Work Continues on the Georgetown Library Project

Although shovels are not arriving until next spring, work continues behind the scenes on the renovation/expansion of the Georgetown Branch Library. The architects for the project (John Knox and Stephen Blood of Chamberlain Architect Services Ltd.) have made some further refinements to the design, specifically to the windows facing Market St. and the entrance on Church St., following a number of constructive comments received at a community open house in October. The windows on Market St. are now in the shape of a broad and gentle arch to harmonize with the arched windows of the church, but have additional features that give the windows a more modern ‘’look and feel’. The windows will be large, allowing lots of natural light to enter both the upper and lower floors. The windows of the Church St. entrance have been enlarged so that people can have a greater view of the inside, and we hope, be enticed by what they see. There will also be a vestibule at the entrance, where people can wait comfortably and be sheltered in bad weather. It’s important to note that the entrance will be at street level, maximizing both visibility and accessibility to the building. The goal is to make the renewed Georgetown Branch Library universally accessible, so much thought will be given to making it easy for people with wheelchairs or walking aids to use the library’s services. Response to the latest design has been very positive to date.

Additional work will be done on the interior over the next few months so that we are ready for the tendering process which will begin in the fall. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2011, with completion of the project scheduled for the fall of 2012. For more information on the project, including the latest designs, please visit the Library’s website at www.hhpl.on.ca.

It appears that the Library is closer to finalizing a lease for the Holy Cross Church on Maple Avenue, which will serve as a temporary site for the Georgetown Library during the 15-18 months of construction. The expectation is that the Georgetown Library will be moving to the Holy Cross Church no later than March 31, 2011. Before the Georgetown Library moves in, a number of improvements will be made including the addition of a wheelchair lift, new paint, carpeting, and lighting.

A report will be going forward to Council on March 22nd regarding a possible geothermal system for the Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre. The testing of the site has proved positive. In other words, the geology below ground appears to be able to conduct sufficient heat to support a geothermal system for the Georgetown Library/Cultural Centre. The report to Council will discuss the details of the test, and proposed next steps.