CBRM issues tender for air conditioning at McConnell Library

The above headline introduces yet another article in the Cape Breton Post about our library in Sydney.

I think that a better headline might be:

CBRM suddenly realizes that they

own the McConnell Library Building

For years, many community-minded people have been advocating for a new library to replace the ailing McConnell Library. The roof leaks in the winter when the snow melts. The air is thick with heat and humidity in the summer.

As a municipal election strolls down the road toward us, hands in pockets and casually whistling, we should prepare for its arrival.

How?

We should demand real answers to our earnest questions about issues, including this one: Has the CBRM Council applied for federal funding for a new library in Sydney? And if so, what is the status of this application?

In July of 2019, Mayor Cecile Clarke and Premier McNeil did an odd little dance around the idea of a new library for Sydney. Basically, the premier told the press that if Mayor Clarke wants a library, he should apply for funding for one. And Mayor Clarke said, in effect: “Oh, yeah? Well, you tell me what forms to use then.”

At this time, July of 2019, Mayor Clarke said that if federal funding were to be approved, construction could begin in 2020.

There are about 7 months left in 2020. 

And we still have no idea what is going on.

If our municipal government does not make decisions in a transparent way, we cannot cast our votes coherently. If our municipal government has made an application for funding for a new library to replace the McConnell, we should know when the application was filed and at what stage it currently sits.

I will write the Mayor’s communication office to ask for information on the application for funding for a new library. If you too are interested in this information, I will share here .