Construction on the new Chetwynd Public Library is well under way. This project was approved through the Cultural Infrastructure program for the construction of a new, fully accessible 8,640 square foot library in that will serve the Peace River Regional District.
The library will be adjacent to the recreation centre complex and will house areas for use by children, tweens, teens, adults and seniors, as well as spaces for meetings, quiet activities, multipurpose activities, computer use and a small food service area. In addition to providing traditional library functions, services will be delivered to West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations.
The new facility will replace the current library. Built in 1967, the existing library is nearing the end of its days.
Crews broke ground for the new library in summer 2022 and are looking forward to providing Chetwynd and surrounding communities with what is being described as “the living room of the community.
“There has been significant progress on the Chetwynd Library, with the exterior of the building almost complete and the interior coming together with drywall and paint,” said Kari Bondaroff, Acting General Manager of Community Services for the Peace River Regional District. “This project was made possible with financial contributions from Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Chetwynd Public Library Association, Peace River Regional District Area ‘E’ Gas Tax and Peace River Agreement funds, District of Chetwynd funding, community donations, and private business contributions from Chetwynd and the surrounding areas. This truly has been a community led project, and we are so proud to see this multi-purpose building nearing completion.”
The library is expected to be open before the holiday season, and Bondaroff added they look forward to welcoming residents to the living room.
Northern Development approved a $300,000 grant through this program which supports creation of, or the improvement of, arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation spaces. This program improves the access to, and quality of, professional arts and cultural facilities for residents and tourists alike.
