Town awards Library tender to premium construction

During Monday evening’s Special Committee of the Whole meeting, Director of Community Services Stephanie Clark presented a report on the Smiths Falls Public Library renovation. The renovation project went out for tender this fall, and town staff recommended the tender be awarded to Premium Construction Inc. 

Smiths Falls received eight bids for the project, ranging in price from $1,356,556.80 to $2,841,240.00. Premium Construction Inc submitted the lowest bid. The SFPL has asked the town of Smiths Falls to make up a $175,000.00 shortfall in the funding to support the project. 

In her report, Clark explained that “undertaking the renovations to this facility will allow greater accessibility and enhanced access to important developmental spaces for the members of this community. Largely these renovations centre around increasing access, bringing all floors into compliance with accessibility requirements. The renovation will also see enhanced and expanded facility programming space.”

Councilor Chris McGuire expressed his dismay that the library renovation plans have only been shared with the public via passive means instead of actively soliciting public feedback. 

Council voted in favour of supporting this project, including providing the needed extra funds. Councilor Jennifer Miller thanked the Library Board for all the work that they have poured into this project.

Article by Janelle Labelle.

Author: Janelle Labelle