Relocating West Kildonan library would hurt community, say residents

Community members are once again voicing their displeasure with the proposed relocation of the West Kildonan library.

Residents in the northwest Winnipeg community have begun recirculating a two-year-old petition that garnered more than 10,000 signatures in 2020.

New signatures have begun trickling in since a recent city report recommended moving the library from its current location on Jefferson Avenue to the Garden City shopping centre – about a four-minute drive away.

The community’s goal remains to stop the West Kildonan library from relocating.

“The city’s plans would have the library wedged behind a Bulk Barn and other retailers without a single window or source of natural light. It’s little more than a glorified mall kiosk,” said Daniel Guenther, chair of the Garden City Residents’ Association, in a release.

Guenther first launched the petition in 2020.

“If council wants to get serious about improving our local libraries, they should invest in the existing location while consulting with residents to identify a spot to build an additional library for the growing area,” he added.

The West Kildonan library has been at its current location since 1967.

The City of Winnipeg previously vowed to move the library to another location two years ago, with residents opposing the plan en masse.

With the recent news of the potential closure of West Kildonan Library, @Seven_Oaks_RA has put together a survey of sorts to help with our presentation to the property committee of council on Monday. Input is greatly appreciated!https://t.co/a9qpYMY1HE

— Steve Snyder (@steveosnyder) May 5, 2022

The current plan would see the city sign a 10-year lease inside the Garden City mall.

“This plan would privatize city-owned land and hand millions in public dollars to a private, for-profit corporation,” said Evan Krosney, a Jefferson resident, in the release. “Over the past decade, the city has spent tens of millions investing in brand new, standalone public libraries for River Heights, Transcona and Windsor Park.

“Yet in West Kildonan, we’re facing the selloff of a public asset while paying millions to an out-of-province real estate investment firm. Our neighbourhood deserves better.”

Community leaders and residents say they are hoping to convince city councillors Ross Eadie and Devi Sharma to oppose the relocation.