PIERREFONDS-ROXBORO — Pierrefonds-Roxboro city councillor Justine McIntyre is already regretting her decision to approve the building of a new $20 million library.
The goal was to replace the existing, aging library, but now, the Bois-de-Liesse district city councillor said she now realizes the money could be better spent on other services.
“I think it’s a waste of tax payer money,” McIntyre told Global News in an exclusive interview.
“I think we have other projects that could cost less money and do more to provide services to citizens.”
Architecture firm Chevalier Morales was awarded the contract to design the new library, which will double the existing structure from 2,196 square metres to 4,512 square metres.
The new library will include state-of-the-art technology, as well as more space and natural light.
Officials said it will serve a growing community, especially in the western part of the borough.
“When we announced it way back in 2012, the public and citizens rejoiced and were happy about the fact we’re moving forward,” borough Mayor Jim Beis told Global News.
However, some continue to insist the new library is unnecessary for a community that is decades old, and argue the existing building is fine.
Construction will start this fall and the new library is expected to open in 2018.