WINNIPEG, MB - Funding required to replace or renovate city libraries will be set aside in the 2013 Preliminary Capital Budget, to be tabled at Executive Policy Committee tomorrow.
Mayor Sam Katz announced the Library Facility Redevelopment Strategy in July, 2012. The following libraries have been identified to be replaced: Charleswood (2013), Windsor Park (2013), Transcona (2014), River Heights (2015), Westwood (2017), St. James (2018) and West Kildonan (2020).
At a news conference today, Deputy Mayor and Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance Russ Wyatt and St. Vital Councillor Brian Mayes announced that the St. Vital Library will undergo renovations in 2013.
"The St. Vital Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year," said Councillor Mayes. "I am pleased that the City of Winnipeg will be renovating this fine example of mid-century modern architecture and keeping the doors to a neighbourhood landmark open."
While the exact cost to renovate the St. Vital Library has yet to be determined, preliminary estimates indicate it will be approximately $1.8 million.
The overall Library Facility Redevelopment Strategy will cost $24.6 million between 2013 and 2018. An additional $1.8 million has been allocated for new furniture and shelving over the same period.
"All of these facilities are 50 years or older and require complete rebuilding or renovation," said Deputy Mayor Wyatt. "They lack many of the amenities that modern public libraries provide their patrons, and I am pleased to see that the financial commitment is being made as part of the budget process to support this redevelopment strategy."