Winnipeg, MB - The Manitoba government and the City of Winnipeg are providing funds toward an $850,000 upgrade to the St. Vital Library, Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell and Brian Mayes, City Councillor for St. Vital announced today.
“Libraries play an important role in communities, providing a familiar place to read and conduct research, excellent educational programming, access to technology and other valuable services,” said Minister Caldwell. “These critical upgrades will make sure the St. Vital Library can be enjoyed for many years to come.”
The province and the city will each provide $425,000 toward the overall cost of renovations to the library, which is more than 50 years old. Upgrades to the building’s fire and emergency systems, heating and cooling ventilation, and exterior improvements are all included in this major project.
An elevator was also recently installed in the library to improve accessibility to all three floors. Funding for this renovation was provided by the City of Winnipeg through capital budgets as part of the city’s library redevelopment strategy.
"I have been coming to this library for 45 years and I am genuinely moved to say that for the first time, all of the children's collection is going to be accessible to all children," said Brian Mayes, City Councillor for St. Vital.
Funding for this project comes from the Building Manitoba Fund, which uses a portion of tax revenues to upgrade important community infrastructure. The St Vital Library is one of several libraries accepted for upgrades under the program, including Cornish Library, St. Johns Library, and the Millennium Library.
These upgrades are part of the Manitoba/Winnipeg Infrastructure Agreement, a six-year program investing $220 million in long-term projects within the city.
For more information on Winnipeg Public Library, including hours, locations, and online services, please visit winnipeg.ca/library.