Sheep River Library Is OPEN

Click on the article headline if you would like to read our entire publication online, in original print format. To leave a comment, scroll to the bottom of this article.

The new Sheep River Library is a reality, thanks to major funding and support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the Town of Turner Valley.

Through the Canada-Alberta Infrastructure Stimulus Funding Agreement, the Federal and Alberta governments contributed a total of $1.966 million towards construction. The Government of Canada, Government of Alberta and the Town of Turner Valley each contributed $983,000 to this project. The total cost for this project was $2.9 million. Additional fundraising for furniture, equipment, amenities and programs was conducted by the Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation.

The library serves the Towns of Turner Valley, Black Diamond and the surrounding area within the Municipal District of Foothills. “The new library is a great improvement over the former facility and better meets the needs of this growing community,” said Ted Morton, MLA for Foothills-Rocky View. “It will be both a centre of learning and a centre for the community. This project is a good example of co-operation and shared investment by all orders of government.”

“On behalf of Turner Valley Council, I applaud the dedication and perseverance of all participants for the accomplishment in getting this wonderful facility open to service the residents of Turner Valley and region,” said Kelly Tuck, Mayor of Turner Valley. The 10,000-square-foot facility is a true focal point for the community. Centrally located in Turner Valley, it features large, bright areas for book stacks, a lively children's area for reading and activities, learning and study centres, meeting rooms and specially designed storage for community groups' archives. A double-sided fireplace and cozy leather furniture also invites reading and social interaction.

The building includes environmental benefits such as; reduced Green House Gas emissions from building operations, reduced energy consumption and reduced water and sewer loads on municipal systems. The new Sheep River Library is the culmination of five years of planning, advocating and fundraising. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 30th, 2010 and the new library opened for business on April 4th, 2011. The grand opening celebration drew a large crowd on April 23rd, gathering to observe the Official Ribbon Cutting.