Possible library branch delay sparks criticism

The head of the Saddle Ridge community association is upset  a new library in her neighbourhood is jeopardized by budget cuts.

Calgary Public Library CEO Gerry Meek revealed on Monday a budget shortfall might cause a delay in the opening of the new Saddletowne branch in the city's northeast.

The public library's share of the cuts could be $3 million, Meek said. But no final budget decisions will be made until after the municipal election on Oct. 18th.

"And I am most disappointed. We've been in this community for ten years and the community has been working towards getting a library. And to have it pulled out from under us at the last minute is disappointing to say the least," said Judy Brown, head of the community association for Saddle Ridge, which includes Saddletowne.

Like all city departments, Calgary's public libraries are being asked by council to trim spending in the face of an overall $60 million budget deficit. 

"The foundations are in the ground the cement work is coming — its above ground now," she said. "We have 40,000 people in these three neighbourhoods and no library. And we really need one," said Brown.

Funds to continue building the new branch are still in place, but if Calgary Public Library is faced with a multi-million dollar budget shortfall, there wouldn't be money for operations and staffing of the new branch, said Ward 3 Ald. Jim Stephenson.

Combined police and fire station opens in N.E.

The city officially opened the new Saddle Ridge Multi-Services Centre on Tuesday — a $28.24 million facility that brings together Calgary Police Service's District 5 office and the fire department's Station 32.

The 52,100 square foot facility at 800 Saddletowne Circle N.E. will help meet the growing demand for emergency services in the city's northeast, the city said.