At town council’s regular meeting on Nov. 22, a new library in Lake Cowichan was the focal point of discussion.
Town council hosted a group of architects from a Victoria-based firm in charge of designing Lake Cowichan’s new library.
The firm, Chow Low Hammond, was invited by council to present the blueprints and layout of the new structure and its location at 63 Renfrew Avenue. In the very early stages of its development, mayor Ross Forrest expects that if everything goes to plan, the new library could be erected by late 2012 or early 2013. The project design will cost an estimated $1,000,000.
Lasting upwards of thirty minutes, Chow Low Hammond’s architect, Paul Hammond detailed the basic outline of the new facility in the presentation.
Hammond stressed that the facility will be green and environmentally sustainable. An abundance of glass will help heat the space in the afternoon, keep electric light usage to a low and allow for visibility from far away.
Hammond also emphasized that the design is meant to “characterize the community of Lake Cowichan.” With this statement, Hammond explained that his design team has incorporated three important elements of Lake Cowichan’s cultural landscape into the new library’s design.
The firm took into account Lake Cowichan’s First Nations, Japanese and logging cultures. They plan to use local timber and are intertwining First Nations and Japanese cultural elements into the building’s structural design.
Forrest and his councilors were overly impressed with the design, especially the cultural aspects and its environmental sustainability.
Following Hammond’s presentation, Forest responded with, “This design certainly fits in with this council’s initiatives in terms of environmental design. It looks good,” he said.
Excitement amongst the council was palpable. They had clearly been wowed by Hammond’s presentation.
“I can’t really wait to begin,” said Forrest. “I really liked the way they incorporated the forest industry. It’s really fitting.”
Forrest noted that the Town of Lake Cowichan donated the land and Vancouver Island Regional Library will front the pricey bill with assistance from CVRD taxpayers.
Hammond also indicated that local contractors will have an opportunity to bid on the project, as well.
The current library in Lake Cowichan is housed in the Island Savings Credit Union building and making the transition to Renfrew Ave. is going to be a big but positive change.
