City of Yellowknife considers moving public library to 50/50 lot

The City of Yellowknife says it will consider moving its public library to a more visible location,but the relocation won't come cheap.

On Monday and Tuesday the city held an open house to collect feedback on three design projects, including conceptual plans for downtown revitalization along 50th Street. Participantsdiscussed proposals for moving the library from its home on the second floor of the Centre Square Mallto a more central location, such as the empty lot at the corner of Franklin (50)Avenue and 50th Street.

"It does feel more part of the city when it's accessible from the main street," saidresident Mindy Willett.

Willett remembers when the old library was located in a street-level building on Franklin Avenue, where Northern Images is now, and she loved it.

"You know, the idea of having a cup of coffee, going to the library, and looking at some art, I think it would be fabulous."

$30M to move

The city says putting a library in or near the corner lot could cost as much as $30 million.

"I wouldn't be prepared to put the library on top of the list without a full review of the other requirements of the city," saidresident John Stephenson.

"It has to be measured against the capital planning for a new pool, and there are other costs that the city has to take into consideration."

Those other costs include the $20 million needed toreplace an aging pipeline that transportsYellowknife's drinking water. The city also just spent $30 million on a new water treatment plant its largest capital expense to date.

"I think something's gotta change," resident Claudia Kraft said of the empty lot on Franklin Avenue.

"It's a bit of an eyesore right now and an underutilized space, so I'm excited to see the city taking some initiative there."