Council back to square one with library project

By Vernon Daily Courier staff Friday, September 21, 2007

It isn‘t a new plan, but right now, at least it‘s a plan. Vernon City Council is entertaining an idea first proposed by councillors three years ago for a new library. Coun. Jack Gilroy said he hopes council and the public will revisit and move forward with a plan that includes an expansion of the current site, including a larger first floor library, two levels above for civic use and a parkade below. “It isn‘t something new – we didn‘t dream this one up,” he said, adding council is looking at some preliminary plans, surveyors‘ cost estimates and architects‘ input. This plan differs from the one halted by the alternate approval process in that it would use up less of the civic lands.

On Wednesday the Okanagan Regional Library Board agreed to extend its agreement with city to support a new facility in Vernon. Their support includes a $9 million commitment. Gilroy said that money could cover the library‘s expansion and a future referendum could determine the fate and use of the upper two floors. “I hope that‘s the course it takes, but that‘ll be a council vote,” said Gilroy. Mayor Wayne Lippert said he wants to see the former plan revived as well. “I like the site that we‘ve proposed for it. I would like to see something here and that‘s my hope, but ultimately it will be council‘s decision.” Like others on city council, Lippert feels it‘s time to make the library vision a reality. “The library has been trying to do something for well over five years and some people said at the meeting yesterday this is going back nearly 10 years, so it‘s something that‘s been deemed a need in the community.” Council will be discussing the library/civic complex at their next regular meeting Sept. 24 and they are expected to host an open meeting on the issue with the public on Oct. 5.