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Forewor d
I
like to think that, in a generation from now, Westmounters will regard the
Library Renewal Project as today's unequivocal statement of our faith in
the future - and as Westmount's most important building project of the latter
half of this century.
Yet, while it almost "had to be written", I was a bit chary at first in
proposing we commission a history of this project, fearing it might look like
an exercise in self-congratulation for this current Council. But all of us felt
that it was important to set out just what happened - while our memories
were still fresh.
Polishing this jewel in Westmount's crown has not been easy. You can't
polish a jewel without friction, and you can't create a superb building such as
this without conflict, as the following history shows.
Yet citizens got value for their money: I think we have delivered a $10
million building for three-quarters of that cost. To use tax money wisely, you
have to treat it as your own. Public money is squandered when no one is
accountable, when buildings go up without passion and without confidence.
Even though I've referred to the refurbishment of the library as this
Council's finest achievement, the concept was developed well before 1991.
Without May Cutler's vision and determination, it would never have even got
on
the drawing board.
To single out anyone else for special mention is perhaps a little unfair,
given the tremendous number of citizens and staff who contributed to the
success of this project. But I highlight, nonetheless, the immeasurable
contributions of Raymond Ullyatt, John Bridgman, Caroline Thibodeau,
David Culver, and Bruce St Louis. And, of course, Peter Rose - whose brilliant
concept was vindicated in the end.
It was a task of perseverance, passion, and politics. All those who worked
on the project gave a piece of themselves, and, in return, got enormous
satisfaction from seeing a job well done.
PETER F. TRENT
OCTOBER 1995