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Library/museum building to be one storey

Some of the design parameters for the new library/museum building have been decided and preliminary drawings are expected by the end of the summer.

Some of the design parameters for the new library/museum building have been decided and preliminary drawings are expected by the end of the summer.

Following a series of three one-day workshops with architect Roger Hughes, engineers, consultants and municipal staff, the library/museum building committee has unanimously agreed on a one-storey building. Situated opposite the Delta Village Suites and the Deer Lodge of Town Plaza, the L-shaped building will be at accessed at grade from Main Street.

"The one-storey building design will allow easy access to everyone from street level, and reinforces our commitment to build a useable, sustainable educational centre in Whistler," stated library board chair, Anne Fenwick. "The committee is very excited and confident in our design team."

Stephen Henderson, chair of the Whistler Museum and Archives board said: "While this is only one of many decisions yet to be made, the fact that it is unanimous is confirmation to us that our team is working extremely well together in order to ensure that the building reflects the needs of the entire community."

The 27,000 square foot building will become the permanent home of the Whistler Public Library and the Whistler Museum and Archives. It will also include a civic hall and a multi-purpose meeting area.

Fundraising for the $10 million facility was kicked off in March. The municipality has contributed more than $5 million toward the capital campaign and the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation has provided $400,000. The current total sits at $6.5 million.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to start next summer but the Capital Campaign Steering Committee has agreed to have 80 per cent of the funds pledged prior to starting construction.

The library and museum are currently housed in portable units on the site next to Main Street.

Anyone interested in further information on the project and the Capital Campaign is encouraged to contact the Campaign Office at 604-932-2222 or to visit the campaign’s web site at www.whistlerlibrarymuseum.org