History often has a habit of showing us the flaws in our decisions, and that is certainly the case in terms of the Yorkton Public Library.
Yorkton Council had an opportunity just a few short years ago to move the library into a brand new home which was initially part of the plan for revitalizing and expanding what we now know as the Gallagher Centre.
The library was to be housed in a brand new expansion on the southeast corner of the building.At the time proponents saw the potential synergies of the move. Imagine for a moment a parent taking their child to figure skating practice, or swimming lessons, dropping a sibling at the library to take part in Boys and Girls Club activities.
Or, a young hockey player stopping at the library after a game to borrow a copy of the latest Harry Potter novel.
A senior pops into the Gallagher Centre for some cards, or a walk at the Flexihall, then spends some time reading newspapers at the library.
You could even grab a coffee at the concession, then enjoy reading a book.
But, the library, which was estimated at the time to cost about $1.4 million, a portion being recouped by selling the old building, was soon dropped from plans.
One of the biggest reasons was resistance from some within the library system who felt it important to keep the library in the downtown area for easy access to many of its users.
Interestingly, Council at the time heeded those concerns, while a few years later when youth signed a petition calling for the skateboard park to be built in the downtown, Council then chose to ignore those users and put the park at the Gallagher Centre. That says a lot about who makes a request as much as what the request actually is.
But back to the library. When it was axed from the Gallagher Centre plan Council instead sunk $885,000 into the current location, an expenditure where the internal loan is still being paid off.
However, it has now been discovered that expenditure was inadequate. With the July 1, flood affecting the library, it has been revealed a number of problems which are not a result of the flood need addressing at the building.
The work required will cost the City an expected $600,000 (see related story this issue).
Mayor James Wilson admits there was "skimping" when past work was done, and the shortfalls now need to be corrected.
The total investment into the existing building since 2004 will now sit at $1,485,000, and we still have a library in an old building which was once a grocery store, as opposed to the plan which would have seen a new building in place.
When we look back over the history of a community, there are only a few times when true foresight is required.
In most cases big decisions are made based on obvious circumstances. Provincial regulations and city growth necessitated the new water treatment plant. Council had little option but to proceed with it.
The Gallagher Centre on the other hand was a decision requiring foresight, and for the most part the Councils of the day got it right.
However, in terms of the City's library they missed the mark, and today's Council is left to spend more money on a facility which should have been high and dry in a new building.
