In a long and winding tale that has had its fair share of big nights in council chambers, tonight might be the biggest one of all.
A special meeting Tuesday night at 6 p.m. will determine the immediate future of a new Guelph main branch library in Downtown Guelph, a discussion that has been going on for more than 20 years..
A total of 28 citizens have registered to speak at Tuesday’s meeting. The city has also received 35 pieces of written correspondence.
Here’s a look at what is coming to council Tuesday:
WHAT IS HAPPENING? Library consultants KPMG will present the business plan for a new main library branch to be eventually part of the Baker Street redevelopment.
HOW BIG? 88,000 square feet, three times the size of the current main branch.
WHAT'S THE PRICE TAG? An estimated $50 million.
IS THAT THE TOTAL COST? No, it will also cost an additional $2.2 million a year to run the new facility due to increased operating costs, including 11 additional staff.
WHY DO WE NEED ONE? The current main branch is too small, lacks functionality, is outdated, has serious accessibility issues and has several building code deficiencies.
WHAT WILL COUNCIL DO? Listen to the presentation, listen to the 28 delegates scheduled to speak tonight, ask the consultants and city staff questions, make comments about the plan, then vote.
WILL THE VOTE MEAN A LIBRARY GETS BUILT? No. It's about advancing the process, although this would be a huge step forward. Tuesday's vote is on the following staff recommendations. They will likely be voted on separately:
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That the size of the library component of the Baker District Development be confirmed to be 88,000 square feet.
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That $1,9 million already set aside in the 2018 capital budget be approved for preliminary design concepts and construction costs.
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That preliminary library design concepts be coordinated with the preferred development partner and Guelph Public Library under the City of Guelph’s Tier 1 Project Management Governance and Community Engagement Framework.
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That staff explore various ownership structures for the library with the preferred development partner; including full ownership, lease to own and long-term lease and report back to council by the end of the year.
WILL THE BUSINESS PLAN BE APPROVED? Almost certainly, given the temperature of the room, but not without some serious discussion about the project’s size and finances. Council could also ask for more information before voting.
WHAT DOES THE CITY SAY? City staff is recommending council accept the business plan and move to the next stage.
WHO PAYS FOR IT? Good question. The city is still in the process of finding a development partner for the Baker Street redevelopment. The library being part of that development is a prerequisite, but how it is funded remains to be seen. Likely a combination of provincial, municipal and private partnership.
WHAT DO SUPPORTERS SAY? That the library is an essential element of our city that is used far and wide by a wide range of citizens. That it is an investment in our social fabric with many social and economic benefits.
That it will also help invigorate Downtown Guelph and add money and bring spin-off financial benefits to the city in general.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CONCERNS? That it might be too big, too costly and that the city could be spending too much on its library services.
