1. Who is responsible for this project?

The Halton Hills Public Library Board is ultimately responsible for the Georgetown Branch Renovation/Expansion project. However, the Board has delegated responsibility for overseeing the details of this project to the Georgetown Branch Planning Committee. The Committee is comprised of members of the Library Board, senior Library and Town staff, and the architects of Chamberlain Architect Services Ltd. The public will also be consulted at key points in the design process. Together those responsible for the project will ensure that the new Georgetown Branch is functional, accessible, attractive, and that it complements the historic features of the church.

2. What will the project cost?

I have received a number of queries about the cost of this project. Accurate cost estimates will not be available until the design is finalized. These costs will be presented to the Library Board and Council before construction commences. The budget approved by Council as part of their Library Facilities Financing presentation in January 2006 is $8 million.

1. Where do I find more background on the Georgetown Branch Project?

For access to key background documents, e.g., the Facility/Site Study, please go to this page on the Library's web site:

http://www.library.hhpl.on.ca/FacilityStudy.asp

If you are looking for more information on the latest trends in public library design, you might consult this recent article entitled: "How to Make Your Library Great", which can be found at:

http://www.pps.org/info/newsletter/april2007/library_attributes

1. What features will you be looking to add/change?

The architects are in the process of developing some conceptual designs, which they will present to the public on Wednesday, June 13th, 2007, Gellert Centre (Kinsmen Hall) 7:00 p.m. Below are some of the ideas offered by staff:
· increase the amount of space in the lobby and entrance area and make it more visible
·create a layout that is more accessible for wheelchair users, and people with strollers
·have much more space for all collections while avoiding use of very low and high shelves
· incorporate environmentally friendly technology at every opportunity
· maximize the natural light
· decrease the sound that travels
· offer more seating/study choices, including conversation spaces
· provide a larger, sound proof children’s programming area
· make it convenient for busy people to use the library (e.g., self-checkout, self check-in,) Note: wireless will be introduced this year
· improve space for storing/displaying special materials (local history resources; art collections)
·provide more Internet stations
·have a floor plan/signage that makes it easy to find what you need
·install good lighting throughout
·ensure that both the outside and inside ’look’ complement and integrate well with the historic features of the church

The architect will be considering these ideas and the many other ideas arising from the public surveys, and recent consultation sessions with Town Council, Town Department Heads, community leaders, and the Library Board.

2. What are the timelines?

As mentioned, there will be a public meeting on June 13th to view and respond to the architects’ conceptual drawings. After this public meeting, the architects will be bringing the preferred drawings to the Board for their approval. Drawings approved by the Board and their associated cost estimates will then be presented to Council. It is expected that this will happen in the early fall.

For the remainder of 2007 and part of 2008, the architects and staff will be developing and refining the design. Actual construction is slated to begin mid-2008. Construction will continue for most of 2009, with the new Georgetown Branch opening in early 2010.

3. How can the public participate in this process?

The public is always welcome to submit suggestions/questions to my attention. However, I would also recommend that anyone interested come to the public consultation session scheduled for Wednesday, June 13th, Gellert Centre (Kinsmen Hall), 7 p.m. No pre-registration required. Everyone is welcome. You will get a chance to meet the architects, Mr. John Knox and Mr. Stephen Blood, to see their conceptual drawings, and to ask questions.

1. Where are you expanding? What areas will be affected in this expansion/renovation?

In 2006, the Town acquired the property immediately to the south of the Library. This enabled the Library to consider a significant expansion at the current location. The existing branch structure and those spaces shared with the Cultural Centre will be extensively renovated and constructed so as to integrate well with the new addition. Shared spaces with the Cultural Centre include the entrance, the lobby, the public washrooms and the loading dock area.

2. Who is doing the design? What is their background?

The Halton Hills Public Library Board has contracted with Chamberlain Architect Services Ltd. for design and engineering services. Chamberlain has considerable experience with public library construction--in the last 10 years, they have built 8 public libraries across Ontario, several of which required the integration of historic buildings. We are proud to be associated with such a well-regarded architectural firm, which has won three awards for their public library designs. The senior staff, and members of the Board are also heavily involved in the project through a planning committee, and will ensure that the new Georgetown Branch is functional, accessible, attractive, and that it complements the historic features of the church.