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.
We are particularly concerned about the Request for Qualifications for Central Library planning, to be discussed on the 23rd.
We refer you to our presentation to City Council in March 2025 with our comments value of the Central Library and costs, and on the architectural heritage significance of Central Library, further reinforced by the City of Regina’s own Statement of Significance for Central Library (Appendix 1), and reiterated again in a letter from the National Trust of Canada to the City of Regina, which underlines their firm understanding of the national heritage significance of Regina’s Central Library to the history of Canada.
Submissions made to the City Council on March 17, 2025 letters from citizens with important and inspiring information and photos. (See March 17, 2025 Delegates List – Presentations under RPL heading and also letters listed under Communications https://reginask.iqm2.com/Citizens/Calendar.aspx ) This record has been updated to include the letter from the National Trust for Canada.
Although the building has never had a major renovation in its lifetime, and “RPL has resisted investing significant sums of money to improve or perform maintenance on the current library unless it is absolutely necessary” (https://central.reginalibrary.ca/assets/2017051.pdf , Central Library Business Case 2017/02, p.19.), it remains in fine structural condition, according to all assessments.
The RPL Board has a moral and legal duty to follow the spirit of the VPHCD bylaw and the Heritage Property Act, and that any proposals for renewal on the current library property ought to be in keeping with the guidelines and purposes of this legislation.
Renovation of the current heritage building would cost much less than demolition and replacement. Even with putting on additional storeys, the cost would be less. See the Deloitte report Central Library Business Case https://central.reginalibrary.ca/assets/2017051.pdf, pages 1-2, 26-27. Previous studies for the RPL have indicated the possibilities of renovation and expansion, rather than a new building. A plan was actually made in 1993 for an expansion of the building, available from the Saskatchewan Archives. (Arnott Kelley O’Connor & Associates Ltd., Architects, Engineers, Planners. This was the successor firm of Izumi Arnott and Sugiyama, who were the original architects and repository of knowledge about the building.)
Rehabilitation and expansion would be the most environmentally sensitive action, rather than having the current building go to the landfill.
In conclusion, the Request for Qualifications, being discussed in today’s agenda, should require the applicants to have a commitment to the history of Regina, the vision for a sensitive expansion, and knowledge of processes for rehabilitating the current Central Library building to create a renewed improved building for library purposes in its current ideal location.
Friends of the Regina Public Library invite you to join Architectural Critic Adele Weder, Architectural Modernist Advocate Cheryl Cooper, and artist Jeannie Mah on a walking tour of Kiyoshi Izumi’s Modernist Central Library, to celebrate its beauty and significance for Regina’s heritage, and to understand its status within the Victoria Park Heritage Conservation District.
Sunday September 29th, 2 pm
Meet at front steps of Central Library: Lorne St + 12th Ave.
During the Ordinary Amazing Symposium at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in 2007, Cheryl Cooper and Trevor Boddy co-drafted The Regina Declaration, signed by national and local architects, and Regina citizens.
Regina’s Central Library is a building of national, historical, cultural and architectural merit, and we urge City Council and the Library Board to find a way to keep and maintain and enhance the heritage value of this fine building consistent with the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada; as well as explore creative possibilities for a building enlargement that would complement the 1962 building, so it can continue to serve the changing needs of Regina’s people, and enhance its key public spaces.
Adele Weder is a Vancouver-based architectural writer, critic, curator, and contributing editor to Canadian Architect magazine. Adele completed her Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture at the University of British Columbia School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, where she is currently a member of the advisory committee. She is the founding director of the West Coast Modern League design advocacy group, the author and co-author of several books on architecture, and the recipient of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) President’s Award for Architectural Journalism, among other honours. Her most recent book, Ron Thom Architect: The Life of a Creative Modernist, was published by Greystone Books last fall.
Cheryl Cooper is an advocate for the conservation of the modern period, most notably saving Arthur Erickson’s Evergreen Building in Vancouver (City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Honour 2009). She was instrumental in installing the reflecting pond at the Museum of Anthropology (2010), completing the vision of Arthur Erickson and landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. In 2011, she worked with a team to nominate the Museum of Anthropology, Robson Square, and Wiens’ Heating and Cooling Plant for the University of Regina for the RAIC Prix du XXe Siecle. All three won. RAIC recognized Cheryl’s long contribution with the 2011 Architecture Canada Award of Excellence as an Advocate of Architecture. Cheryl grew up in Regina and lives in Vancouver.
Jeannie Mah, a Regina ceramic artist whose work explores self-identity within the intricacies of geography, race, and local history, is included in many books on contemporary ceramics. She is co-editor of Regina’s Secret Spaces: Love and Lore of Local Geography (2006), and Biblio Files: A History of the Regina Public Library (2016).
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.
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
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
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.
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.)
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.
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.)
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
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.
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)
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.”
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.”
Friends of the Regina Public Library 
