MELFORT — The Melfort Public Library has received a $291,732 grant from the federal government to remove the existing 47 year old roof, replacing it with an LEED certified roof system.
The funding from the Government of Canada came through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).
“The Melfort Public Library is a vital resource for community, cultural and educational services,” said Daniel Vandal, minister for PrairiesCan.
“The Canada Community Revitalization Fund is making investments to revitalize public gathering spaces, and our government is proud to help support the well-being of Melfort residents by upgrading and extending the life of this facility.”
The replacement will include the installation of a new energy efficient heating and cooling rooftop unit.
The Melfort Public Library roof has had its repair listed on the city’s capital budgets since 2016.
“The City of Melfort is committed to upholding an excellence in our city assets, and we are grateful for the partnership opportunity with PrairiesCan,” said Glenn George, Melfort’s mayor. “The funds are being used to upgrade a key community space and will ensure residents of all ages will benefit from the library’s services and programs for years to come.”
In November, Melfort council pre-approved $85,000 from the 2022 capital budget for the repair of the most damaged portion of the library roof while the city explores the future of the library.
The city has previously designated $200,000 in the 2022 capital budget for the repair, which has been identified as a priority due to continual damage of the roof, which is expected to continue to compromise the structure of the building.
While 25 per cent of the costs will come from the City of Melfort capital budget, the remaining costs will be funded through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The CCRF helps communities rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund assists non-profit organizations, municipalities, community groups, and Indigenous communities across Canada to build and improve community infrastructure projects.
The project is well underway and has an expected completion date in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The library is slated for a feasibility study later this year, receiving an assessment which will determine if the library will stay at the site, or move to a different building, with one option in discussion being the Historic Melfort Post Office.
