WINNIPEG, MB - To better meet the needs of patrons, the Windsor Park Library will be relocating to a new, larger, modern building at the Bonivital Pool site as part of a multi-use facility supporting recreation, leisure and community programming.
“Our library redevelopment strategy calls for the replacement of some of our older libraries, like the existing Windsor Park Library, with modern new facilities that are better able to accommodate community activities and programming,” said Scott Fielding, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services. “I expect the new Bonivital multi-use complex to become a gathering space for families in south Winnipeg.”
The new library will be a signature building of approximately 8,000 square feet on one floor and will address City of Winnipeg universal design standards. The building will be designed and constructed according to green building standards, in support of the City’s Green Building Policy.
“This is a fantastic project that will turn the Windsor Park Library into a first-class regional centre,” said area Councillor Dan Vandal (St. Boniface). “We’re building for the future, making this library accessible to people of all different ages and abilities and ensuring that we can support all the technology that people have come to rely upon.”
Construction of a new Windsor Park Library has been identified as one of the first projects to get underway as part of the library’s Long-term Redevelopment Strategy. The strategy was approved by the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Service in July 2012 and is outlined in the 2013 Preliminary Capital Budget.
Preliminary construction estimates for the new library are $4 million. The 2013 Preliminary Capital Budget sets aside the necessary funds for this project under Library Facility Redevelopment - New Infrastructure.
The new facility will include a multi-purpose programming room, tutorial rooms and space for a collection of approximately 35,000 items. There will be increased computer access, public study and leisure space for patrons. The new library will also accommodate parking for up to 40 vehicles.
The existing Windsor Park Library was built in 1961 and is a 6,626 square foot two floor building with limited parking and accessibility. Currently, the library circulates approximately 120,000 items per year and serves a catchment area of approximately 28,000 people.
Construction of the new library is expected to begin in 2013, with occupancy in 2014.