MOOSE JAW — A major health and infrastructure challenge has come to light for the Palliser Regional Library, whose Moose Jaw headquarters will require upgrades in the near future.
According to a financial report presented at the Palliser Regional Library’s 2025 annual general meeting, the entire headquarters building at 366 Coteau Street West contains asbestos that will eventually need to be removed — at an estimated cost of $293,706.
The issue was identified through a professional building assessment completed in 2024, prompted by new provincial financial reporting requirements. Palliser Regional Library was required to evaluate and disclose the cost of removing all asbestos-containing materials within its headquarters facility.
“As it turns out, we have tile throughout the whole building that contains asbestos, and even some of the insulation in the attic was flagged,” said Wanda Parker, treasurer of the library during the meeting. “It’s not something we’re acting on immediately, but we are now required to reflect that potential cost in our financial statements.”
To comply with these regulations, the estimated cost was added to the building’s book value as an asset, and a matching liability was recorded.
“That means if and when we do renovate, any actual asbestos removal will reduce that liability. If the whole building is remediated, the liability would go to zero, and the higher building value would remain,” she said.
This accounting shift allows Palliser Regional Library to remain transparent about its financial obligations and offers clarity for any future buyers or stakeholders.
“If we ever sell the building, we’re now required to disclose this cost,” Parker noted, adding that the library has no intention to sell. “It ensures potential buyers understand what’s involved.”
Although a full-scale asbestos removal is not currently planned, some initial remediation has already taken place. In 2024, the library spent $16,714 from its operating reserves to address specific maintenance needs, which included cleaning the building’s furnace ducts, replacing eavestroughs on the east side, and removing asbestos floor tiles in the basement washroom, which had deteriorated due to earlier flooding.
“We had to bring in a certified specialist to handle the tile removal, which was a significant part of that cost,” the board was told. “It’s not something we take lightly, but we’re committed to maintaining a safe environment for staff and patrons.”
These improvements were funded without affecting public services, thanks to reserve planning and careful budgeting. The board also noted that the asbestos situation underscores the challenges of maintaining aging public infrastructure — particularly for libraries operating in historic buildings.
Despite the challenges, the library’s headquarters — which is not open to library patrons — remains fully operational and safe to use. Asbestos-containing materials are not hazardous unless disturbed, and library officials confirmed there is no immediate danger to staff or visitors.
Looking ahead, Palliser Regional Library will continue monitoring the condition of the building and update its liability as portions of the asbestos are removed or remediated. The board emphasized the importance of transparency and proactive planning in meeting its long-term operational and safety goals.
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