in the afternoon

Posted on December 13, 2025 | Leave a comment

Check out the FRPL and RPL presentations and questions by City Councillors.

The RPL 2026 budget will be discussed and the mill rate increase approved or disapproved on Monday December 15 in the afternoon.

City agenda page

https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/council-meetings/agendas-and-meeting-documents/

On the Delegates list, it seems that the FRPL and RPL presentations will be on Monday the 15th in the afternoon, likely towards the end of the afternoon. (Since there are 21 presentations ahead of the library issues.)

Delegate List has the list of delegates, followed by their submissions.

Agenda Packet includes City Admin recommendations

Go to Council or watch online on Access Cable
https://www.myaccess.ca/watch/live/regina-city-council

FRPL presentation FRPL to Council re RPL budget Dec 11, 2025 – final

RPL 2026 budget 2026 Budget Submission – Regina Public Library

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FRPL current issues & AGM Sat Nov 29th 1-3 pm

Posted on November 12, 2025 | Leave a comment

You are invited to the FRPL Annual General Meeting on Sat Nov 29 from 1 to 3 pm.
Location: Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre, 2900 13th Ave in the Craft Room, second floor, wheelchair accessible.
Bring your own treats and drinks.

AGENDA
Brief AGM votes
Discussion
– Central Library building planning
– overall status of other branches
– RPL programs
– RPL budget approval at City Council Dec. 17th
– libraries in other cities
– other topics

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RFQ for Central

Posted on November 12, 2025 | Leave a comment

SaskTenders for RPL
RFQ for Central

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a developer for Central Branch was released on October 8th. The deadline for application is Dec. 5, 2025.

It calls for development of a 125,000 square foot outer shell. Double the current size.

The next phase will be a call for developers for the inside of the building.

This is the Synopsis. Further details can be obtained from the SaskTenders website – search for the word “library”. https://sasktenders.ca/Content/Public/Search.aspx

Synopsis:

The Regina Public Library is seeking to pre-qualify professional facility developer teams to participate in the next stage of the Competitive Selection Process to engage a firm to successfully complete the development and partial finance (if/as required), design, construction, and maintenance (“Development”)of the Shell (as defined in the RFQ) for the Regina Public Library’s Central Library Renewal Partnership (“Project”) in Regina, Saskatchewan as further defined and described in the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) document.

This RFQ aims to shortlist experienced and capable teams with demonstrated success delivering complex public or institutional developments of similar scale and scope. Only shortlisted proponents resulting from this RFQ process will be invited to participate in the subsequent Request for Proposals (RFP) stage.

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