Lake of Bays Councillors were urged to move forward with the expansion of the Dwight Library once and for all at their January 9 meeting.
Chair of the Library Board Cathy Vanclieaf gave councillors an overview of a number of reports and all the work that has been done over the past seven to eight years to move the project forward.
Vanclieaf told council that multiple successful fundraisers and patron donations had managed to raise over $400,000 for the project. “We believe at this time we have done everything we can and are concerned that the window of opportunity for government funding applications for the upcoming years is closing,” she said, adding that members of the public have been asking about the project and the delays are putting the Township as well as the library board’s credibility in jeopardy.
“Our request for council today is to enter into some sort of a letter of understanding, or a similar document, that delineates and confirms the roles and responsibilities of the library board and the Township regarding the Dwight Community Centre building and the library within it,” said Vanclieaf. “We respectfully request that this could be completed by the end of February 2024. Additionally, we are requesting the Township to commit to the financial investment in the Dwight Library branch expansion.” The expansion would also offer programming space to the community.
From the board’s perspective, the project can only move forward if there is a partnership between the Township and the board and a clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, said Vanclieaf.
She said since the building the library is located within belongs to the municipality, structural or mechanical modifications and updating servicing are the responsibility of the Township with the exception of the interior area occupied by the library. “Funds currently available from board accounts may be expended by the board to expedite and advance the overall project within the budget cycle and will be replenished by the Township through future year budget approvals,” said Vanclieaf.
She said the board was also requesting that the Township commit $150,000 for the detailed design of the Dwight library branch expansion project which will include an engineer’s cost estimate. She also asked council to allocate funds towards the construction of the project in the 2024 budget and to assign a project manager and supporting Township staff to collaborate on the project.
Councillors George Anderson, Nancy Tapley and Mike Peppard all said they supported moving forward with the project. “I’m supportive, and 2024 is the year,” said Anderson. “Just do it,” said Tapley. “I’d also be pleased to see Township staff as part of this because we need everyone onside to figure out the best solution and the best way forward for the best money of the taxpayer,” said Peppard.
Councillor Bob Lacroix said since he became a councillor he’s been hearing about the importance of the libraries in Lake of Bays. He said it’s been a long time since the project has been in the works “It’s probably time to go either one way or the other so now I’m thrilled that this has come forward and I would totally support moving on on this project.”
Councillor Rick Brooks said the discussion should be one for budget deliberations. “This is not something we’re going to… it is warm and fuzzy, and we’re not going to decide today but it is something that has to be discussed.”
Lake of Bays Mayor Terry Glover expressed frustration with the delays. He also said he is glad to hear comments about forming a partnership and working together. He said he attended a meeting in August of 2023 with the Township CAO. “At that point in time I thought we were in some sort of an agreement to move ahead, so I’m incredibly frustrated with how long this has taken and where the delays are or why… whatever,” said Glover.
Township CAO Bryan Brown said once council makes a decision, “that’s the time to decide whether or not we have staffing and if we do, how to address it.”
The expansion project is expected to form part of the Township’s 2024 budget discussions commencing later this month.
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I’ve seen one plan for the proposed expansion of the Library at Dwight. I think it is very poorly thought out.
It rearranges almost all of the existing Community Center to switch entry points and move washrooms and kitchens from one end to the other.
This will be hugely expensive and gain virtually nothing. It will make the community center smaller to benefit the library and the community center is already stretched by many events.
From a practical point of view, I’d suggest to just add an addition to the library on the side toward the Township Garage and re arrange the library itself. Leave the community center essentially unchanged. No major plumbing or concrete smashing needed for this, just add three walls and a roof.
It is worth noting that the Community Center was a gift from the Lion’s club when built originally. The library was an addition to it.
No matter how the library is expanded, more parking will be needed. The available parking will be decreased by any addition to the library so more land will need to become parking and the existing parking will need to be made more efficient. On those days when there is an event at the library, a meeting at the Township office and some function at the Community Center all at the same time there is not enough parking now. Just putting wide shoulders on both sides of the Dwight Bay road in this vicinity for parking could add significant parking without impacting a lot of trees or getting too close to the creek.
Just a thought for Council to chew on.