Proposal to establish New Main Library Branch in Downtown Paris

The main branch library as it currently sits on the corner of William and Broadway Streets. A new main branch is proposed at 28 Mechanic St, currently a municipal parking lot that housed the OPP station. The proposal is in the very early stages.

By Chris Whelan

Editor

The Paris Wincey Mills Co. group is advocating for the establishment of a new main library branch in downtown Brant County to address the community's growing needs.

The current main library branch on William Street in Paris has become inadequate for the county's requirements, prompting discussions about relocating to a refurbished old town hall. However, a $40-million proposal for this relocation was rejected by the council earlier this year due to concerns over insufficient parking facilities.

In a potential solution, Wingbury Properties, known for its downtown brewery, market, and office space developments, has suggested a unique approach.

The developer is in talks with the county regarding a "land swap" initiative and has proposed providing 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of space in a new construction for the library. According to library board meeting minutes, the library would enter into a leasing agreement with Wingbury for a period of 20 to 30 years.

Although the plan is still in the early stages, Alison Newton, the county's chief administrative officer, expressed optimism about establishing a clear direction for the project by the year's end.

The proposed site for the new library branch is 28 Mechanic St., currently a municipal parking lot that previously housed an OPP station. Wingbury owns the land at 12 Broadway St. W., formerly the Cedar House bar and grill, which is deemed more suitable for parking. The county is exploring a potential exchange of these properties, irrespective of the library relocation.

Fred Gladding, chair of the County of Brant Library Board, indicated the board's interest in further evaluating the Wingbury proposal. Community consultations and site studies are underway to assess various options, including the Wingbury initiative.

While the former OPP lot was previously considered for the new main branch in 2019, plans were deferred due to pandemic-related uncertainties in 2020. Subsequently, a project to restore the old Paris town hall was approved in 2021, with intentions to transform it into the Bawcutt Centre community hub and main library.

However, with the current uncertainty surrounding the town hall's future, discussions are ongoing about potential adjustments to the restoration plans to accommodate the library relocation.

Mark Maxwell, the county's director of engineering and infrastructure planning, proposed focusing on exterior restoration work for the town hall, such as masonry, window, and roof repairs, while delaying some interior renovations until a definitive plan for its use is determined.