The article “library borrowing could reach $25 million" in (Gazette, April 5) about the potential cost of a new branch library has many ill-founded assumptions that must embarrass our citizens. Anyone who has bought a new home knows that first you must decide how much you intend to pay/borrow related to your budget, what your needs are and where you want to live before choosing a design and engaging a builder. With this knowledge, you can proceed. The city doesn't even have a location, proper cost analysis or a design yet.
The taxpayers have agreed to have a branch library. That is a fact. Next, we have a projected budget, which varies based on a bunch of assumptions, which are – shall we say – guesses? Maybe this tactic is to frighten taxpayers.
Has anyone on council or in planning looked at the agreed and much studied ideas on economic, sustainable green building? For instance, how about placing the library in the projected new shopping development near Costco thereby sharing costs and helping pay taxes back to the city. Alternatively, placing the library in the Employment Lands with green affordable housing built above to offset costs with rents such as Vancouver's Skeena mixed-use project built with possible grants from CMHC and other governments. That could be common sense and win-win.
See http://www.greenenergyfutures.ca/episode/skeena-passive-house
Paul Stocker, St. Albert
