Longtime Irricana resident and founder of the Rocky View Weekly, Gladys Taylor, was honoured by the Town of Irricana after council voted in favour on Sept. 15 of renaming the library to the Gladys Taylor Building.
The name recognizes Taylor’s contribution to the community as a former editor/owner.
Library Board Chairperson Judy Unsworth opened the council discussion on naming of the building.
“At some point after we are no longer a board and you are no longer a council, something will still remain,” she said speaking of the board’s decision to name the facility. “We thought it appropriate to name the building and then list what was in the building – the library, the Community Links and the Primary Care Nurse (PCN) Group.”
“I was so impressed by the Taylor family,” said Unsworth.
The library – currently located on Second Street - has outgrown its space and will be relocating to the old hardware store, which will triple the library’s square footage.
Library update
Unsworth addressed council and presented a draft floor plan of the new library building for council to review on Sept. 15. She explained renovations on the former hardware store, which include the removal of a centre wall.
The library board also presented the 2014 budget to council at the meeting, the budget should have been presented in 2013, but the library was without a treasurer at the time.
The library’s total income was $95,886.60 with total government contributions coming in at $52,297.60. Total expenses were $95,867.38.
Unsworth outlined plans for a reception desk, bathrooms, a kitchen and a shipping and receiving area as well as an area for the primary care nurse and an area for stroller parking.
Unsworth said everything in the new facility would be wheelchair accessible.
Deputy Mayor Dennis Tracz asked if board members had a timeline as to how long the renovation would take.
It is unclear when the project will be completed due to the unavailability of contractors, according to Councillor Kim Schmaltz.
Unsworth said the demolition work to remove the centre wall in the former hardware store on Second Street was completed on Sept. 15. The group is now having trouble finding contractors to continue the work, she added.
“The problem is that we have the misfortune of following the world’s worst flood by the world’s worst hail storm, by the world’s worst snowfall,” said Unsworth. “We can’t find contractors.”
They have received help from a contractor from Canmax, but the project would be helped along if organizers had access to subcontractors.
The budget showed the library’s overall financial worth at $73,000 versus the $100,000, which was budgeted.
The new library facility will also have room for Community Links and the PCN.
New board members
Two new committee members were named to the Community Services Board and the Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Sept. 15.
The board aims to support recreational and preventative social programs that enhance well being and encourage strong and vibrant community.
Arlene Hauser was appointed for one term to the Community Services Board.
Alicia Santaguida was appointed to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee
Board members are appointed for a one-year term in their first year, returning board members may be appointed for up to a three year term. They meet the last Wednesday of each month at the Irricana Centennial Centre, 222 Second Street at 7 p.m. There are four board members and one council member on the committee.
