Yes. The Board remains committed to building a new Central Library for Regina. The previous project could not proceed as planned, but the need has not changed. RPL is now developing a new path forward.

Yes. Community consultation is a key part of planning a new Central Library. We are committed to listening to Regina residents, sharing what we hear and showing how their input helps shape the plan.

The current Central Library cannot meet Regina’s long-term needs. Its systems and infrastructure are failing. The building is not fully accessible, does not have enough space, and cannot support the way people use libraries today.

A new Central Library would give RPL more flexibility to provide the spaces and services Regina needs now and in the future. That could include more places to study, meet and gather, better spaces for children, teens and families, improved accessibility, and new opportunities for technology, creativity, arts and cultural programming. The specific spaces and services will be determined as the project develops.

RPL will continue to repair and maintain the current Central Library where we can. But repairs cannot address the fundamental limitations of the building. Its aging infrastructure, accessibility challenges, limited space and outdated design require a long-term solution, not ongoing repairs alone.

Central Library and Regina’s neighbourhood branches work together as one system. Branches provide convenient access to library services in neighbourhoods across the city, while Central brings together specialized services, collections and expertise that cannot practically be offered at every location. This model allows RPL to provide a broader range of services.

A strong Central Library complements Regina’s neighbourhood branches while providing a shared civic space that serves the whole city.

A Central Library serves a different role than a neighbourhood branch. It is a city-wide gathering place and cultural destination, bringing people downtown for programs, events, learning, arts and community activities.

That steady flow of people adds activity to the city centre, supports nearby businesses and contributes to a more vibrant downtown. More people living, working, visiting and spending time downtown can also contribute to a greater sense of safety.

City Council approved debt funding for the project in 2024. However, rising costs for other City projects reduced the City’s available debt capacity. In March 2026, Council confirmed debt funding was no longer available for Central Library, so RPL could not continue with the project as planned.

RPL cannot borrow money for a major project on its own. Under the Public Libraries Act, 1996, debt financing must be sought through the City. Without access to City debt funding, RPL must raise the money for a new Central Library over time through its mill rate.

RPL will explore grant opportunities, but a July 2026 review did not identify a large grant specifically available for a project of this kind. Some smaller grants may become available for aspects of a future library once there is a defined plan.

As of July 2026, RPL had approximately $20 million reserved to help fund the project. Some of that money may be needed for the current building if significant problems arise before a new Central Library can be built.

RPL may need to use some of its reserve to keep the existing building operating. But every dollar spent on the current building is money that cannot go toward a long-term solution. RPL therefore must balance maintaining Central today with saving for its replacement.

RPL has not made any decisions about the location of a new Central Library. The project is still in its early stages, and selecting a location will come later.