Chetwynd Public Library Project

We have been busy since the last update in November! Check out the latest construction update by clicking the 'fullscreen' icon below:

The PRRD posts regular updates on the construction of the Chetwynd Public Library to its Facebook page. The public are encouraged to follow along by checking out the timelapse camera that is installed on the site.

November 16, 2022
Construction continues, PRRD shifts from weekly to monthly Construction Cam updates on social media

June 13, 2022
Construction begins on the new Chetwynd Public Library!

May 20, 2022
Construction on the new Chetwynd Public Library is scheduled to begin on June 13, 2022!

April 7, 2022

On Friday, June 3, 2022 the Chetwynd Public Library project marked a milestone when shovels hit the site of the new library grounds for the first time. The event commemorated the life of Yvonne Elden, a tireless community leader in Chetwynd who was instrumental in establishing the first library as a member of the Little Prairie Ladies Club.

A number of community partners also announced their commitment to the project and community by making the following contributions:

• Family of Yvonne Elden $5,000
• Northeast BC Community Foundation Yvonne Elden Fund $5,215
• Canfor - Chetwynd Sawmill (lumber valued at $9,335)
• West Fraser - Chetwynd Forest Industries (lumber valued at $11,858)
• Coastal GasLink $50,000
• Surerus Murphy Joint Venture $50,000
• Northern Development Initiative Trust $300,000
• District of Chetwynd $1,000,000
• Peace River Regional District Area 'E' $2,930,092
• Chetwynd Public Library Association $840,000

The Peace River Regional District, District of Chetwynd, Chetwynd Library Board and Chetwynd Library Advisory Committee sincerely thanks all donors for their contributions and all of the community support the project has seen to date.

The Chetwynd Public Library project will mark a milestone on June 3, 2022 when shovels hit the site of the new library grounds for the first time. The event will also commemorate the life of Yvonne Elden, a tireless community leader in Chetwynd who was instrumental in establishing the first library as a member of the Little Prairie Ladies Club.

Join us and our community partners in celebrating this important milestone on June 3, 2022 at 3:00 pm west of the skate park on the North Access Road in Chetwynd.

Location: The event will be held at the site of the new library, west of the skate park on North Access Road in Chetwynd.

Hosted by: The Peace River Regional District in partnership with the District of Chetwynd, Chetwynd Library Advisory Committee, and the Chetwynd Public Library Association.

2016
At the request of the District of Chetwynd and the Chetwynd Library Board, the Peace River Regional District started work on examining the options to either upgrade the current library or build a new library in Chetwynd. Funds were budgeted by the Regional District to conduct a feasibility study which included forming an Advisory Committee and hiring a consultant specializing in library services to lead the project. The Advisory Committee consists of the Library Executive Director, Library Board members, and the PRRD Electoral E Director.

This study recommended that a new library is needed to replace the existing facility and should be built on the Chetwynd Rec Centre property, which is central to other community features.

2017
After the final report for the first phase of the project was concluded, the decision was made to hire an architect to complete a concept design and cost estimate for the project.

2018
A design was completed by an architect working with the Advisory Committee. The design was to go public but was cancelled, as the committee felt the cost was too high. The decision was made to apply for a grant from the Provincial and Federal Government that could fund up to 90% of the capital costs for a new facility.

2019
The grant application was submitted in January 2019 and results were to be made public in summer 2019.

2020
The PRRD was notified that the grant application was unsuccessful.

2021
A project team was hired to design and build a new facility, based on guidance from the Chetwynd Library Advisory Committee, Chetwynd Public Library Board, Library staff, Peace River Regional District, and District of Chetwynd.

2022
Contract awarded to construction firm, groundbreaking ceremony takes place in June.

2023
Construction continues with anticipated opening of the new building in September, 2023.

Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey for the Chetwynd Public Library Replacement Project! Your engagement and important feedback from the survey will help move forward on the project.

You can now find a summary of the responses by clicking here.

Thank you to everyone who joined the virtual open house on November 3rd. The meeting recording is now available to watch on the PRRD YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/qZ_346GADHE

Members of the project team and library advisory committee spoke about the design, features, and funding for the new facility, and answered some frequently asked questions received this far!