The City of Vernon has put out a request for expressions of interest regarding the construction of a new library facility. Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert said the city will accept submissions from contractors until June 7. Although soliciting interest is one of the first steps that must be completed before building starts, work on the project should begin soon. “We‘d like to see it starting this fall,” said Lippert. According to Lippert, the total cost the city will bear is yet to be determined. “The library is in for $9 million but (the total cost) depends on who else will be in the building,” said Lippert. If the city needs to borrow money to finance the project, public approval must be demonstrated either through a referendum or through what is known as “alternative appr
oval process.” Under this system, the city is required to publish its intentions in a newspaper; if 10 per cent of the electorate write to the city expressing disapproval of the plan, the city cannot proceed. “(The method) hasn‘t been decided yet, there is lots that has to be done first” said Lippert. The total cost of the 6,178 square metre building, which includes a 100-space underground parking lot, is estimated to be $28 million. The library board will break from their usual practice of leasing the facilities they use and purchase their space in the new building. “The library does own other buildings and they want to own this one so they can save some money. Once they pay off the $9 million all they have is operating costs,” said Lippert. The new building will be built on the parking lot of the civic complex, where the RCMP detachment, City Hall, museum and library are currently situated. The new three-storey building will contain the library on the first floor and a variety of offices on the second and third floors.
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