More than 100 people packed the auditorium at the Brant Sports Complex on Monday night to see and hear plans for the new public library in Paris.
Prior to the presentation, those in attendance could view plans and artist’s renderings, along with information boards that outlined the history of the Bawcutt Centre, where the new library will be situated.
“Our first open house was held about eight years ago when Paris realized we needed a new main branch,” explained Paula Chorpitta, a member of the library board.
Over the years five different sites were considered, with two chosen as serious candidates.
“But the County came to us during COVID and said (the Bawcutt Centre) is available,” she noted. “It’s nice to see that something concrete is happening. This site is a go, and I can’t wait.”
Built in 1854 as the Paris Old Town Hall, the building became home to the Wheeler Needle Works factory in 1917; was purchased by Mary Maxim in 1954; and in 1990 John Runnquist bought the building for use as an auction hall.
Thanks to a $1 million donation from Degrassi producer Linda Schuyler, the building was purchased by the County of Brant and renamed the Bawcutt Center in honor of her parents, former Paris Mayor Jack Bawcutt and his wife Joyce.
County of Brant Public Library CEO Kelly Bernstein described the project as complex, considering the heritage element and the adjacent new build.
“There are so many unknowns that we are not able to pin down an exact price yet,” Bernstein said. “The architects have a team of evaluators and heritage experts working together to get us realistic cost estimates.
“We’ve just hired a construction manager to ensure that the designs are easy to build with materials we can source, and on timelines that are realistic. The next few months are going to tell us a lot.”
She estimated the project will take about two years to complete.
Brian Wilson of Brantford came to the meeting to find out more about the event space in the Bawcutt Centre’s second floor opera hall.
“We are part of a theatrical group called Playful Fox Productions that is always looking at event spaces to perform,” he said. “Seeing that there is this potential opportunity for 150 people to see a show is exciting. It’s a great use of the space for a variety of events from weddings to small conferences.”
David Premi, principal architect at DPAI Architecture Inc. in Hamilton explained in detail the floor and site plans for the new library and outlined some of the repair and restoration work required for the heritage building.
Premi noted that the 1964 addition at the rear of the heritage building would be demolished, citing poor construction, the presence of hazardous materials, and little in the way of redeeming qualities.
Library board vice-chair Marilyn Sewell told the crowd the Paris branch has seen an overall growth of 71 per cent in circulation since 2006.
“The library is more than books. It’s a maker space, a community hub, and a cultural anchor,” she said. “Paris is growing, and we need a spot to showcase all that we have. All the people coming from other areas that have different kinds of library services, they are telling us the kinds of things they’d like to see.”
Brant ward 5 councilor Christine Garneau said the library project would be part of the county’s capital budget for the next few years, adding that fundraising targets are also being discussed.
“I think there are a lot of people in the community eager to support, and in a position to do so,” said the councilor. “People see the value that the library brings to the community, and I think they want to be part of that.
“Tonight’s attendance is indicative of that, and it’s nice to have a public meeting people are excited about in a positive way.”