LETTER

New project for the library: Aylmer can do better

 

After reading the document "Choix d'emplacement Bibliothèque Lucy-Faris", which shows only general numbers with no justification or comparison, I'm quite concerned with the delay and the price.

They say it will cost at least $29.8 million for a two-storey library building at 115 rue Principale, or $44 million for four storeys ($55 million including demolition and relocation). Plus, it will take a minimum of 5.5 years to build, if it's a two-storey one.

There was a new, environmentally self-sufficient library built in Varennes a few years ago that cost $10 million and took 2 years – from the date the old library closed to the date the new one opened, with the demolition of the old library and relocation included.

As well, the construction of the entire Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal took 4 years, including the demolition of the huge old building in the chosen location.

We know that Aylmer has construction firms that are able to build large buildings much more quickly.  Witness the condos L'Initial being put up at Galeries Aylmer - two years from start to finish, or Le Square Wilfrid, including underground parking.

I hope our elected officials find ways to get a more reasonable time to completion and price. The idea of keeping it on rue Principale was to support our local businesses too. Having a giant hole in heart of the area for at least 5.5 years hardly seems to be the answer.

Silvia Lugo
Aylmer