Chetwynd Public Library Project

How did you decide on the design? 

The concept for the library building was developed with input from the community at large including library users and stakeholders, library staff, members of the Library Board, elected officials from the District of Chetwynd and the Peace River Regional District. The building was formally designed by a professional architecture firm.

The design takes the following into consideration; 

• How the existing building is being used;
• What works and doesn’t work with the existing building;
• What programming is offered by the library;
• What programming is being requested by patrons in the library; and
• Best practices and current trends in libraries.

What spaces are going to be included in the new library?

In addition to all of the great services and spaces offered in the current library, the new library design will have the following spaces;

• Approximately 8,600 square feet
• Storytelling Space (features large windows, a fireplace with comfortable seating overlooking the Rec Centre Grounds)
• Multi-purpose Room (seats over 50 people & divides into two spaces which can be kept open to the main library space, or closed when needed) 
• Outdoor Patio (covered outdoor patio with an entrance to the library next to the café & overlooking the skate park) 
• Children’s Program Room (a new room for children’s programs located next to the children’s stacks)
• Teen Seating Area (a soft seating area next to the teen stacks and makerspace)
• Makerspace & Virtual Reality Room (a room to use makerspace & virtual reality equipment) 
• Café & Open Seating (next to the entrance to the outdoor covered patio & adjacent inside to the table and soft seating areas) 
• Public Computers (space for public computers and to plug in laptops) 
• Main Floor Storage (3 storage spaces for easy access to stored equipment, supplies & books) 

What other features are going to be included in the new library? 

• Fully accessible;
• More energy efficient;
• Integrated with the recreation centre – still located centrally;
• Gender inclusive;
• Wi-fi capabilities; and 
• Cultural displays.

Where is the proposed location for the new library? 

The new library is proposed to be located between on the Rec Centre grounds near to the skate park. 

How did you decide on the location? 

• The location of the library was determined through public engagement in 2017, and endorsed by the District of Chetwynd, District and Chetwynd Rec Centre, and the Peace River Regional District. 
• While many locations were considered, this location was chosen as it has a strong visual presence from the highway, and is conveniently a short walking distance from schools and the District and Chetwynd Rec Centre. There is no cost to acquire land at the proposed location. The location keeps community services within the same general area. 
• It was also important to the Advisory Committee that the current facility stay open to the public during the construction phase, so the existing location was not considered ideal. The current library location also didn’t allow for any increased size and the parking would have remained a challenge. 

Will there be food service in the new library?  

Yes, a space has been allocated for a food service area in the new library. There will be seating available for folks to sit in the library and enjoy a book over a coffee.  

Who helped to come up with this design? 

The design was developed with staff, Library Board, Elected Officials, and professional input. 

Why not repair the existing building? 

The current building was built over 70 years ago, with multiple additions and has some challenges including;

• Ventilation issues;
• Excessive drafts in winter;
• Multiple leaks in the past have resulted in some water damage;
• Lighting is obsolete;
• Electrical needs to be updated;
• Plumbing issues, it is not commercially plumbed;
• Windows need to be replaced;
• Roofing issues and poor design resulting in ongoing issues;
• Outside is in need of updating; and 
• Repair will not provide the added space necessary for the growing community and new programs.

 How will this project be funded? 

This project will be funded through grant contributions from government and non-government sources.

A number of community partners have 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 (Community Fundraising) $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

What will this project cost me as a taxpayer? 

• No taxation will be collected for the capital construction of the facility. 
• The project team has raised a significant portion of funding through government grants and other funding sources. 

Can we make changes to the design? What if there is a space that we'd like but don't see included? 

The design has been finalized and cannot be changed.

How long until we can use the new library?

Construction will begin in early summer 2022, with completion and grand opening expected in July, 2023. 

Why are we building a library now, when taxes could be spent on the healthcare system?

• Health care is a provincial and federal responsibility and is administered separately from any services provided by your local governments; the Peace River Regional District and District of Chetwynd.
• Providing access to cultural and educational programming in an updated facility will make Chetwynd a more desirable place to work and will help to make the community a more appealing place for health care workers to live and stay.

What will happen to the old library building?

As the library building is The District of Chetwynd's property, it will be up to the District on what will happen to the old building.

How do I find the engagement results from 2021?

You can view a summary of the engagement results by clicking here, or viewing them in the Important Documents tab on the right hand side of this page.