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HomeNewsSmithers to start preparing third library building grant application

Smithers to start preparing third library building grant application

Talks around a new library building were had at tonight’s (Tuesday) Smithers council meeting.

A motion to begin working on an application for the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program would help offset the project’s cost.

In 2018, the project was estimated to cost about $16 million, which Councilor Laura Leonard touched on.

“Back then, the community thought it was excessive. I’m not disputing we need a new library, we do, but I think for a community of our size, we have to be sensible of the spend and the size,” she said.

A more recent estimate gave the project a $24 million price tag.

“We can have the best pie in the sky and most wonderful space, but if we can’t get the grant funding because it’s too anything then it’s actually a waste of everybody’s time,” said Councilor Sam Raven.

Funds currently raised, grants, and tax dollars are currently being looked at in combination to pay for the project.

Councilor Frank Wray also mentioned two other funding routes that wouldn’t lead to tax increases.

“We could take out the money over five years and use most of the Resource Benefit Alliance (RBA) money each year,” he said.

The other idea was to use funds from the RBA, provided it continues past the promised five years, to pay for some of the project and later servicing costs.

Council approved going ahead with reviewing the plans developed in 2018 and source funding to create shovel ready plans for future funding opportunities.

They also hope to make an application to the federal grant next year.

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