A former teacher of Saskatchewan-born recording artist and painter Joni Mitchell is pushing for construction of a centre dedicated to Mitchell's musical career.

If it goes ahead, the Joni Mitchell Discovery Centre will feature mementoes, albums and photographs in a building at a new riverfront development called River Landing.

Bob Hinitt taught French and art to Mitchell -- then known as Roberta Joan Anderson -- at Aden Bowman Collegiate from 1958 to 1962.

Hinitt says he's baffled by mixed messages from Saskatoon city council and a few letters to the editor questioning whether Mitchell is worthy of a centre.