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Lakeshore Advance, 2012-05-16, Page 24Wednesday, May 25, 2011 • Lakeshore Advance B Blueprint for new Bayfleld library unveiled Vanessa Brown Lakeshore Advance A London-based architect has finished a preliminary blueprint for the Hayfield library construction project that he says reflects the village's unique history. �(.Brad Skinner, principal architect at Skinner and Skinner chitects, last week unveiled to Bluewater council his preliminary drawings for the new library branch that is a priority project in the municipality, "When I listened to the different groups within the commu- nity, I heard that the building must fIt in and reinforce the historical character that makes Hayfield unique," Skinner said. "The new building must create a space that enhances and fosters community and public gatherings, and the building must satisfy the organization of a variety of functions includ- ing public washrooms, post office, library and involve the purpose program room." If approved, the new library would be 5,100 sq. ft. and would cost $1,1 million before taxes. The project's total budget is about $1.25 million. His blueprint showed a single -storey building with a cottage -style sloped roof and a covered porch around the front. If his plan is adopted, the new building would be located closer to the sidewalk, which is a theme along Main Street. The new branch would be connected to the post office with the main entrance to the right. In his plan, public ashrooms are located between the main entrance and the post office. Upon entrance into the library is a foyer that opens up on the right into the library with the circulation desk in the centre. Skinner's plan shows a children's section in the north corner and room for shelving, books and a public computer area filling the rest of the branch. Also included in the plan is a required multi-purpose mom that was set out by library staff in March. With limited space in the existing library, children's summer reading programs have to be offered outside. The multi-purpose room would also be available for book clubs and community groups to use after hours. Looking for ways to keep the cost down, deputy mayor Paul Klopp questioned the necessity of the multi-purpose room, adding that some residents he's talked to don't agree the library needs one. "We certainly see what happens In that program area as a core service," said Meighan Wark, one of the county's librari- ans. "That's where our children's programming happens, that's where our book club meetings happen. That isn't in addition to, that is part of core library service." Bluewater has applied for provincial funding close to $1 million, That request had not yet been approved as of press time. During question period, Bluewater resident and former councillor Bill MacDougall questioned the project's cost, which comes in at $252 per sq. ft. MacDougall said higher - end homes are around $200 per sq. ft, "so how do you get from $200 to $252 in the library?" he said. "That is not a complicated structure," MacDougall said, adding that "there is room to question Mr. Skinner on why that price was so high." The next step in the Bayfleld Library Project is a public meeting, which will be held in Hayfield in July. Wind development Bluewater council has approved a $25,000 annual fee that will be paid by wind developers for each future wind turbine erected within the municipality. 1'he fee was passed in an attempt to protect landowners from property devaluation; a possible decline in tourism should there be a "loss of beauty in the landscape" that would hurt local businesses; and against an overall loss of economic benefit to the municipality because of "negative public sentiment," 'the revenue generated from the fees will go toward funding the economic development committee's programs. In a recorded vote, Ilay East Coun. John Hecker was the sole vote against establishing the fee. Deputy mayor Paul Klopp declared a conflict of interest. Mayor Bill Dowson declared a conflict of interest at a previous meeting on wind turbines, but voted this time around after consulting a lawyer. "Until they (developers) arrive at your property to ask if they can do a site plan or a minor variance to your property, that's when you've got a conflict of interest," Rowson said. "At tol/tY wom6-4-Yee imort- It's all about you. 5 years as low as 2.740/0* ed OIL• United Communities Credit tInion myunited.ca INVESTING 1 COMMUNITY u g this time, I won't be taking a conflict of interest." Coun. Becker argued the fee was too high. "In speaking with people who have signed on lease agreements, this fee is quite enormous compared to what they've been told they would receive," Coun. Becker said, He said the fee is calculated at 2.5 per cent of generated power, which results in $12,000 to $15,000 per year. He argued it wasn't fair to charge developers $25,000 per year per turbine if the farmers who have turbines on their land aren't making that much. Coun. Hessel saki he supports the fee to protect the munic- ipality against a possible loss of economic development. "From what else I've read, there is money out there that the wind turbine people have. I know my hydro keeps going up, so they keep getting money," Coun. I lessel said. "1'd like to see some of that come back," There are currently three wind projects scheduled in Bluewater inline lakeshoreadvance.com Get all of your news, sports and more. Serving Grand Bend and surrounding area Choices for Seniors Information on Independent Living Respectful Communication and Alzheimer's As effective pharmaceutical treatments and preven- tion for Alzheimer's remain elusive, some research- ers are focusing their efforts on improving quality of life and care—including communication. 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