The Town of Smithers is currently completing a “Library & Art Gallery Concept Design & Business Case”. The project includes stakeholder/community consultation, program refinement, concept design (both for a new building & Veteran’s Peace Park redesign) and a business case analysis. The facility is to meet Passive House Building Standards or BC Energy Step Code Level 5 and be a maximum of 12,000 ft2.
There were two public Open House events, held July 25, 2018, and August 20, 2018, for the community to brainstorm, discuss & provide ideas for a new shared facility and park redesign.
Background
Smithers Council identified the development of a new Cultural Centre as one of its Strategic Priorities for 2015-2018. In 2017 the Town engaged the services of Public Architecture + Communication to complete a Bulkley Valley Arts & Culture Centre Pre-feasibility Study. The study identified potential tenants, uses and produced high level conceptual design options for a new multi-purpose facility. In consultation with the community, Smithers Council endorsed a phased approach to a preferred concept, which envisions a new shared Library/Art Gallery facility in Veteran’s Peace Park being the first phase.
This project also builds on the 2009 Smithers Public Library Expansion Project Design, completed by Urban Arts Architecture, which included a new library and Veteran’s Peace Park design.
Questions regarding this project can be directed to:
Mark Allen, Director of Development Services
Email