Construction on downtown library in Saskatoon to begin in October
The Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) says construction on a new downtown library in Saskatoon will begin in October.
A ground-breaking ceremony at the new site will be held on June 25th, with a community celebration at Frances Morrison Central Library to follow.
“Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) is excited to announce that remediation on the new central library site will begin in July and construction is scheduled to begin in October 2024,” the SPL said in a news release Monday afternoon.
The new library project has come under the microscope over concerns about costs.
Last September, the project was put on pause after bids for the project came in significantly over budget.
The anticipated $134 million library will be funded through SPL's own reserve funds, land sale proceeds, donations and $67.5 million in borrowing, according to SPL.
On Monday, the SPL said it worked closely with its architect and general manager to reduce costs, and remained committed to building the library within its available funding sources and without additional borrowing.
“We are under tremendous budget pressures but we are confident in our ability to deliver the project within or close to the current budget,” the SPL said in a news release.
“I’m extremely proud of everyone who has contributed to the redesign process,” said Beth Cote, SPL’s Interim CEO & Director of Libraries.
“Which has allowed us to maintain the original vision and cultural integrity of this building while moving forward with this project in a financially prudent manner.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.