Brant County Council gives green light to new main branch library plans

After two hours of debate and discussion, council approves the $37.7 million project that’s ready to move forward

The main entrance to the building will be through the new addition, not the Bawcutt Centre. As you step into the main entrance (below right), you will have a beautiful atrium view that shows open concept through both levels, with a breathtaking view that accentuates where the new building meets the old building. The ground floor of the Bawcutt Centre will hold library collections, lounge space and a reading area. The main entrance to the Opera Hall will be utilized for after hour events, such as theatre performances, banquets, awards ceremonies, etc. Continued on page 7

By Casandra Turnbull

The New Main Library Branch in Paris received Brant County Council’s stamp of approval this past week as the project will take some big steps towards getting a shovel in the ground With this approval, the county will now issue requests for tender from prequalified contractors to construct the sleek looking 27,800 square foot facility that comes with a $37,770,000 price tag.

“We are thrilled to have Council’s support to move the new Main Branch Library to the next steps,” says Kelly Bernstein, Library CEO. “This library will be a cultural anchor where the community can gather, learn, and grow. It’s an honour to have the opportunity to preserve a vital piece of our community’s heritage for future generations."

To help cover some of that cost, which is subject to change throughout the construction process, $13,489,000 will be included in the 2024 Capital Budget with funding components from reserves and development charges while the New Library Steering Committee hopes to see $10 million covered through Heritage and other Federal and Provincial Grants and local fundraising The Steering Group will now shift its focus to fundraising in the months ahead Of the total estimated costs, $12 8 million is designated to heritage restoration of the Old Town Hall and Opera House while $15 4 million will be earmarked for the new addition.

DPAI Architect Inc, of Hamilton, was awarded the project last summer. They were chosen to create designs for the project that oversee the full restoration of the Gothic-

Revival-style building and its opera hall They spent time researching the location and the building itself. Drones were used to take aerial pictures of the land; geo technology was used to test the soil, as well as extensive site surveys; lidar lighting was used to scan the building and that scan was translated into a 3D digital model. The building info model (BIM) is the next revolution of Autocad, explains lead architect David Premi This gave designers a unique look at the barebones of the building so they could see what required restoration or renovations It allowed them to examine how they would preserve the heritage and best utilize the stunning space as the cornerstone of the new branch.

“We wanted the Bawcutt Centre to stand on its own as the most prominent piece,” said Premi during the public open house earlier this year He added once finished, the Bawcutt Centre will be restored to its original beauty. So, the architects purposely designed the new addition to stand back from the Bawcutt Centre, allowing it to be the focal point of the project

During Brant County Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors, at the request of the library Steering Committee, directed staff to investigate parking opportunities on adjacent streets Site preparation, including the demolition of a 1964 addition, will begin in July. Designs will be finalized and put to tender this summer and return to Council for approvals this fall. Once approved, construction is anticipated to take approximately 24 months

The upper level of the new addition will house more collections, meeting rooms and a teen space. The upper level of the Bawcutt Centre boasts the beautiful, original Opera Hall features and will serve as a quiet space for library users during the day but events in the evening. All shelving and tables will be portable and easy to put away when the library closes.