There is, unfortunately, misinformation circulating. Please do what you can to disseminate this correction.
The new main library is a key anchor of the planned Baker Street development. That has not changed. When the Baker Street redevelopment proceeds, the Library will proceed. The Library was NEVER dependent upon Federal funding. City staff recommended a funding plan based on development charges, proceeds of sale of the existing library and property taxes. This was approved by Council on September 16, 2019, https://guelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/council_agenda_091619-revised.pdf
Council authorized staff to apply for Federal funding but the funding strategy put forward by City staff did not factor in funds from other levels of government. Any funding from the Federal government would have been a bonus! Over $16 million of Development Charges is available and was factored into the strategy.
The funding plan is in place. The project will proceed with no additional tax burden on citizens beyond what has been incorporated into the Baker Street Redevelopment Project from the beginning.
There will be information coming to Council in early October. We will need your help and support to continue to move this important community project forward.
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