Collingwood Councilors are reviewing a presentation by Architect Henry Wong from Wong Gregersen Darbrus Architects, to construct the town's new Public Library. Wong's presentation on Monday July 23rd, called for a Design Development Phase to span 1.5 months, a Working Drawings Phase to span 3 months, a one month Tender Process and a 10 month Construction Period. If all stays on schedule, the proposed occupancy date of the new Public Library would be December 15, 2008.

The original budget for the construction of a new library was 6.8 million dollars. This number has now increased to close to 9.5 million dollars in light of proposed project revisions recommended by council. These revisions include an additional $292,000.00 for Heritage architectural treatment, $318,000.00 for 3rd floor beyond normal tenant improvements, $252,000.00 for roof level treatment for accommodating the green roof and public access, $250,000.00 for proposed arched window treatment, $50,000.00 for thickening the 3rd floor slab to accommodate future library loading and $700,000.00 for energy and resource conservation measures (includes green roof).

To view Mr. Wong's presentation, click here.

Previously, in a meeting on Dec 11, 2006, Collingwood Council passed the following Resolution: ‘The project architect be hereby directed to work with the Town of Collingwood Heritage Committee in consultation with Library Staff to re-create the new Library facade in a style consistent with examples of Collingwood architecture from the period of 1850-1920, thereby leading by example and setting the standard for redevelopment within the heritage District By-law and Guidelines.’

Collingwood Council hired a new Architect to move forward to create a design that would be in compliance with the town's heritage guidelines. At a special council meeting held on Saturday May 12th, council agreed to hire Wong Gregerson Dabrus Architects. Wong Gregersen Dabrus Architects (WGD) is one of the most dynamic and specialized design practices in Canada in hospitality and leisure buildings. The company is based in Toronto and boasts an international portfolio, with Henry Wong, Brian Gregersen and Richard Dabrus heading the corporate structure.WGD is an international design practice with head office in Toronto, Canada. It is one of the most dynamic and specialized design practices in Canada in hospitality and leisure buildings. Principals of the firm have combined experience spanning over several decades in numerous hotels, tourism and recreation projects in Canada, Caribbean and China.

"We are a unique practice which can offer the organization and management skills of a large practice and the attentive personal service in problem-solving and innovative architectural solutions to unique problems." states the company web site. Problem-solving abilities and innovative architectural solutions to unique problems no doubt sits well with Town Officials and Collingwood Councilors. The library project has been plagued with design issues that in the end forced council's hand to chose a new design team. Council feels WGD will be sympathetic to the town's unique needs as it moves forward to build a new library in a downtown heritage district.

WGD boasts a long list of recreational centre construction projects, and has designed the New Keswick Main Library, a design that included community rooms, gymnasium, change rooms, youth centre and learning centre and the Innisfil Lakeshore Branch Library, complete with meeting room, computer training room and teen lounge.

In addition, WGD provided Asset Management of 67 Libraries, Toronto Public Library, (Technical audit and database development for 67 libraries. Deficiency upgrade and life cycle cost projected over the next 10 years. Total 1.7 million sq.ft. with replacement value of $380 million). (view WGD project list)

Council has agreed to proceed with a 3 storey design, with the third floor being reserved for office space. The price tag for the new library is set at just above 6.5 million dollars.