Proposed Design Concepts for New Main Branch Library

The design of the new additions should not steer your attention away from the main building. I think using materials like black metal cladding and red brick would do just that. Using as much glass as possible for the addition would not only make the inside of the space feel open and airy, but it would also complement the main building. The additions should be LEED certified and include natural elements such as a living wall. Inside, an area should be dedicated to educating visitors about the history of the building including its gothic revival architecture and its many uses over the years. In terms of parking, I would consider how the spaces might be misused - given the number of tourists we see in the downtown and the lack of parking available in the summer months. Very happy to see this gem of a building saved and adaptive reuse being implemented! Cannot wait to see the end result! :)

Hi,
Looking forward to the new library in Paris.
It would be great if we have e-learning access to online course services such as LinkedIn learning, Udemy, Gale courses…and so on like we have in Hamilton or Toronto public libraries.

Hi,
Would there be any library access card/account for residents to access learning resources online from home/outside library? Would like to know more about the digital learning offerings that are being proposed.

Hi, it would be nice if there was a coffee shop in the library, perhaps one with a separate entrance so it can be open even if the library is closed. Multi-use spaces can help the library be better utilized.

The County has established a 2050 goal of being net carbon neutral, and this building will most likely still be in operation. The SD presentation demonstrates that the Steering Group set no sustainability goals with the design team. This project, along with future buildings being funded through the County should incorporate a set of sustainability goals. For this specific project, it is recommended that the Steering Group incorporate the CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Standard (performance or design). This standard does a great job of establishing energy use intensity targets, addressing embodied carbon, and formalizing a transition plan if the project must proceed with fossil fuels (i.e. natural gas).

I strongly believe that the design team assembled can make this transition and incorporate this design standard into this project.

There was mention of geothermal being considered for this project. Though site logistics are tight, the site is not located with a Wellhead Protection Area (WHPA) or an intake protection zone. This presents a great opportunity to utilize a product that is proven and can help reduce GHG emissions for this project. If geothermal is proven to be not feasible, it should be duly noted in the DD presentation or at the CD stage.

For a new building that is to keep up to the growing use. Would it not make sense to put in full floors? You can still have the large windows to feel open ,but have useable floor space. and have a glassed wall to see the old building. The open space and glass walk way is not good use for the square footage. You want to maximize all the space and make it visually appealing as well.

Not enough parking for functions other than the library. Syl Apps would be a better location for a convention centre.
Poor access points. Traffic is already chaotic.
Noise and traffic and parking concerns for local residents and businesses.
Balcony on new structure facing Dumfries impinges on the privacy of neighbours.
Will there be noise curfews for weddings etc.
Not enough parking for large functions, which will spill out onto an already congested neighbourhood.
Don’t compare this to Toronto. They have large city parking lots and a mass transit system. I lived there for 22 years. You cannot conflate this bedroom community with a city of 3 million.

@AmyMesereau - we believe we can fit 37 spaces on the site and have proposed an option to add 29 spaces underground for a total of 66 parking spaces if budget allows. The Opera Hall/performance space will have a capacity of approx. 150 people. Thanks for your question. Regards, Kelly Bernstein

We would love a larger space for children’s programs. The Christmas craft night was a lot of fun we hope to see those again with some more space. Also to be used for other programs offered in the summer as well as a tech/coding space.

I'm wondering how many parking spots are included in this design? If there is an opera hall, what is the capacity of this space and where will they all park? As a resident of Dumfries st, I know street parking is already difficult at night.