The City of Richmond is tabling various short-term options for the expansion of the Steveston library, to city council.
Four options were presented in a report to city councillors this week.
The first option, recommended by city planners, is to maintain the status quo of the 4,000 square foot facility. Such an option would prevent the Steveston Community Centre from expanding its fitness program until a permanent library is built, which could take up to five years.
A second option, and the most expensive, is to accept a lease agreement with Onni Group at the Imperial Landing boardwalk development. Operating costs would increase by $500,000 and the discounted lease, under the existing offer from last May, would expire in 20 years.
The city is also suggesting a portable structure could be an option for the next 15 years. The portable would be placed in Steveston Park, east of the police station. Such an option would offer immediate relief for the community centre’s programs.
A fourth option is to find leasable space in Steveston Village. The report does not indicate what exactly are the options but notes such a plan would be “challenging” if the city were to acquire more than 10,000 square feet (as is needed, according to the Richmond Public Library executive).
The last three options would cost between $3.7 and $4.5 million. As such, city planners are suggesting that the library remain in place until the city drafts a new facilities plan. The report indicates the city is looking at the empty city-owned property across the street as a development option for the new library.
