2009-04-23
07:42:17
The plan to build a new library and technology centre in Fort Frances has lost some municipal support.
Councillor Sharon Tibbs said during a special meeting yesterday, she can no longer agree to the project going ahead. Tibbs who voted in favour of accepting a construction contract last week, says AbitibiBowater's bankruptcy announcement has swayed her support.
"With that announcement on April 15 and the economic crunch that this municipality is in, I think we should not consider building this library at this time," says Tibbs.
Council heard from project manager Brian Avis regarding his observations surrounding recent debate. Avis delivered the same message to members of the Fort Frances Library Board on Monday. Mayor Roy Avis says there's been a lot of talk about maintaining functionality, but little about ongoing operating costs.
"If council did agree to a dollar contribution, I would hope the building committee not only worry about functionality, but also the ongoing operating costs," says the mayor.
Brian Avis reiterated a need for council to decide how much money it would be willing to contribute to the project, no firm decision was made.
