This week at Council, the agenda included a report on Library Square. The report spoke to next steps, now that Council in the majority decided to move forward with the demolition of the old library and the old senior centre. We had a very long discussion that seemed in my view to being going round and round in circles at times; Some members wanted to “mothball” the project and/or defer it; to slow down, that we are “rushing” and that is why we should defer this and yet at the same time they want to move forward and they have always wanted to move forward. As I said, circular…
Personally, I believe, as I said during the discussion of the motion, that as we already have a design firm on contract, why would we replace them and incur more costs? Why not have them continue on with the project? They are an expert design firm that has shepherded this process thus far; it makes sense in my opinion to have them continue to work on the project. Why not have them come back to Council with final draft conceptual drawings for library square; something exciting for the Downtown core and the residents of our community.
The conceptual plan will be based on and incorporate all the feedback, ideas, wants and needs that have been brought forward throughout the extensive public consultations we have undertaken thus far. Thus, the vision for this project will be very much the Town’s vision, certainly not the design firms.
The recommendation to Council was to approve the next steps in the project which will guide the design firm in the preparation of a final draft design. Those next steps are:
Step 1: Review of Additional Materials and Consultation Feedback; February 2017
Step 2: Preparation of two alternative Concept Plans; March 2017
Step 3: Presentation to Committee and Council and approval to proceed; April 2017
The motion was approved on a recorded vote 6-3 (Councillors Abel, Gaertner, and Thom opposed). With the approval of next steps, we are able to keep moving forward with the redevelopment and revitalization of the downtown core. Our community – residents, businesses and Council together – has a developed a vision for Library Square and we will now have a design firm draw a picture of that vision for us.
As I said during our discussion, I am pleased that we are moving forward and am excited to see what will be presented to Council and the Town this coming April. #GettingThingsDone
4 Responses
After twenty-odd years it’s hard to maintain excitement . But one thing we have now,we didn’t have at the beginning is the hydro asset. I’m not sure what we can get with that resource but it’s an important
aspect. It should be firmly committed to the cause. we will never have another such opportunity.
You outline next steps as:
Step 1: Review of Additional Materials and Consultation Feedback; February 2017
Step 2: Preparation of two alternative Concept Plans; March 2017
Step 3: Presentation to Committee and Council and approval to proceed; April 2017
As we are now in the 2nd week of April can you provide a status update with respect to these steps.
I am unable to locate any details with respect to steps 1 and two, links would be helpful.
When is step 3 scheduled? April 18th?
Hi Chris,
Steps one and two were undertaken by the design firm. The Town provided the Design firm all additional materials and feedback. There is no links as this is not consultation that is to occur.. It is that all the materials up to date will be reviewed by the firm and that they will be preparing the plans …
As for step 3 I believe it is still scheduled for second cycle of April … 18th or 25th…. I will speak to staff to see if the design firm is in fact ready with the conceptual plans.
Much appreciated