The Regina Public Library has been told there is no room in the city’s budget to borrow money for its Central Library renewal project. This news comes as Regina, Saskatchewan, faces a maxed-out credit limit due to other major costs, including essential upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Regina Public Library Board Chair Marj Gavigan warned that without the renewal, the aging downtown facility faces the prospect of expensive repairs or total closure. If the building closes, it would likely be replaced by a simple pickup point for books, ending current community services.
A closure would also mean the loss of the RPL Film Theatre and the Dunlop Art Gallery, which are both located inside the central branch. The library board expressed surprise at the funding news, noting they believed the project was moving forward following previous discussions.
In July 2024, the previous Regina City Council voted to approve borrowing for the library renewal despite warnings about the city’s debt limits. However, city administrators now state that borrowing more money is legally impossible because the city has reached its financial limit. These limits are overseen by the Saskatchewan Municipal Board, which manages municipal borrowing across the province.
