Pugwash Library Project Now on Launch Pad
A request for proposals (RFP) has been issued for the design and build of a long- awaited library in the Village of Pugwash.
After other RFPs, numerous designs, and studies, the county seems in a hurry to finally get this done. The deadline for proposals is April 7th, with hope of site-prep and work to begin within 10 business days of formal council acceptance of a successful proponent.
The Mayor of Cumberland says, “There’s been lots of conversation and multiple versions of this project over many years.” Murray Scott added, “Council felt the time had come to stop talking about it and just build a library for the area.”
County Council proposed a preliminary budget of $2 million, with $1.5 million funded by the municipality and the balance of $500,000 coming from the community.
There has been no local fundraising to date, begging the question “where does that money come from?” Possibilities include a fundraising, potential sale of naming rights, and/or an area tax rate.
The call for a new library has taken a long and twisting path over the years. The concept grew into a multi-purpose centre after it was made clear that senior governments would not fund library construction. Multiple meetings were held to gauge public interest in what should be included in a multi use facility.
The municipality selected a site and bought the property across the street from Langille's Service Centre. Studies and designs were completed to house a walking track, meeting rooms, and a library. As time passed, the costs rose and the county was facing a six million dollar proposal with a whopping annual operation budget, clearly too much to proceed.
Local Councillor Jennifer Houghtaling and Mayor Murray Scott urged council to reconsider the initial request—a library. While the latest call was also long in coming, there is some relief in the community that all is not lost and a library may actually happen.
The building will be based on the most recent conceptual plan provided by consultants A49.
If all goes well, officials hope the project will be completed this fall.
Add your comments below.