Mayor envisions ‘iconic’ new central library for Windsor
Halifax’s striking central library was cited again and again Tuesday as Windsor Public Library board members envisioned what a new central library for Windsor should look like.
“It’s absolutely remarkable,” Mayor Drew Dilkens said of the “very dynamic” and “very inviting ” Halifax library, which opened in December of 2014 to rave reviews and architectural awards. Its allglass exterior has floors placed atop each other like a haphazard stack of books, but Dilkens and other board members who’ve seen it were also raving about what’s inside — its array of programs, amenities and high-tech features that make it a gathering place for the entire city.
Dilkens joined the board Tuesday. The first item on the agenda was electing a chairman to replace departing chair Peter Frise. Dilkens ran for the job because, he said, “I want to be a part of what happens with the central library and make sure we build something the community will be proud of, something that is iconic and something that is a modern library.”
Something, the newly elected chairman added, “that people want to send their kids to, a destination almost.”
Windsor has been talking for years about either improving the existing 101,000-square-foot central library or building anew in the downtown. In 2011 city council and the library board approved a move to the ground floor of the Art Gallery of Windsor, to create a cultural hub in the downtown. That plan took a big turn when the Chimczuk Museum went there instead. Another suggested move, to the downtown aquatic centre, also didn’t happen.
But Dilkens’ role as chairman signals new momentum for the project.
Nothing is budgeted for a new central library in the city’s current five-year capital budget. But that could change, Dilkens said following the public portion of the board meeting.
“If it’s a priority of council, it’s something we could do within the next five years if we choose to do it that way,” Dilkens said. “Once the board here has looked at it and made a recommendation, then it will be up to city council how to fund it.”
The Halifax Central Library cost $57.6 million (Ottawa contributed $18.3 million and the province gave $13 million). Dilkens said a Windsor version of it would be significantly smaller since Halifax has double the population.
The exercise Tuesday was run by consultant Anne MacKay, who’s been hired to talk to library users as well as board members, asking them: “What do you want a new library to be, what do you want it to feel like?”
Her report will go to architect Jason Grossi, who will use the information to come up with a plan that details what features the library should include. Around the same time, the library board will decide on a site. And then all these details will be part of the parameters provided to architects who wish to bid on the job.
MacKay wouldn’t reveal what library users have told her so far, but she said they’re passionate about their library.
MacKay asked the board what they’d like people visiting this new library to say about it.
“I want them to say, ‘Wow, this is Windsor, this is community, this is inclusive,’” said member Margaret Payne, who also cited the Halifax library as the kind of library she would like to see. It has a plaza-like atmosphere outside with chairs and tables. Its coffee shop on the fifth floor with expansive city views has been called Halifax’s living room.
“There was everybody there — little kids, old people, everyone in between,” said Payne. “The vibe from that place was amazing.”
Coun. Irek Kusmierczyk told the consultant he envisions a place where residents from all walks of life can access innovative technologies. It should be a source of pride for the city, he said.
“It’s a showcase piece, something that would be our calling card.”