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Written by Trish Elliott
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Tuesday, 13 March 2012 |
 REGINA - Controversy continues to swirl around a major private-public partnership plan for Regina Public Library's central branch. "The public has many questions that should be answered by the library board," said Joanne Havelock, chair of the Friends of Regina Public Library, in a media statement.
The group urges people to attend a townhall meeting today, Tuesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. "We are calling people together to share what is known about the plans for Central Branch and the potential impact of these plans," said Havelock.
Image: Architectural drawings of a new hotel/commercial complex with a library tenant surfaced on the web last April.
Concerns have been raised about the need for a large development, and
the sources of funding, ownership and long-term implications of the
multi-million dollar proposed expenditure.
Members of the public are also dismayed about the potential demolition
of heritage buildings beside Victoria Park. At the meeting information
will be provided about the heritage of the Masonic Temple and Central
Branch, the Central Branch planning process, and funding options.
“The public has a right to be informed about decisions that affect them.
FRPL wants to ensure that the public is able to participate in public
discussion,” said Havelock. “It is imperative that the Library Board
consult fully with the public before any major decisions, including
financial, are moved ahead or finalized.”
The Friends first learned of the Board’s plans for a major public
private partnership development last spring and have been unable to get
definitive answers to their questions. March 31, 2012 is the deadline
for the Board to submit a Business Plan to P3 Canada.
Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, being held in the Film Theatre at the Central Library, 2311 12th Avenue, Regina.
Website: http://www.friendsofrpl.ca
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 March 2012 )
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