Library Redevelopment Strategy targets eight libraries for replacement

Released: July 3, 2012 at 1:31 p.m.

WINNIPEG, MB - July 3, 2012 - The City of Winnipeg Public Service is recommending that eight Winnipeg Public Library facilities be replaced beginning in 2013, with seven new facilities. The recommendation was made under the Library Facility Redevelopment Strategy report released today.

Library facilities that the report identifies as needing replacement include: Charleswood, St. Vital, Windsor Park, Transcona, River Heights, Westwood, St. James, and West Kildonan.

"Libraries are a tremendous asset in our communities. In addition to being places of learning and research, they are gathering places, where everyone is welcome and there is no cost to participate," said Mayor Sam Katz. "At the City of Winnipeg, we believe that's something to protect and treasure. This report calls for the replacement of some of our older, cramped library facilities with modern, accessible buildings that can easily accommodate community activities and programming."

Of the eight branches identified in the report as needing replacement, all are approaching 50 years or older, require renovation and maintenance, and have significant accessibility and functional layout issues. The eight locations also lack many of the amenities that modern public libraries provide their customers.

If approved, the first steps in the redevelopment process would see the Charleswood, St. Vital and Windsor Park Libraries replaced starting in 2013 at an approximate cost of $6,776,000. Funding for these library replacements is in the current capital budget.

The report being released today outlines a strategy for Council's consideration as part of the capital budget process with an estimated cost of just under $21 million. Each new facility would be strategically located for maximum visibility, be universally accessible to meet the needs of all citizens, support the City's Green Building Policy and be aesthetically attractive buildings that are key destinations points in the community

Proposed dates for the replacement of the facilities are as follows:

  • Charleswood (2013)
  • St. Vital / Windsor Park (amalgamation of existing facilities) (2013)
  • Transcona (2014)
  • River Heights (2015)
  • Westwood (2017)
  • St. James - Assiniboia (2018)
  • West Kildonan (2020)

The Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services will consider the report on July 5, 2012.

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