A recent survey gauging community support for a brick-and-mortar library in Sun Peaks closed with a strong indication of interest from locals, but the cost of building will likely exceed available funding.
The survey, hosted by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, showed 88 per cent of respondents are in favour of building a library in Sun Peaks, the majority of which were full-time residents.
Despite broad support for the initiative, with only 12.3 not in favour, a presentation during the regional board of directors meeting May 28 noted the cost would be over the $750,000 slated for the build in the regional budget.
Currently, Sun Peaks residents pay for regional library services at $14.08 per $100,000 of assessed home value, averaging at about $123.37. These funds contribute to public libraries through the Thompson-Nicola Regional District as well as the The Mobile Library service.
The Mobile Library, which has served Sun Peaks since 2007, visits Sun Peaks weekly and the presentation noted that use by local residents was aligned with or higher than communities of similar size.
A brick-and-mortar library in the municipality would help meet that demand, though it would increase the tax cost per household.
For the proposed Sun Peaks Library, with a minimum size of 1,000 square feet, the estimated start-up costs would fall between $565,000 and $847,500, with overall capital costs estimated at $1 million to complete the facility.
Any additional costs for the proposed library not covered by the budget would need to be paid for through taxes, and funds may need to be shifted away from other projects, the board report stated.
Annual costs of operating the facility are expected to range from $126,857 and $350,561.
While this would change the approximate amount individuals would pay toward library services in annual taxes, it is not clear by exactly how much.
The board directed staff to continue work and focus on understanding the potential impact on the 2027 through 2029 budgets for building and operating a library in Sun Peaks.
The next steps for this include sourcing a realtor and location, board approval for location and improvement costs, service design, model and staffing costs.
An estimated timeline for completion of the library is by the end of 2028 or beginning of 2029.
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