Regina library board passes motion for a new downtown branch on site of the existing building

The Regina Public Library board voted to build a $50 million library to replace the downtown branch despite opposition from some members of the public who want to preserve the historic building.

"Of all the options the board has considered, this approach is best aligned with Regina Public Library's strategic imperative to positively impact the community," board chair Sean Quinlan said Tuesday night.

Six board members voted in favour of the motion and two — John Findura and Sandra Masters — opposed it. 

The board made their decision after hearing from nine members of the public who also oppose the move. Many of them are concerned about the disruption of services, loss of heritage, environmental impacts and the lack of public consultation.

Discussions about the future of the library, which opened in 1912, have been going on for years.

In 2009, the city included the branch in plans for a possible community hub, and a study outlining the need for a new Central Library was released in 2012. Since then, there have been a facility analysis, requests for funding and the creation of a development plan.

The cost to address a multitude of issues at the Regina Central Library is approximately $50 million, according to one presentation, which will only cover the renovations necessary to bring the structure up to code and does not include any improvements or changes to the space.

Among the issues that need to be addressed are an inadequate heating system and an aging electrical infrastructure. The building's concrete is deteriorating, there's asbestos in the ceiling and there are unspecified safety issues, according to the report.

However, Florence Stratton, one of the delegation members, doesn't think tearing down the old building is the solution.

"Abolishing the central library and putting in a new structure would create substantial carbon emissions and as well as adding substantial material to the regional landfill," said Stratton, an English professor at the University of Regina.

"It would be much more economical in terms of both money and carbon dioxide emissions to retrofit the current building."

Others alluded to scientific evidence of environmental consequences of demolishing existing buildings rather than upgrading.

"How will the RPL mitigate the negative impacts on climate change during the deconstruction and the outright carbon costs created during the construction process," Bernadette Wagner said, asking the board whether they'll do an environmental audit.

"Attacking the environment, shame on you. You never considered the environment."