Best site available

Dear sir:
In response to Mr. Bourgeault’s letter concerning the new library in last Wednesday’s Times, I want to thank Dave for his ongoing interest in, and support of, the Fort Frances Public Library.
The current library building will be offered for sale. This is what other communities have done and the former libraries are now being used for a variety of purposes.
We, like Dave, will work to ensure the building doesn’t become a derelict.
The site of Reid Avenue and Second Street East was chosen after years of research, consultation, and study. What follows is a summary:
•three strategic plans (1995, 2002, 2007);
•feasibility study of 2003 (Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo Architects);
•three public meetings;
•new facility survey (2004);
•consultation with the librarians of 42 new or renovated libraries;
•participation in workshops and conferences conducted by librarians, consultants, architects, library board members, and Ministry of Culture representatives; and
•participation on three provincial library boards
From this we learned that we needed:
•a one-story building of 17,000 sq. ft.;
•46 parking spaces, compliance with setback requirements, etc. as per town bylaws; and
•a total area of roughly 64,000 sq. ft.
We examined many sites in the town and examined six in detail. We eliminated five for a variety of reasons, including the difficulty in procuring land and/or buildings, parking problems, and demolition costs, to name a few.
To address Mr. Bourgeault’s questions about the old high school site, it was one of the six studied in detail. Several years ago it was put aside as board members, particularly the council representatives, believed that site should be a revenue-producing one.
In addition, the library did not need the whole block and demolition costs were deemed to be too high.
When the building became privately-owned, we had several conversations with the new owners to see if an arrangement could be made whereby they demolished the building and turned part of the block over to us for a new building.
They were not interested.
We chose the site at Reid and Second Street East for a number of reasons:
•no costs for purchase or demolition;
•adequate size to meet all of the requirements stated above;
•close to the Memorial Sports Centre, allowing services to be close together as is being done in other communities;
•close to high-density residential area;
•close to park/playground;
•close to three schools; and
•in compliance with all town bylaws
We strongly believe we have chosen the best site available. In fact, we have had a great deal of positive feedback about the site.
We realize there would be no “perfect” site that would suit the needs of everyone. However, there is one final piece of information that must be included.
We received the $1.6 million from the province because we had gone through all of the proper procedures, met the requirements, and, most importantly, had a site that was ready to go.
I do not think there is anyone in town who would have wanted us to turn down that money, and at the same time add to the cost by buying property and demolishing buildings.
Mr. Bourgeault and I have discussed these issues. Anyone who wishes to do likewise can contact me at 274-9248 or joycec@jam21.net
Sincerely,
Joyce Cunningham
Chair, Fort Frances
Public Library Board