Thank you for your comments. These will be shared with Council. 

Given the previous information that has been provided in public reports, (which included the most recent drug overdose in the bathroom), we are aware of these safety concerns for both the staff and patrons that use the library. The present location would likely require extra staffing for security which is not in the budget at this time. We were of the opinion that the Gallagher Centre that already has many other staff in the building would provide a safer environment. Since this plan was recently rescinded by Council at the last meeting, safety will have to be considered with looking at other options.   

You have posed great questions and we will forward them to City Council so that we can provide a response to you.  

We did get independent firms to give the City an estimated value on the property, and these are based on market rents, as any investor is looking at getting a rate of return on their investment. In other words, it doesn’t matter what it would cost to build, it matters what kind of revenue you can generate from the building. The assessment of $2.5 million was based on cost less depreciation and  has not been updated to the income approach to value (as this was a city building that did not pay taxes.) The City did get information on what the value of this property would be if it the assessment was based on current values, and we are confident that the value of sale meets current value criteria.

Thank you for the question as many people think that when the City does a public tender/auction that we would get better pricing. The reverse is actually true. Historically, when the City is selling a property, the buyers know that we “need” to sell it and thus they don’t need to pay market value and typically offer less. We have been much more successful in negotiating with buyers who are truly interested in the property (instead of those that just want a good deal) and such is the case with the library building.

As per our FAQ section on this page, although the Gallagher Centre does host large events, the parking lot is at capacity only a few times per year. The majority of Gallagher Centre activity occurs in the evening and the vast majority of Library hours are daytime, with one day per week open until 9 p.m. in the winter and until 8 p.m. two times during the summer. Consideration will be given to establishing designated Library parking on the west side of the building.

Although the Library will be located on the west side of the City, no matter where a facility is located, some people will need to drive or find transportation to that facility, but others will be able to walk to that facility. A bus stop will be added to the current route to provide an alternative to walking. The City does not have the resources to duplicate services in multiple neighbourhoods. People of all walks of life and demographics currently use or visit the Gallagher Centre.

Discussions regarding the sale of the Library was part of City Council’s strategic planning meetings and in camera Committee of the Whole meetings. Property sales discussions are confidential and conducted with Council in camera to minimize any negative impacts on property values and negotiations. Any proposed sale is then made public through the minutes. 

This has not been determined on a long term basis and would be part of future budget discussions. Initially, the savings will go towards upgrading the services, digital circulation, new computers, furnishings, etc.

The City of Yorkton has implemented a policy to disable commenting on our social media channels in instances where the subject matter is prone to generating comments containing misinformation. Consequently, any posts for which commenting is disabled will invariably provide a link to a dedicated webpage on our official website, offering accurate and reliable information. Regarding the Library project, we have established a dedicated page on our Shape Your City platform, which serves as a platform for the public to actively engage by posing constructive inquiries pertaining to the project. This avenue ensures that participants receive accurate and truthful responses in a timely manner.

All information posted on the City website, social media and Shape your City are prepared by staff (based on factual information). 

The City Council's official responses will primarily be conveyed through their respective media platforms, unless explicitly specified on City communication channels, such as official statements from the Mayor.

Yes, at the April 24^th, 2023 in-camera Council meeting, all of Council voted in favor of accepting the offer. The only condition was with regards to price in the public notice. This is a safety net to ensure the City receives the best value for a property. 

In other words, the public notice was posted to allow anyone else who might be interested in acquiring the property to step forward with a higher offer. Since no one came forward on price at the May 15^th Council meeting, the public notice condition is automatically removed (condition fulfilled) and the sale is valid and considered a legal contract. 

In 2021, The City conducted an audit aimed at becoming more age and dementia-friendly. Guided by research completed by the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan (ASOS) and Age-Friendly Saskatchewan; individuals living with disabilities toured a number of City operated facilities including the Gallagher Centre. The Gallagher Centre was assessed against a checklist of physical barriers that may prevent seniors and people living with disability from enjoying this facility and their desired lifestyle. City Council has approved funding to support identified barriers at building entrances. The addition of automatic door openers, along with other improvements, including signage, will ensure barrier free travel for people accessing the Gallagher Centre.

The second floor space at the Gallagher Centre originally housed a physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, whose purpose was to serve those with disabilities.