Work begins at site of new main library branch

Did you notice a little movement at the site of the new main library on Burwell Street this week?

Construction crews were on site to start work on the new branch that is expected to be open to the public by 2024.

Crews were assessing the condition of the bell tower and inspecting underground soil conditions of the heritage building Machinery was on site most of the week and fencing was erected to signify the start of the project This initial work will help inform the development of a heritage restoration plan as the project gets underway, according to a press release issued by the County of Brant Library this week.

Located at 13 Burwell Street in Paris, Ontario, the Bawcutt Centre (formerly known as the Paris Old Town Hall) was built in 1854 and is one of the oldest Gothic Revival-style buildings in Canada. In 2020, the location was designated a National Historic Site and on September 24, 2021, it was announced as the future location of the County of Brant Public Library’s new Main Branch Library. At the heart of its community, the building will be restored as a cultural cornerstone for County of Brant residents.

The project is guided by a Steering Group composed of Library Board members and the

As work got underway at the site of the new main library branch at 13 Burwell Street this week, Paris Councillor Steve Howes took the opportunity to chat with TV and Film Producer and author, Linda Schuyler about the new building. Schuyler was at a book launch in Brantford promoting her new book The Mother of All Degrassi: A Memoir. Linda grew up in Paris, and after a great career in TV and Film production, she returned in 2016 to donate $1 Million to the County towards the purchase of the old Town Hall. The building is now named the Bawcutt Centre, in honour of Linda’s family. Her dad Jack Bawcutt was the Mayor of Paris for many years. He passed away in 2021.

Bawcutt Centre Advisory Committee. Pending Council approval of the final project design and budget, construction is expected to begin in 2023 and be completed in 2024

Last month, DPAI Architects & SZA Architects unveiled the new design which incorporates the heritage of the Old Town Hall with a sleek, modern addition

Coming up with a design that couples both history and modern day was an exciting challenge, said primary DPAI Architect David Premi.

“With an eye on sustainability, the greenest building is something that already exists, and it’s a Nationally dedicated building,” he said, referring to the Old Town Hall built in 1854, and now called the Bawcutt Centre.

“We needed to find architectural language that looks contemporary but speaks to the heritage ”