The CEO of the Windsor Public Library is optimistic the city will approve another $4.3-million for the new John Muir branch in Sandwich Towne.
"The need is there," says Kitty Pope pointing out the need for a new library in the west end of Windsor is not up for debate. "Sandwich has been waiting for an expanded library for many, many years. The fire hall is a great location. The question is can we afford it."
The cost of expanding and renovating the old Sandwich fire hall on Mill St. has jumped from $2.5-million to $5.5-million. That is after the library board convinced the contractor to drop the price by $250,000.
Pope says several factors are blamed for the cost overrun.
"The first is that the original broad estimates were done five years ago. So, if anybody has been renovating, or doing anything in the last five years they know that renovation and construction costs have gone up exponentially," she says. "The second factor is that we're dealing with a heritage building. Anything to do with a structure that age ends up costing more."
The third factor, says Pope, is a concern about the soil conditions under the building. While the conditions are not hazardous, she says there will have to be extensive work to restore the building's footings.
Pope will make her case to Windsor city council Monday night.
"Everybody's been saying, 'what do you think, Kitty?', and I've been saying I'm feeling very positive. I think there's a 75% chance they will see the benefits."
Councillors originally approved the project in October of last year.