Library CEO weighs in after central branch replacement project delayed

It’s back to the drawing board as the Saskatoon Public Library figures out a new construction plan for a new central branch.

Carol Cooley, CEO of Saskatoon Public Library, said the timeline for a new library opening has been pushed back eight to 10 months to 2027. Construction was initially slated to begin this fall.

In a statement issued Thursday, the library said bids on construction received in August were “substantially higher” than what the project’s budget allowed.

According to the project’s website, the total budget is $134 million, including all costs. The construction budget is $81.1 million.

Cooley said it was in the best interest of the project for everyone involved to regroup and redesign in order to bring the costs down.

She said there was an indication this would be the outcome through the tender process released in June, and a strategy was developed for this possibility.

The CEO said the plan is to release a request for proposals to hire a construction manager next week. She said the library will use that person’s construction industry knowledge to formulate a plan to bring costs down and align the project with the budget.

“In projects, there’s always ups and downs, and whatever we’re presented with, we’ll work to resolve them in the best interest of the community, the taxpayers and the library,” she said.

Cooley said the current central library was sold to Duchuck Holdings Ltd., and the deal will come into effect in December of 2026.

As the library’s central branch ultimately moves into a new space, she said the public can be assured the library is still planning to keep service running throughout the transition.

The new central branch will offer more than what the current library can, Cooley said, such as better accessibility.

“The new library is fully accessible,” she said. “It will allow people – regardless of abilities – to enjoy all of the amenities that we’re going to be offering.”

Carol Cooley, CEO of Saskatoon Public Library, speaks to City Council in 2019. (650 CKOM file photo)