Several councillors signalled support for a $2.5 million library entrance upgrade ahead of capital plan considerations early next year.
Terri McConnachie, Brian Skakun and Jillian Merrick all spoke in support of the project, hinting they would vote to put it on the city's funded list.
"This has been on and off the books for way too long," said Skakun. "I think we're a little further along than just saying it's in the unfunded list and we're going to discuss. I think we need to go a little bit further than that and let the board know we're - in my opinion - we're serious about doing this one way or another."
In 2013, the city included a $2.5 million entrance project to the 2014 to 2018 capital funded list, but the next year it was delayed in favour of further study. That happened in August 2015 and a group put forward a $3.9 million option.
A report before council Monday night showed how the city would address the concrete staircase - described as a hazard by the architect - and make the building more accessible.
The library entrance project will competing with other "very worthy priorities" when discussions begin in January, McConnachie said.
"But I think that the major thrust of this report before us tonight is it's important for library staff and everybody behind it that citizens and council know this is an agreed-upon plan before us, there’s a great amount of buy-in by everybody involved," said McConnachie, who also sits on the library board as a trustee and council liaison.
Every year about 290,000 people visit the downtown branch - on average up to 900 a day - which Garth Frizzell called a "remarkable" number.
"This is one of, if not the most popular civic building that we've got in this city," he said. "We've got a lot to weigh but you've heard political support already around the table. Let's see where it goes."
Chief librarian Janet Marren said during last year's budget discussions, councillors criticized the lack of detailed information, including site design and a set budget that council could be confident it would stick to.
"This one is a really accurate budget with a lot of contingency in it and has been worked on quite consistently by administration. Hopefully that gives the information that council needs to make informed decisions," said Marren, thanking council for the 2015 discussions with 21 community groups that use the library and the study that emerged from it. "That's really driven this project."
Merrick praised the work in the last year to respond to council's request to rejig the $3.9 million proposal put forward by that group and instead offer a "bare bones" version that gave the city a safe, accessible and functional entryway.
The pitch also offers "beefed-up" option that costs $150,000 more, which Merrick said was good to consider.
"That makes a world of difference aesthetically for not a huge budgetary impact," said Merrick, but noted the city is still waiting to hear whether it will get partial federal funding for the project through the Canada 150 grants.
"We need that decision soon."
Albert Koehler also expressed support, but said Monday night was not the time to discuss budget plans.
Mayor Lyn Hall reiterated the budget process - where city staff would offer its recommendations for unfunded and funded projects, then council will deliberate and ultimately decide if it agrees with administration.
"It'll be good to have a conversation that's inclusive of all of our facilities in the community. I think that's the appropriate process to take," he said.
Both expressed hope that a library upgrade and completion of the proposed $35 million Marriott Courtyard at the long-dormant neighbouring construction site would improve the look of the plaza.
McConnachie said as a city-owned building, it should be seen as a city-driven initiative.
"This is not a library ask," she said.
"This is our building, it's really our responsibility and you're just pointing out what we need to do. Going forward I want to make sure this isn't lost with all the other projects," Skakun added.
Flip through the below timeline of the library's longstanding request for renovations:
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