Izumi + Central Library – Sept 12 at 7 pm – understanding heritage

Posted on September 10, 2024 | Leave a comment

Please attend this informative event and exhibition. A conversation about the architects of Central Library and other buildings.
Sept 12 at 7 pm at the Mackenzie Art Gallery.

Learn about the architects and process of designing Central Library, the Centre of the Arts and other Saskatchewan buildings and the modernist approach to architecture.

Mackenzie Gallery media release.
https://mackenzie.art/celebrating-architectural-innovation-kiyoshi-izumis-modernist-legacy-in-saskatchewan/The exhibit will be open at the Gallery Sept 13, 2024 to Jan 19, 2025

———- Forwarded message ——-

THURSDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER

Join curators Bernard Flaman and Tak Pham for a conversation in conjunction with the exhibition Spring on the Prairie: Kiyoshi Izumi and the work of Izumi Arnott and Sugiyama.

Conversation in the Shumiatcher Theatre at 7 pm, exhibition viewing and reception in Craft Services to follow.

⌚ 7–10 PM 
📍 At the MacKenzie Art Gallery 
🎟️ There is no cost to attend. The Gallery will be free to the public after 5:00 PM

Spring on the Prairie: Kiyoshi Izumi and the work of Izumi Arnott and Sugiyama celebrates the understated modernism of their buildings, highlighting the blend of durable materials and human-centric designs. The exhibition also features a selection of artwork from the MacKenzie’s Permanent Collection by significant Saskatchewan modernist artists—a selection that offers historical context and enriches the dialogue around Izumi’s architectural legacy.https://mackenzie.art/event/spring-on-the-prairie-curator-conversation-and-opening-reception/

The exhibit will be open at the Gallery Sept 13, 2024 to Jan 19, 2025

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RPL Board July 23

Posted on July 23, 2024 | Leave a comment

A reminder that the RPL Board will meet today at 4:30 pm. People can:
– attend in person at the Central Library second floor boardroom; 
– listen in by teleconference Dial-in: 1 (647) 749-9317 . Password 292 366 424# ; or
– view with Microsoft Teams. Register with the RPL Board by 12 noon today. email librarydirectorsoffice@reginalibrary.ca for Microsoft Teams link

Agenda https://rplstatic.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/reginalibrary.ca/public/2024-07/0-Agenda.pdf

Note #7. Strategic Plan Items – these could be interesting:
a. Leadership Development 2023-24 Progress 2024-25 Plan (1.1.1) – P. Hesselink
b. Partnership Strategy 2023-24 Progress and 2024-25 Plan (3.2.3) – M. Mabi
c. Strategic Imperative Public Satisfaction Survey (5.0) – A. Yau

FRPL submitted a letter FRPL to RPL Board July 16, 2024 – final version but was not included to do a presentation.

Central Library will not be discussed in the public portion of the meeting.

According to the RPL, the Political Use of Space Policy to be discussed at the meeting:
” … outlines the library’s approach and expectations of staff as they relate to domestic politics and elections activities.”
On the other hand,
” The Room Use and Rental Policy outlines the library’s approach, expectations of staff, and expectations of individuals and organizations renting RPL rooms and spaces, regardless of the purpose of the rental.”

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Political use of space & likely Central on RPL Board’s July 23 agenda

Posted on July 15, 2024 | Leave a comment

RPL’s next Board meeting is on Tuesday July 23, Deadline for submissions is Tuesday July 16 at 12 noon.

Agenda is here  https://rplstatic.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/reginalibrary.ca/public/2024-07/0-Draft%20Agenda.pdf  (Note that the heading says July 11, but I believe it is the agenda for July 23.)

Follow instructions for submissions here https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership/presenting-to-the-board

The political use of space policy for groups using library facilities will be under item 8.iii) Governance Committee (1) Policies (a) Alcohol for Public Events Policy (b) Asbestos Management Policy (c) Political Use of Space Policy (d) Conduct and Behaviour Policy

Likely discussion of Central, but it is not clear, under item 8 v) Strategic Planning Committee

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City approves $119 debt for Central “renewal”

Posted on July 15, 2024 | Leave a comment

Rather that deferring the decision until all City  possible loan requests could be balanced out as City Administration had suggested, on July 9th City Council voted to immediately approve the RPL’s request for a loan guarantee of $92 to $119 million for the “renewal” of Central Library. 

The agenda with Administration’s recommendation.  https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=5085&Inline=True

Minutes with motion actually passed.  https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=3282&Inline=True :

Councillor Bob Hawkins moved, seconded by Councillor John Findura, that City Council1. Commit $92 million to $119 million in debt financing for the Central Library Renewal Project (CLRP); and

2. Approve, in principle, a dedicated Library mill rate increase of 5.5 per cent each year for five years starting in 2025 to allow RPL to accumulate funds in a reserve account until such time as they can be used for the CLRP.  (Councillors Bresciani, Nelson and Stadnichuk voted against the motion.)

CBC article https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/regina-city-council-preview-central-library-financing-1.7258447  Global https://globalnews.ca/news/10613693/regina-city-council-approves-central-library-debt-financing/ CTV https://regina.ctvnews.ca/our-city-deserves-this-council-approves-funding-for-regina-central-library-renewal-1.6957227 Leader Post https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/city-hall/city-council-grants-at-least-92m-in-debt-guarantee-for-central-library-renewal
RPL media release https://central.reginalibrary.ca/city-council-approves-debt-financing

    RPL claimed that there couldn’t be additional storeys or a western tower structure because of the need for pillars or an outside superstructure, but has never released a report by engineers or architects to prove their claim.
    RPL is going ahead with debt-inducing plans for Central without having an overall plan for other branches or for library services for underserved or expanding areas of the city.
   The knowledge of the RPL and City Councillors about what protecting the heritage of Central Library would mean seemed to be very limited compared to current standards of architectural preservation.

Thanks to the public delegates with their valuable and passionate presentations. https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=3282&Inline=True

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Library loan at City Council Tues Jul 9 at 9 am

Posted on July 5, 2024 | Leave a comment

Discussion of RPL’s $119 M loan request for Central “renewal” has been rescheduled for TUESDAY July 9 at 9 am. (Correction : earlier post said Monday.)

The agenda is here. https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=5085&Inline=True
The Library should be up on the agenda early on.

Also see https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx  for Full Agenda for all details. And List of Delegates for the written presentations.

This meeting will be very important for reviewing what the Library wants to get a loan for – the tearing down of Central for a new building.

Also – what about long range planning for other areas of the City?

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Central at City Council June 26, 1 pm – postponed

Posted on June 25, 2024 | Leave a comment

City Council ran out of time, so the Library discussion was postponed until the next (July 17) or a specially arranged City Council meeting.

___________________________________________________________________

CENTRAL LIBRARY IS ON THE AGENDA TOMORROW !
Go down in person, listen online or watch on Cable Regina (Channel 7 or 70).  The Council meeting starts at 1:00 pm.
Click on the red banner across the top of this page to watch online  https: //reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx

The RPL’s $119M loan request will be discussed under item “CR24-74 Central Library Renewal Project Debt Financing Report”. Agenda https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=14&ID=5069&Inline=True

A number of people and organizations have submitted letters and will be presenting. Some for building a new bigger library. Others like FRPL calling for a rehabilitation and expansion of the current building, some calling for rehabilitation only. (See the letters submitted here under Delegates .https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=3280&Inline=True )
FRPL’s presentation. FRPL to City re RPL Central Debt Financing, June 24, 2024 – final

As recommended by the City Administration, Executive Committee, City Council decision will vote on June 26, (1) to defer the decision on the $19M loan for RPL. (2) But to approve a mill rate increase to save money for the “renewal” project.

 

City Council will vote on the following:

Recommendation That City Council:

1. Defer a decision to commit $92 million to $119 million in debt financing for the Central Library Renewal Project (CLRP), and direct Administration to return to City Council by the end of Quarter 3 2024, with a recommendation regarding debt financing for the CLRP taking into consideration updated debt financing needs for other capital projects including the Indoor Aquatics Facility/Geothermal Project (IAF), Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Expansion and the City of Regina’s (City) overall debt financing capacity; and

2. Approve, in principle, a dedicated Library mill rate increase of 5.5 per cent each year for five years starting in 2025 to allow RPL to accumulate funds in a reserve account until such time as they can be used for the CLRP.

Full City Council Agenda with detailshttps://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=5069&Inline=True
City Administration’s discussion of Library request: pages 170-179
RPL submission – pages 189-189, details of the request for Expressions of Interest re consortium partnerships: 190-205
City Administration discussion of debt financing available, timing of when money will be available, mill rates: pages 206-208
RPL wants $ in 2026. City says earliest is 2033 or 2038.

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City Council Dates – express your view about $119 M loan

Posted on June 16, 2024 | Leave a comment

City Council Dates– re agreeing to support $119 million loan for Central Library rebuild (on same site or another location, that has not been decided, tearing down the current building is their main proposed option)

For presentation requirements go to https://www.regina.ca/city-government/city-council/council-meetings/ Agendas are here https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx

You can attend meetings in person or via teleconference or provide a written submission only

Friday – June 14 – in the afternoon – Executive Committee Draft Agenda available

Monday – June 17 – by 12 noon – register to talk to Executive Committee (written presentation not required)

Wednesday – June 19 – 9 am – Executive Committee meets at City Hall

Friday – June 21 – in the afternoon – Draft Agenda for City Council meeting

Monday – June 24 – by 12 noon – written presentation must be sent in to City Council

Wednesday – June 26 – 1:00 pm – City Council meeting

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Loan for Central Library building – request to be considered by City Council

Posted on June 9, 2024 | Leave a comment

The reason for the quick RPL Board meeting on June 11th (see below) has become apparent !

On June 19 and June 26 City Council is set to approve a $119 Million loan for Central Library as part of long-term debt financing for the City.

“For the Central Library Renewal Project, the City will consider incurring debt in the maximum principal sum of $119 million. As part of this the City will consider the possibility of applying to the Saskatchewan Municipal Board for a debt limit increase from the current debt limit of $660 million to accommodate proceeding with this project. The goal of the Central Library Renewal Project is to provide a renewed Central Library to respond to community priorities, enhance Regina Public Library programs and services, improve quality of life for all, and support economic growth.”

City ad about vote and how to put in submissions, here City loan request for Central – ad June 8, 2024 and link.
https://www.regina.ca/export/sites/Regina.ca/city-government/city-page/.galleries/pdfs/June-8-2024-CityPage.pdf

To be “… considered by the City’s Executive Committee on June 19 at 9:00 am and City Council on June 26, 2024 at 1:00 p.m and may also be considered at subsequent meetings. Citizens who want to address the Executive Committee on June 19, 2024 may attend via teleconference or in person. To attend, you must register by completing the online form on Regina.ca/register no later than noon on June 17, 2024. … Citizens who want to address City Council on June 26, 2024 may attend the meetings via teleconference or in person. To attend Council, you must register by completing the online form on Regina.ca/register to request to address City Council on these matters. The deadline to register is no later than noon on June 24, 2024.  A written brief is required to present at a Council meeting.  Find more information about presenting to Council and Committees on Regina.ca. If attending by teleconference you must also provide the telephone number you will be using to call into the meeting with, when registering. You will receive meeting details and instructions after you have confirmed your attendance for the meeting.”

A June 2023 request to increase City debt by $330M was rejected by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board, who asked the City to reduce their request to $210M, for a total debt limit of $660M 
https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/city-hall/city-asked-to-lower-debt-limit-request-to-660m-budget-preview

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Consortium for Central – RPL June 11, 2024

Posted on June 6, 2024 | Leave a comment

The RPL Board is holding a SPECIAL MEETING about the proposals for a consortium to replace Central Library. PLEASE ATTEND IN PERSON or by Phone or Online.

The RPL Board will meet on Tues June 11, at 4:30.
The agenda is here https://www.reginalibrary.ca/about/leadership/board-meetings-2024 

Public Access
In-person: Central Library Boardroom
Online: email librarydirectorsoffice@reginalibrary.ca for Microsoft Teams link
Dial-in: 1 (647) 749-9317,, Passcode 956 189 650#

AGENDA ITEM: Central Library Renewal – EOI Process Results and Next Steps
[This special public meeting will provide an opportunity for the RPL Board of Directors to receive results of the EOI process in the context of Central Library Renewal work so far. While the status of the current building and other location options cannot be determined at this time, a possible outcome of the discussion is a decision to engage with City Council to request support for next steps.]

The RPL put out a call for consultants for future planning for Central. https://sasktenders.ca/content/public/print.aspx?competitionId=639d44ed-2281-4479-94b5-eb90bde59e50 . RPL is saying No to reinvigorating the current Central building. Previously the RPL Board had voted to stay on the current site. (which by their statement would mean tearing down the current building). Now they are taking a different view and looking at alternate sites and partnerships. The Expressions of Interest from consortiums wishing to engage with the RPL was due April 5. 

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New services & locations May 11 & 15

Posted on May 9, 2024 | Leave a comment

RPL new locations AND services for large branches

Very Important – Please Register & Attend: RPL sessions on new locations & services, and enhanced services for large branches. This could include Central, as well as other branches. And services to areas without a nearby library branch. https://www.reginalibrary.ca/renewal

George Bothwell Branch, Sat. May 11 12:30 p.m. Register here: https://www.reginalibrary.ca/attend/programs/10753823

Sunrise Branch, Wed. May 15 7:00 p.m., Register here: https://www.reginalibrary.ca/attend/programs/10753835

PREVIOUSLY, RPL HAD DONE AN ONLINE SURVEY ON THIS TOPIC, that was available on their website.

MORE DETAIL IN ORIGINAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF EVENTS FROM RPL “RPL is hosting a public engagement session focused on potential new RPL service locations and the scope of associated services. At this public engagement session, members of our project team will present the findings and data collected in this project so far and facilitate discussions to gather community feedback on possible locations for new RPL service points and the type of services offered at those locations, as well as what enhanced services at our large branches might include in the future.“ More detail here: https://www.reginalibrary.ca/renewal

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