NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: May 30, 2025
#2025-06
SMITHERS, B.C. — The Town of Smithers is pleased to announce the acquisition of the property at 3761 3rd Avenue, the current home of Heartstrings Home Decor & Gifts. The building will serve as the future home of the Smithers Public Library, with additional publicly accessible spaces that will be integrated into library use and shaped through public consultation. This project is largely funded through the Northwest B.C. Regional Funding Agreement, initiated by the Northwest Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA)—a five-year, $250 million initiative designed to support infrastructure development and improve quality of life across the region. More than $500,000 raised by the Friends of the Smithers Library will also support the purchase.
The Town recognizes that this change is significant for our community. Heartstrings has been a beloved destination in Smithers for over 22 years, and we sincerely value the success and spirit the business brings to the community. The decision to sell was not made lightly by the owners, but they have shared their pride in knowing the building will continue to serve the community as a place for connection, learning, and creativity. We are pleased to share that Heartstrings will continue to operate and is planning to relocate to a smaller location at 1207 Main Street in 2026. The Town is glad to see the business continuing its presence in Smithers in a new space.
“Council recognizes the importance of community gathering spaces that meet the needs of our diverse and thriving community,” said Mayor Gladys Atrill. “We are thrilled to be advancing one of our strategic priorities this term—exploring options for a new Library. By investing in a new building to replace our aging Library, we are reaffirming our commitment to education, community, and future generations.”
For over 15 years, the Library Board and the Friends of the Smithers Public Library have been actively advocating and fundraising for a new, functional and accessible facility that meets the growing needs of the community.
“The board of the Smithers Public Library is pleased and excited regarding the purchase of the Heartstrings building as the new location for the Library,” said Christine Tessier, Smithers Public Library Board Chair. “This building is more than twice the size of our current location, providing significantly more space to support community needs and offer new opportunities. This beautiful and inviting space, with its central location, will allow staff to continue their excellent work in providing resources, promoting literacy and participating in the spirit of our small town.”
The Town will take possession of the building in 2026, followed by renovations to meet the functional needs of the Library and allow for additional public space. Community input will be sought in the planning stages to help determine how the space will be used. The acquisition of 3761 3rd Avenue reflects a long-term commitment to improving local infrastructure, services, and shared public spaces—goals closely aligned with the Town’s strategic priorities and the broader objectives of the Northwest B.C. Regional Funding Agreement.
About the NW BC Regional Funding Agreement -- The Northwest British Columbia Regional Funding Agreement is a landmark, five-year initiative totalling $250 million. It is a collaborative effort between the Province of British Columbia and 21 local governments across the region - the Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance (RBA). The Town of Smithers will receive $21,901,077 over 5 years.
The Agreement provides dedicated funding for community infrastructure projects that meet critical needs, ranging from water and wastewater systems to public safety, transportation, and community facilities, while also supporting industrial growth and advancing reconciliation with neighbouring First Nations. The investment is designed to be incremental to local property tax revenue, ensuring enhanced services and infrastructure without reducing existing funding levels. For more details, please visit NW Resource Benefits.
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Media Contact:
Samantha LeBlanc, Engagement and Communications Officer
Town of Smithers
Communications@smithers.ca
250-847-1600
Smithers Public Library
Christine Tessier, Smithers Public Library Board Chair
splchair@smitherspl.ca
250-847-3043
View the PDF Press Release here.