Projected construction costs for two new libraries in Lennox and Addington were presented to Lennox and Addington County Council this week, with each build totaling over $12 million. Operating cost projections were presented as well, at approximately $1.1 million per year.
Construction costs are based on January 2024 rates, while operating costs are still based on 2022 numbers. Annual operating costs do not include any internal staffing changes.
An update to the county’s library service review was presented to council in 2019, and council approved staff to investigate the development of two future libraries, with consideration also given to the future of the current smaller, community libraries.
Staff noted that strategic capital planning is a priority for the county, including the future direction of new libraries. With a preliminary estimation of financial impacts for new library builds, council can better prepare for the development of its 2025 operating and capital budgets, and beyond.
