Winnipeggers rally to save West Kildonan Library
A group of Winnipeggers were outside the West Kildonan Library on Tuesday to rally against the city’s proposed plan to move the library to the Garden City Shopping Centre.
Earlier in the month, CTV News Winnipeg reported that the public service is recommending the City of Winnipeg lease the space at the shopping centre and use it as the new library.
Rent would cost close to $217,000 each of the first five years, and about $232,000 each year for the next five years after that. Winnipeg would also be required to make a one-time contribution of up to $2 million for leasehold improvements.
Now, community members are coming out against the proposed plan, saying a library in a shopping centre will be dark and inaccessible.
MLA Nahanni Fontaine and Coun. Sherri Rollins were two of the speakers at Tuesday’s rally, where Winnipeggers held up signs that said “We need our library” and “Save the library.”
The city said the current West Kildonan Library, which was built in 1967, does not meet the needs of the library users and has limited parking. It noted that it tried to explore other possibilities and move the library to a city-owned facility; however, it was unable to come up with another solution.
The plan still needs approval from Winnipeg’s executive policy committee and city council.
Coun. Ross Eadie, who represents the Mynarski ward, said he does not support the relocation and closing of the library, but that the new location has good value.
-With files from CTV’s Mason DePatie
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.