CBRM council told new library should be built on site of existing facility

After more than 15 years of debate over various locations, a recent study has suggested that the Cape Breton Regional Municipality should construct a new central library on the site of the existing facility in downtown Sydney. The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Library board commissioned Dartmouth-based consulting firm Fathom Studios to evaluate five properties in or near downtown Sydney, with the current location on Falmouth Street emerging as the top choice.

Deputy Mayor Eldon MacDonald expressed his preference for the Falmouth Street location, emphasizing the challenges that may arise in finding a temporary space to house the library during the demolition of the 65-year-old building and the construction of a new one. However, he viewed this as a positive challenge if it leads to the creation of a modern library facility.

In addition to the current James McConnell Memorial Library site, the study considered the old courthouse on Wentworth Park, which was previously dismissed by several councillors due to its age and structural concerns. Other properties assessed included the empty Bargain Shop storefront on Charlotte Street, the vacant building formerly occupied by the Cape Breton Post on Dorchester, and an empty lot at the corner of Prince and George streets.

The study evaluated criteria such as construction costs, environmental considerations, proximity to amenities like bus routes and daycare facilities, and views of the waterfront. The existing library site scored the highest at 84%, while the other properties tied for second place at 62%, and the courthouse ranked last at 47%.

Mayor Cecil Clarke indicated that the study results will be presented at a future council meeting for consideration regarding funding priorities. If the decision is made to proceed with a new library, the council will need to determine whether to fund the construction directly or lease the facility from a developer.

While the current library location appears to be the most suitable option, Mayor Clarke emphasized that the final decision is subject to council approval. In the past, a proposal to build a new library on the downtown waterfront was rejected due to cost concerns.

Deputy Mayor MacDonald highlighted the strategic advantages of the existing library location, particularly its proximity to the Nova Scotia Community College and the YMCA, both of which offer daycare services. He outlined the next steps for the project, including securing funding, developing a design, and overseeing construction, with a goal of opening the new library to the public within approximately four years.

Estimates suggest that the cost of a new library could exceed $30 million, considering inflation since the initial projections. The CBRM has allocated $1.5 million towards the project, but additional funding from other levels of government will be necessary to complete the endeavor.

In conclusion, the potential construction of a new central library in Cape Breton Regional Municipality represents a significant development for the community, with the hope of creating a modern and accessible facility for residents to enjoy.