The Government of Canada and the Town of Collingwood today celebrated the Grand Opening Ceremony of the new Collingwood Public Library and Municipal Offices. The new building was officially inaugurated by Canada’s Finance and Regional Minister Jim Flaherty, Mayor of the Town of Collingwood Chris Carrier, and representatives from the Library Board of Directors. Jim Wilson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe—Grey, was also in attendance to extend congratulatory wishes.
“The new public library and municipal offices will offer additional resources and services, encourage learning, and foster a sense of community here in Collingwood,” said Canada’s Finance and Regional Minister Jim Flaherty. “Our government is proud to be working with municipalities to support environmentally friendly infrastructure that Canadians will use and depend on every day.”
"Money from the Federal Gas Tax Fund is permitting the Town of Collingwood to create one of the most environmentally-friendly public buildings in Canada," says Mayor Chris Carrier. "The Municipal Council is approving a new Collingwood Public Library and Municipal Offices building and is committed to achieving a Gold LEED standard for energy and environmental design, which includes the installation of a Green Roof. Utilizing the Gas Tax Funding to the building, Council will be able to provide the citizens of Collingwood with an outstanding example of modern and environmentally-responsible design."
The new three-storey, 30,000-square-foot building consists of two library floors, a third floor to house offices for the town’s building and planning department, a recording studio and meeting space. Several green features make the building unique, highlighted by a green roof that provides natural insulation, a rainwater collection system and an energy recovery ventilator. The Town of Collingwood owns the building, and is in the final stages of pursuing Gold LEED (Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design) status; an international certification recognizing the design of high performance green buildings.