LETTER

Petition: Aylmer needs a better library plan 

A group of citizens is running a petition asking for a better deal for Aylmer’s library and Place des Pionniers.

As things stand, the city will tear down the current 5-floor building in the fall of 2020, and spend $44 million to rebuild a 3-floor structure.  The new building will have two floors for a library and a third for municipal offices. The opening date is scheduled for 5 years, in 2024.

Since renovating would maintain 5 floors, our petition is that, in addition to consulting the community, if the city must demolish and rebuild, then the result should be 4 floors for the same price. On a square foot basis, we’re paying more than twice what larger libraries in Montreal and smaller libraries in Varennes cost.  So let’s work with our councillors to get a better deal for all of Aylmer.

A fourth floor would give space for many services needed in Aylmer: a permanent municipal court, a family resource centre, child learning facilities and office space for community organizations, among others. 

The petition can be signed at Bouquinart book store, cafe Mulligan, the Bulletin office in Galeries Aylmer, or online by joining Les Amis de la Rue Principale Facebook group.

Ian Barrett

Aylmer