It could cost $800,000 to fence in a courtyard for the downtown Sarnia Library.
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Sarnia council recently voted to wait until budget deliberations, expected in December, to consider funding for the project, prompted last September by safety concerns among people camping in spaceleaving belongings, garbage and needles behind.
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Tea design ideasvia Architects Tillman Ruth Robinson — contracted for $15,000 — is to create a copper-like fence around a wooden pergola overhang, an accessible stage space, garden areas, benches and other seating, creating a community destination for things like storytelling, while addressing security concerns, said the firm’s McMichael Ruth.
The perforated fence, incorporating waves and city branding inspired by the nearby St. Clair River and Lake Huron, “is meant to be a draw — an attractor into the building — while providing that safety and security for the space,” Ruth said.
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The outdoor space would be accessible only through the library’s children’s section, he said, noting emergency exit-only points would be maintained.
Council voted 5-4 in favor of Coun. Brian White’s motion to overturn the decision.
Mayor Mike Bradley also requested a staff report itemizing costs, for council to consider potential phases for the project, or expenses to cut.
“I’m having difficulty finding $800,000 in this project,” Coun. Terry Burrell said.
HAS city report construction notes would cost an estimated $675,000, with a 20 per cent contingency.
The high cost is just “the reality of putting these types of projects into place,” said Stacey Forfar, the city’s community services general manager.
Lambton County, which runs the library in the city-owned building, would program and activate the space with things like chairs, she noted, in response to a question from Coun. Anne Marie Gillis, who called for faster action.
“I’d hate to see us wait another year to get up a fence that we need right now.”
White said he likes the concept, and deferral offers a chance to break things down and create a phased-in approach.
“I think it provides us a great template to move forward with some really exciting possibilities for animating our space,” he said.
White, Burrell, and fellow councilors Adam Kilner, Chrissy McRoberts and Bill Dennis voted in favor of deferral.
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