I believe support for the Powell River Public Library referendum was a result of many voters not wanting a library at Willingdon Beach. Prior to the acquisition of the section of the Crossroads Village Shopping Centre building, I questioned a City of Powell River councillor on what brought forth the idea to purchase. To my knowledge, no business case/cost benefit analysis review was carried out prior to purchase.
The city’s capital project plan lists no funding allocation for seismic upgrading of Powell River Recreation Complex, the fire hall or city works yard, all of which have been identified as needing upgrades.
The recreation complex is our community disaster triage building. The fire hall and works yard are key in providing post-disaster support. Surprisingly, city hall is listed for seismic upgrade. City hall is wood-framed and has two very large solid lumber wall storage vaults, along with others of reinforced concrete. In the event of an earthquake, it is unlikely the occupants will at risk.
The recreation centre is a large community tax burden when not financially self-supporting. Housing the library in the same building could address two issues, seismic upgrades and reduced operational cost by way of shared services under one roof (for example, janitorial, heat, security, public access, et cetera).
It has been publicly mentioned that the acquisition of the Crossroads Village building was a good deal. But by who’s assessment and evaluation?
The Peak recently commented [“Get on same page,” August 24] on the lack of cooperation between city staff, consultants and contractors. BC building code requires that letters of assurance from professional disciplines must address all concerns raised by the local building inspector prior to issuance of building permits. During the course of construction, it is the duty of the building inspector to monitor the inspection service carried out by the professional signatory. The local building inspector should be complemented for his due diligence on this matter.
The Peak article [“Library to miss opening date,” August 24] stated the development cost is higher than planned. How could that be? There was no sound plan.
What could we expect to be forthcoming as a result of not having carried out a proper review prior to acquisition of the building and project development?
For one, the roof on the Crossroad Villages building is approximately 30 years old and near due for replacement. Replacement cost could be into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Here’s some food for thought: How about moving city hall in the Crossroad Villages building, making the whole of existing city hall available for library services?
How large does a library really need to be? The main floor of city hall is more than double the existing library and has disabled access. The lower and upper floors could be for work and office rooms. The current location affords plenty of parking and is centrally located with ample spatial separation from surround incompatible land uses.
Gino Francescutti is a retired city employee and concerned citizen.
