At the same time as we are ramping up our Virtual Branch and the delivery of virtual library services to customers located at home, school or work, we are also planning for the construction and renovation of our bricks-and-mortar libraries for customers who choose to access library services by physically visiting our branches.
Funding: Funding for new library construction comes from the Town of Markham through Development Charges (90%) and taxes (10%).
Master Plan Process: The Town decides where and when it will construct new libraries (as well as parks, recreational facilities and cultural facilities), and how they will be funded, through a process known as the Integrated Leisure Master Plan (formerly called the Parks, Recreation, Culture, Libraries and Open Space Master Plan). The Master Plan will provide a road map for the development of future municipal facilities and services in Markham for the next 10 years. It is critical to the future of Markham Public Library, and to ensuring we have an adequate physical infrastructure to meet the library service needs of Markham residents.
Project Manager – our CEO: Our Library CEO Catherine Biss is the Project Manager for the Master Plan, working with Town staff – Colin Service, Manager, Planning & Policy Development for Recreation Services, and Sara Tam, Manager, Business Planning & Innovation for the Community & Fire Services Commission. The Project Consultant is Monteith Brown Planning Consultants.
Staff Workshop: On October 29, 2008, twenty Library staff attended a staff launch and workshop session facilitated by the consultant. Our staff (as well as staff from parks, recreation and culture) provided input regarding existing service delivery levels, library service needs, and future trends. A summary of staff input is provided in the attached document.
Household Survey: During October - November, 2008, the consultant conducted a random household telephone survey soliciting feedback from residents around current service delivery expectations and desired future services and amenities. This survey was conducted in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, or Tamil.
Group Survey: To gather feedback from key user groups, including Library user groups, a Group Survey has been distributed to gather more detailed feedback about the specific needs of user groups identified by staff.
NEXT STEPS:
Community Search Conference: In mid-January, key stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide strategic feedback through a Search Conference for invited user groups and community leaders.
Focus Group/Open House Events: During February to March, there will be 8 to 9 Focus Group/Open House events for the general public, in various locations across all of Markham, designed to gather input and feedback from all Markham constituents. It is hoped that some of these events will take place in library branches, in our open spaces, to optimize inclusivity and public awareness.
For an overview of the Master Plan project, please take a look at the Council presentation at http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/Agendas/2008/General/gc081027/03-1010%20Presentation%20to%20Council_October%2027%202008_draft%20v2.pdf
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