The City of Saskatoon says it has crossed a major threshold in the opening of the Remai Modern Art Gallery.

On Wednesday, the municipality announced it now officially has control of the building, and can soon start moving art into the gallery.

The Remai Modern has been plagued with construction delays for years. The gallery will still need several months to prepare and is aiming for a fall opening.

"Once we know the air quality, heating and humidity levels are where they must be, we can begin the complex process of moving art into the building," said board chair Alain Gaucher.

Award-winning restaurant

Meanwhile, nationally known Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality will be setting up food services at the gallery.

"We can be assured of some exciting things on the menu," said Remai Modern CEO Gregory Burke.

The company's Canoe restaurant in Toronto recently placed eighth in Canada's Top 100 Restaurants. Co-founder Michael Bonacini is a celebrity chef, cookbook author and a judge on CTV's MasterChef Canada.

Oliver & Bonacini already provides catering services to the Royal Ontario Museum and TIFF Bell Lightbox theatre.

The restaurant and bar will employ around 50 people.