Yorkton Public Library continues operations at present location

During the August 14 Council Meeting – In Camera session, members of Council discussed a status update pertaining to the relocation of the Yorkton Public Library.

The sale of the Library was approved at the June 5, 2023 Council Meeting, but as with all sales, conditions are put in place and have to be met prior to finalizing the purchase agreement. In the Spring, the City of Yorkton was informed that an environmental study was done in the area as part of the teardown of an adjacent building. The study unveiled that there were environmental issues identified on the northern parking lot of the library due to a SaskPower Diesel Plant that used to be located near the area.

SaskPower has reached out to the City of Yorkton and is in the process of cleaning up the impacted area at no cost to the City. It is important to mention that the structural integrity of the library building remains unaffected by the impacted soil, thereby rendering the facility suitable for continued public use.

In light of the environmental issues, which are currenly being remediated, the prospective purchaser of the Library building will not be proceeding with the sale.

During the Council Meeting on June 5, 2023, Mayor Mitch Hippsley introduced a Notice of Motion, whereby Council voted to rescind the decision to relocate the library to the Gallagher Centre and further direct Administration to explore alternative locations to relocate the library to. 

City staff had brought forward building options to Council which were contemplated carefully, but given the circumstances, will not proceed with further consideration at this time, meaning that Council has opted to maintain the current location of the Library.

In our capacity as a local governing body, we recognize the inherent dynamism of circumstances and the potential emergence of challenges. We would like to extend our gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this process for their inquiries, statements, collaboration and cooperation.

As a municipality, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continual enhancement and operational efficacy, all while upholding the provision and preservation of essential services to our residents and the neighbouring communities.

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