The Peace River Regional District will move ahead with their plan for a new public library in Chetwynd, approving a conceptual design for the building at their Jan. 27 meeting. The budget sits at over five million dollars.
At the same meeting, an award contract was approved for $350,000 to Field Lievers Architecture Ltd. for construction of the project, with additional funding of $17,500 available if needed.
These features are planned for the 8,600 square foot building:
- Adult, children, and teen stacks
- Story-telling space.
- Dividable multi-purpose room.
- Children’s program room.
- Makerspace & virtual reality room.
- Main floor storage.
- Café with space for countertop cooking appliances only.
- Outdoor patio.
The project is a joint effort between Area E and Chetwynd, with a virtual house held last November to gather public input and needs. Area E will contribute two million in funding from gas taxes and their share of the Peace River Agreement, while the District of Chetwynd will provide one million in funding.
The remainder of funding will come from grants and $950,000 in borrowing through the PRRD. A fund will also be established to take corporate and public donations towards the replacement project, overseen by the Northeast British Columbia Community Foundation.
You can view the concept design for the new library here:
Attach - Chetwynd Library Design Concept 2021-10-13 by Tom Summer on Scribd
Tom Summer, Alaska Highway News, Local Journalism Initiative. Email Tom at [email protected]
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