The Irvine Community Library will soon have a new home in Hamlet of Irvine Community Resource Centre following its construction.--PHOTO COURTESY SHORTGRASS LIBRARY SYSTEM
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Cypress County announced last week it is seeking proposals for construction of the Hamlet of Irvine Community Resource Centre, set to be located at 71 S. Railway Avenue in Irvine.
The announcement comes nearly one year after Cypress County council approved conceptual design of the centre, which was originally intended to house the Irvine Community Library, the Cypress County Welcome Centre and campground office, a public meeting room and boardrooms; but will now include only the library and a public meeting/office space and public boardroom.
“This has been an ongoing community project for years now,” Cypress County reeve Dan Hamilton told the News. “So, we are all excited to see it move forward.
“Libraries have evolved from being about printed material and more about being a centre of the community. So, the new Resource Centre will provide many years of service for residents as a social outlet.”
The 3,600 square-foot centre will sit on a 0.38-acre lot.
Site plans are still in the works, but include a parking lot with a designated pickup and drop-off area and a memorial park, with potential for a future playground, which Hamilton says the county is collaborating with the Irvine Lions Club to construct.
“We’ve heard plenty of positive feedback,” said Hamilton. “So, we are committed to keeping our park and playground as part of the new Resource Centre.”
Hamilton says construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2023.
“It’s a positive thing for the community,” said Hamilton. “We’re looking forward to going ahead.”
The estimated cost is $1.5 million, with funding provided through Alberta’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative.
Proposals for construction are being accepted now until 2 p.m. Feb. 7.
