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Staff Report about the Library Expansion

March 22 2004

TOWN STAFF REPORT PREPARED.  The report on the library addition at 48 and 7 is prepared and contains three options:

#1. Build to the South.  Put the addition (10,500 sq. feet) on the south side of the current building which, although slightly off centre to the west, would expand the rectangular shape.

#2. Build to the West.  Put the addition on the west side of the building; it would extend slightly north of the current building.  It would form an L shape.

#3. Build to the North.  Put the addition on the northeast side of the building and 25 feet or so west of the Arena.  The new section would come almost to Highway 7.  It would be an elongated L shape.

I AM FAVOUR OPTION THREE.  Option Two has been eliminated as a difficult library layout and because it hides part of the Markham Green Square from public view.  That leaves Option One which staff generally favour as coming closest to the budgetary allotment, and Option Three which is favoured by Councillors Webster and Heath as dynamic and visionary.  We believe Option Three will reinvigorate this part of Main Street and the Community Centre.  It contains an indoor atrium between the two buildings and includes some needed improvements to the Community Centre such as an elevator to the second floor.  It also hides the ugly west wall of the Arena.

REEVE DRIVE ISSUES.  Each of the three options includes the same improvements as a result of issues raised by Reeve Drive residents:

• A)      No encroachment into Reeve Park to the south.  Although there will be a small amount of extra parking added to the library parking lot, it will be to the west.  The line of the parking lot on the south side will not change.  Likewise, the children's play area will remain as is and will not be encroached upon.
• B)      No entry to the library from Reeve Drive.  Each proposal moves the entrance to the Library - and shows it off the Arena parking lot.  The unsafe traffic conditions, with drivers failing to stop when leaving the lot, would be a thing of the past.
• C)      Possible right-out from the parking lot onto 48 north.  Earlier designs showed a right-in and right-out from the parking lot onto 48.  Residents of Albert and Rougecrest argued that this could lead to drivers using the library parking lot to avoid the 48 / 7 intersection.  However, a right-out only, if properly placed, could cut traffic problems on Cosburn and might be beneficial.  This is under consideration, but both John and Jack feel it should be dealt with separately from the siting of the addition.

AN UPHILL BATTLE.  Several meetings have been held with public and / or staff.  The first was last June at the Train Station.  Generally, the community has always said the same thing - build to the northeast beside the Arena.  When a community charette was held in February (not a public meeting per se, but a gathering of designated representatives from all sorts of community groups) to examine carefully the three options, Option Three was endorsed overwhelmingly.  The straw vote was about 33 to 3.  Nevertheless, achieving Option Three has been, and will be at Council, an uphill battle.  Staff are worried about the extra cost, about $2.5Million to $3Million, whether the Arena building will still be standing on 20 years, and other details.

I have a vision for the corner which can be very beneficial for the Village and the Library too.  Improving the square, re-invigorating the Community Centre, and much more.  It complements the Main Street Markham Vision.  This is an opportunity to stamp the Village as "An exciting place to be for year's to come!"  Let's not lose it.  We think the cost can be handled by the Town financially without a tax increase, and the Arena will be standing for a some time to come.

LIBRARY BOARD FAVOURS OPTION THREE.  The Board passed the following resolution on Monday evening in a vote of six to one:  "RESOLVED THAT: the Town of Markham Public Library Board recognizes and supports the position of the local community (which) supports Markham Village Library expanding to the north, as a potential community focal point, and that the Board reaffirms the Library's Building Program and the principle of equitable distribution of library facilities for all residents of Markham."

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Markham Village Mini Library Closed of One Day

May 2007

We have been advised that Powerstream is working on the connection to permanent power at Markham Village Library for Sunday, May 20.  This closure is temporary so that the permanent power can be connected to the new building. 

Because the building will not be accessible by the general public or library staff the book return (drop box) at Markham Village Library will also be inaccessible.  Library materials may be returned to any other MPL location.

I've been involved with the inspection tours of the new library and it's going to be impressive.  The Official opening is currently aimed for late fall.  

If you have any questions regarding the closure please contact the Director of Service Excellence, Moe Hosseini-Ara 905-305-5997 or e-mail at mhosse@markham.library.on.ca

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