Final budget for Saskatoon’s new downtown library set at $150 million

The final budget for Saskatoon’s new downtown library has been set at $150 million.

On Thursday, the Saskatoon Public Library’s administration and board announced that the tendering process is now complete, and the final budget figure has been reached. The new library is expected to be complete in 2027, and the average homeowner in Saskatoon will see an increase of $1.60/year for the library levy to fund the capital project in 2026. There will be no increase related to the project in 2027.

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An artist’s rendering of the new Saskatoon Public Library central branch Reading Room. It is set to open at 321 2nd Avenue North in 2027. (Saskatoon Public Library)

The total cost was set at $150 million after an “exhaustive redesign process,” the library noted.

“While this is a $16 million increase from the initial budget estimate of $134 million, the additional resources will be drawn fully from existing library reserves, meaning the funding plan for the new central library remains unchanged,” the organization said.

The cost had ballooned to more than $152.7 million in 2019, and in 2023, the library said construction bids received were “substantially higher” than the project’s budget allowed. As a result, the project was delayed to allow for changes to the design.

Artist rendering of the new Saskatoon Public Library central staircase on the third level. (Saskatoon Public Library)

The budget total includes all expenditures, including the land purchase, design services, construction, furniture, fixtures, equipment and more.

“The final budget also includes an allowance of nearly $3 million for potential tariff impacts and $8 million in additional contingencies,” the library said.

Pictured here is an artist rendering of the auditorium in the new Saskatoon Public Library central building. (Saskatoon Public Library)

In a news release, Carol Shepstone, CEO of Saskatoon Public Libraries, said she is proud of the work the entire project team during the redesign process.

“So much has changed in the world since this project was originally approved in 2019, and their efforts have been pivotal in ensuring Saskatoon taxpayers will not shoulder any additional costs,” she said.

Updated renderings can be seen on the library’s website.

Read more:

• More security, renovations among changes at Saskatoon public libraries
• Saskatoon set to hit pause on downtown arena, entertainment district
• Two Saskatoon libraries to temporarily close over safety, drug concerns

An artist rendering of the children’s library story room at the new central Saskatoon Public Library. (Saskatoon Public Library)