2009-04-07
07:27:21
The chair of the Fort Frances Library Board is warning the project could die if town council fails to accept a $3.7 million contract to build the new library and technology centre.
Joyce Cunningham made those remarks as council debated yesterday a recommendation to enter into an agreement with Aurora Construction. The library board has been working towards a new library for 13 years. Cunningham says the town can't afford further delays.
"The longer you wait, the higher the price goes up," warned Cunningham. "That (provincial funding) money was given to use, all of the money was given to us, was for a stand alone library and that's where we are. Today, if we don't go ahead, the project is dead."
Cunningham adds that if the town doesn't proceed, all of the provincial money previously received will have to be returned. About $3 million has been received from Northern Development and Mines and the Culture Ministries.
But some councillors are concerned with the town's portion of the overall costs, estimated at about $1 million. Councillor Paul Ryan fears that portion could rise if federal funding can't be found and the existing facility can't be sold.
But Cunningham warned the commitment made today would be far less than what the town may have to spend to bring the existing library into compliance with provincial laws.
"I have told you about the Accessibility for Ontario Disabilities Act. It's moving through the process."
"We can number crunch. We can project. We can go on forever, " says Cunningham. "The time (to build) is now."
Council is to make a final decision on Monday.
