Library deal said complete in April

By Calvin Daniels Staff Writer

The sale of the current library location in downtown Yorkton is a done deal according to Yorkton City Manager Lonnie Kaal.

“April 24, the offer (of $1.5 million) was accepted. The deal is done,” Kaal told Yorkton This Week May 29.

A Public Notice was placed in Yorkton This Week, but Kaal said it was only to allow anyone else who might be interested in acquiring the property to step forward with a higher offer, which the city could have then accepted.

“It’s a safety net,” said Kaal noting the Public Notice on price ensures the city receives the best value for a property.

The Public Notice was not to provide the public with an opportunity to voice opposition to the sale, said Kaal, reiterating it was already sold.

But that did not stop many from attending the May 15, meeting of Yorkton Council, and more than 20 were allowed time to address council, all with concerns about the sale and move of library services to the Gallagher Centre.

The public appeared to have had an impact, at least with some on Council.

At the May 15 meeting Councillor Darcy Zaharia said he has been opposed to the sale, a position he said fits with the calls he has fielded since the possibility of a sale was made public.

“I don’t see any benefit going to the Gallagher Centre,” he said.

Zaharia also suggested the matter “wasn’t handled in the right way” in terms of the community being made aware of the sale.

Ashley Stradeski, director of finance with the city did note the deal is not complete and the building has not been sold. The final decision is likely to be