New concept design for the Southampton Town Hall and Library, presented to Saugeen Shores Council September 11.

Hub Staff

Saugeen Shores Council got their first detailed look at the modern design through the Southampton Town Hall and Library Architectural Feasibility and Design Study. The proposed structure, which will show off the historic structure that is the Southampton Town Hall, includes three levels, vestibules, two terraces overlooking Southampton and an opportunity for a living wall and roof for the enhanced library.

Additional features include retractable seating for the third floor of the Town Hall, public meeting areas, a raised performance area, a kitchen for catering opportunities, public meeting rooms and a new elevator and washroom space. The price tag for the project, not including tax, was estimated by 3 Stones Architecture & Design at $11.4 million.

The design, provided by Sean O’Reilly of 3 Stones was said to be option #4 and was redesigned following feedback from two public open houses and meetings with stakeholders.

See: Town Hall committee looking for continued community feedback

O’Reilly told councillors that the design covered nine different themes which had to be maintained throughout the project. The first consideration was the preservation of the Town Hall, second was accessibility, third was future considerations for the library. The space had to be inviting and feature flexible spaces, front and rear entry, meeting and gathering spaces, performance spaces; and finally exterior, accessible washrooms.

O’Reilly then said that there would be a native culture as well as a maritime influence. An atrium space would be connecting the new library space with the Southampton Town Hall with elevated walkways on the upper levels. Final designs for option #4 will soon be available on social media and on the Saugeen Shores website.

Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau asked O’Reilly about the library of the future and said the design “looked very much like the library of the past.”

“The library of the future envisions a lot more technology,” said O’Reilly. “You wouldn't see that with what we’ve shown [in the design] but in terms of functional programs with computer labs that are in the basement, you can actually give computer classes. When they do the wiring of the building... wiring the whole infrastructure of that space itself would allow for flexibility and change.”

Councillor Neil Menage thanked O’Reilly for his passion behind the project and said that he was impressed with the presentation. He added his thoughts regarding another use for the space. “I’d like to see a little more multi-purpose space thinking as well... an opportunity to put a standby generator or an electrical back up generator on this particular expansion and re-design so that it can be used in the event of necessary cooling space, heating space whenever we have an emergency,” said Menage.

Councillor Mike Myatt commended the Southampton Town Hall Ad Hoc Committee members, many of whom were in attendance in Council Chambers, for their hard work over the past year and a half but worried about preserving the character of Southampton, admitting that he was a little surprised at the modern design.

Vice Deputy Mayor Diane Huber, who is also a committee member, said that the committee will be providing a report to council that will “add in some of the ideas that we’re taking about regarding fundraising and financial planning” at a future date.

Following the discussion Councillor Myatt said the price tag was “a big pill to swallow” and mentioned the expansion of the Port Elgin Library, saying that it tied in the old with the new “quite nicely with brick to brick.” The councillor said that 11.4 million was a big number and that he will have a lot more questions down the line when council “gets more serious” about the project.

Following the approval of the Feasibility and Design Study, staff will proceed with making recommendations pertaining to the next steps in the project.