The debate over the new Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan has divided residents across Saskatoon. But a voice from the past thinks he may have a solution to problem.

Former mayor Henry Dayday says the division is enough for city council to put a halt to plans for the new gallery at River Landing. He's calling for a plebiscite on the proposed gallery, citing polls he claims show the city is divided.

"There were four polls done in terms of what the people of Saskatoon and tax payers felt about spending this money on a new art gallery. And of course the polls are divided," says Dayday.

But Mayor Don Atchison says they are too far down the road. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Saskatoon Children's Discovery Museum to move into the Mendel building. And millions in critical federal funding is not transferable.

"The funding is in place already with the federal and provincial government. This has been before council on many occasions. People have sent letters saying they are not in favor. But there certainly are lots of people in favor," says Atchison.

But Dayday disagrees. "When there is so much interest and so much controversy, the best thing to do is allow the people to vote."

The cost is also generating some questions. Dayday says the city is spending too much.

"The city is going to have to put in $34 million to build it. And they don't have the money. And there has been a lot of controversy."

But Atchison says those numbers are not accurate. "Some of the allegations or comments are not correct. Just as the comment about $34 million is not factual either. The number is $21 million for the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan."

The city says the new gallery building is estimated at $71 million. $50 million is will come via a fundraising campaign, and from the federal and provincial governments. $21 million will come from the city. A $13 million parking structure is also being built, but the mayor says it's not tied to the Remai art gallery.

"The parkade is going to be used for Persephone Theater too. It's going to be used for River Landing," says Atchison.

Council will discuss the issue at its next meeting on Monday. They could vote to have a plebiscite, but that's not something the mayor wants. He hopes to have shovels in the ground by next winter.