Darren Lutz opposes the choice of Woodward Park in Irvine as the site of a planned replacement of the community's library and new community resource centre, he told Cypress County council Tuesday morning in Dunmore. Fellow Irvine resident Marina Cole, background, is also requesting an alternate location be considered.--News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
County councillors heard that some Irvine residents are fired up to oppose building a new library on a portion of a park in the hamlet, but another says it is time to turn down the heat.
About three dozen residents of the hamlet attended Tuesday’s county council meeting in Dunmore to hear from five delegations on the project, which is opposed by groups of residents who want an alternative location and accuse the county of ignoring their requests.
Elkwater resident Deborah Colley told council her grandparents donated the land for “Woodward Memorial Park” to the town decades ago and they would be disappointed the issue has split the town.
“Irvine residents are very proud of their town, and the right thing to do is provide clarity,” she said, stating she supports getting a new library and it would be appropriate use considering her relative’s community minded approach.
“My grandparents would have wanted the community to work together.”
The county plans to locate a new library on a portion of the park and expanded the plans to include a community resource centre in the new 3,600 square-foot, grant-funded building. That would leave a 50-foot by 50-foot park space where new landscaping is planned.
Controversy and opposition arose early this year however, when the county issued a development permit to begin construction, and residents said the county hadn’t taken concerns into account and they were caught unaware.
Presenter Darren Lutz told council that residents are fired up to oppose the location, and said he has more than 700 signatures of county residents who want an alternate location.
“I call it a paper convoy,” he told council.
Coun. Richard Oster, who sits on the Irvine Library Board, said the impetus of the project is to bolster the community and better support the business district near the park.
“The far end of town has the rec centre and we thought downtown needed something,” said Oster. “All we were trying to do is enhance the property; there was never any disrespect meant … We thought we could do better for the library than what’s there now.”
The morning discussions were part of a delegation rather than a public hearing, and presenters rankled several times over procedure, with claims of governmental overreach and even complaints against library staff.
A statement from the county later in the day said councillors would make a decision on the project at the Feb. 22 council meeting.
Coun. Robin Kurpjuweit said that in his mind the issue came down to “customer service” when engaging residents.
The building was noted as being in need of replacement in 2017. Since then there has been a new area structure plan produced to encourage growth, a county-wide recreation study and a meeting in the town last spring.
Resident Marina Cole told council she didn’t oppose a new library, but the park was valuable, neighbouring property owners had concerns with parking requirements and that it would be better elsewhere.
“To remove one amenity to provide another is the opposite of growth,” she said.
The Irvine Lions Club, which performs care-taking at the park, also opposes the change.
“We don’t understand why it had to be there other than other locations,” said Dennis Bollinger.
Colley said her family’s had three requests to consider: that the name “Woodward Park” remain prominent, that as much park space as possible be retained, and that the county consider retaining or replacing cottonwood trees on the site.
The project is included in the county’s new capital construction plan for 2023.
