Cookstown library could hit the pocket books
By Chris Simon

A schematic design for the proposed Cookstown library and community centre.

Cookstown's proposed new library and community centre could cost $3.5 million to build, a figure that is higher than original estimates, according to preliminary reports released last week.

Architects released preliminary designs for the building, which is scheduled to be built on the current Cookstown Fairgrounds site near Highway 89, during an Innisfil council meeting last Wednesday. If approved as currently designed, the library would cost over $1.6 million to build, while construction of the facility's community space is pegged at about $1.2 million. Additional costs include lighting, the expansion of parking space, and the construction of a new driveway and sidewalk, said Gary Stanhope, vice president of MHPM Project Managers.

"We're in the very early stages of schematic design," he said. "We started by developing, conceptually, how we could place the building on the site chosen. We're still working through this and looking for ways to bring the costs down. We understand the sensitivities the town has for overall costs. This is a number that is higher than anticipated."

A schematic look at the outside of the proposed Cookstown library and community centre, as presented to town council last week. The Innisfil Public Library hopes the building will be constructed by the end of next year.

Once complete, the building would have several upgrades over the current Cookstown library. It would have over 9,000 square feet of space, and include adult, young adults and childrens sections, program, community and informal "living" rooms, and office space.

"There is significant site work," said Stanhope. "There is some additional components to this project, because of the site sensitivities, that have increased our costs from an estimate standpoint."

An outdoor reading garden and folding partition walls are also a part of the design.

"A lot of the book shelving will be portable and removable, so you can have it set up in one way, then moved. The partitions, when moved out of the way, can accommodate special occasions," said Gerry Shoalts, owner of Shoalts and Zaback Architects.

"It's the way to make the best use out of the space you have."

Outside, the centre could also feature a baseball diamond, running track, soccer pitch, tennis courts, multi-use concrete surface and a children's spray pad.

Innisfil Public Library chair Lillian Owen says the site would benefit the community in several ways.

"The people of Cookstown having been waiting a long time to get a decent library. If you visited the library there, you would see they really are in need of some better services," she said.

"It's an opportunity for the town to make a presence there by having some meeting rooms. (Residents) are very excited about having a place to go. There (would) be a new library, with new programs. It's a win/win."

Owen hopes the site will be built by the end of 2008.

"We are optimistic. The (town's) capital budget (is being discussed) next week, and we hope we get approval," she said.