A new feasibility study outlines three multimillion-dollar options to improve the West Kildonan Library and make it more accessible, though there’s no clear spending commitment.
The city staff report doesn’t recommend a specific option for the public library branch at 365 Jefferson Ave., and notes the city hasn’t set aside money for the work.
While one councillor believes all options should be debated, as well as alternative smaller investments, another would rather close the library than spend millions more on it.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES
A report suggests three scenarios to save the West Kildonan Library: maintain it in its current form, add services and a larger elevator, or expand it.
Property and development chairwoman Sherri Rollins said she doesn’t believe the list provides the city’s only options.
“I do liken it to people’s homes. There are things you would like to do, there are things that you might need to consider… and then sometimes, the roof just goes,” said Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry.)
She said councillors could either support one of the three options — that have early price estimates between $6.3 million and $10.7 million — or invest less money for less extensive repairs.
They could also vote to simply cover needed repairs within the city’s existing budget as they are required, Rollins said.
“We have a solid facility. It’s not crumbling. It’s a beloved library that people are using,” said Rollins.
However, the head of council’s finance committee said he would rather close the library than spend millions to update it.
“Northwest Winnipeg continues to grow and we need a new modern library facility in that quadrant. I’m actually still of the opinion that I’d actually like to see (the West Kildonan) library close,” said Coun. Jeff Browaty (North Kildonan).
The feasibility study offered the following improvement options:
● Maintain existing programs and services, keep the general layout, address code-compliance life-safety issues and resolve the “most critical” accessibility issues, at an early estimate of $6.3 million.
● Support some additional programs and services, add a larger elevator to improve access, add a new service desk, add two new tutorial rooms and create a children’s reading playground for $7.5 million.
● Expand the facility by 2,400 square feet to create new program space, raise the structure to meet current building codes and accessibility standards, improve energy efficiency, move the children’s area to the main floor, switch to a larger elevator, add new tutorial rooms, a meeting room and an outdoor reading garden, add a new service desk, add seating and create a new computer area for $10.7 million.
While the library was added to the city’s list of historical resources last year, which protects it against demolition, Browaty said he could see it having a different use.
The city proposed to close West Kildonan Library in 2022, arguing the aging facility no longer met the needs of patrons. After intense community backlash, city council rejected the plan to shutter the branch and move it to a leased space in the Garden City Shopping Centre.
An advocacy group that fought to keep the branch in place said its location remains essential.
“The community spoke loud and clear that we want the library where it is,” said Harriet Zaidman, a member of the Friends of West Kildonan Library Coalition.
Zaidman said the group hopes city council will approve the $10.7-million option to enhance it.
“The advantage of this option is it gives more space for community groups to meet… and for different kinds of uses. It just really is the best for the community,” she said.
Rollins said she wouldn’t support closing the library.
“I have stacks of petitions from budget discussions gone by on how beloved the library is and how ingrained in the community it is for local schools,” she said.
The feasibility study notes the building’s structure is in good condition but calls for its roof to be replaced within 18 months.
Additional repairs are recommended for concrete, carpeting, door frames and other elements. It also states that some “major upgrades” are needed for life-safety issues, such as fire separations at both exit stairs, a new boiler room door and improved washrooms.
Mayor Scott Gillingham said he’s still reviewing the study but is committed to establishing a new library to serve the growing population of northwest Winnipeg.
“That’s my priority, to ensure that new library gets funded and gets established,” said Gillingham.
— with files from Erik Pindera
joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca
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Joyanne Pursaga
Reporter
Joyanne is city hall reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. A reporter since 2004, she began covering politics exclusively in 2012, writing on city hall and the Manitoba Legislature for the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in early 2020. Read more about Joyanne.
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