Aurora's Library Square concept design to be unveiled in October

Council also approves notification of an intent to discuss the use of hydro funds

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 13, 2017
By Teresa Latchford

A concept design for Aurora's Library Square is set to be unveiled in October.

The Planning Partnership will design the Victoria Street property that currently houses the former library and former senior's centre for $132,635. The company beat out two others under consideration based on experience, qualifications, project understanding, approach and value-added services. It was also the least costly bid.

"This has been through many councils and I'm glad to see the project moving ahead," local resident Lenore Pressley said. "We want something that looks nice but is also practical and, hopefully, whatever design comes forward takes that into account."

Last year, council approved the demolition of the two buildings on the property, taking public input into account.

In May, council was provided with two library square concept plans and directed staff to move forward with seeking design services for a site plan. Approval of a $500,000 budget for demolition and detailed design services from the council discretionary reserve fund was also given.

A draft site plan is expected to be before council for consideration on Oct. 22 and the final site plan on Nov. 26.

The Victoria Street property falls under the Cultural Precinct umbrella, a project that was approved by council last year, which also includes a concept plan for the Aurora Public Library, Aurora Cultural Centre, Victoria Hall, Town Park, Aurora Armoury and the surrounding areas.

"That concept plan had a water feature between the library and cultural centre and while the thought of bringing people to sit around it is nice, I think we could do something more useful for the community," Pressley said.

She and her husband, Dave, support the decision to demolish the two buildings considering they aren't being used and are in a "sorry state". Their hope is that the space will include something that the entire community can actually use.

"We'll have to see what they come up with," Pressley said. "Hopefully they will have multiple options to consider and will give the public a chance to have input."

While the discussion about use of the town's hydro fund - proceeds from the previous sale of the public utility - was included as a separate report at the same meeting, town financial director Dan Elliott confirmed hydro funds had been suggested for use in the implementation stage for Cultural Precinct projects in the past.

"The town is simply providing notice at this time," Elliott added, pointing out that no funding has been approved at this time, noting those who wish to follow this matter should register with the clerk.

Once a staff report is prepared and a date for a council meeting is set to discuss the potential use of hydro funds, those registered would be notified of the report and meeting date.

Public notification is required before hydro funds are considered for use and town staff is trying to avoid any delays by giving notice of intention now before council needs to make a decision that is associated with a deadline.