$4M in provincial, federal money announced for Edmonton’s Stanley A. Milner revitalization

The Edmonton Public Library now has nearly all of the funding in place for the $84.5-million revitalization project on the Stanley A. Milner Library in the downtown core.

The federal and provincial governments announced a joint $4-million contribution to the project on Friday morning, with each level of government committing $2 million.

“We are glad to invest in the Stanley A. Milner Library project, which will breathe new life into the downtown core and provide Edmontonians with expanded services in a dynamic, accessible hub of learning and community activity,” federal Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi said.

“This library is an iconic community hub for those who call Edmonton home,” Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs Shaye Anderson said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This library is an iconic community hub for those who call Edmonton home," Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs Shaye Anderson said.

“I am proud that we are helping to build on the excellent services, programs and resources that enrich so many lives and strengthen our capital city.”

READ MORE: Unexpected issues raise cost of Stanley Milner Library renovations

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The library said it now has $80 million secured for the project, which began in January 2017. Efforts will continue to fundraise the remaining $4.5 million for the reconstruction project, the library said.

The price tag for the project, which includes structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades, jumped in September 2017 after issues surrounding the foundation, mechanical systems, rebar and fire suppressions systems arose.

At the time, there was no cost estimate for the added problems, but officials said the cost would increase from the $69 million budgeted.

READ MORE: Council being told of downtown Edmonton library problems in private 

The library remains on track to reopen in 2020. The library closed at the end of 2016; a temporary library was set up at Enterprise Square.

The library first opened in 1967 and was renamed as Stanley A. Milner in 1996.

READ MORE: New renderings show Edmonton’s Stanley A. Milner Library after revitalization

The Stanley A. Milner Library renovation project will include opening up a third floor, adding more natural light and creating an eye-catching exterior.