December 1, 1999

To: Budget Advisory Committee

From: City Librarian

Subject: Proposed Rouge Library

Scarborough Malvern - Ward 18

Purpose:

To provide the Budget Advisory Committee with background to the proposed Rouge Library which was identified in the former Scarborough Public Library Board's capital program, and the relationship of this proposed facility to the Toronto Public Library's current branch planning study.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications arising from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Background:

At its meeting on November 16, 1999, the Budget Advisory Committee requested additional information on previous plans for the Rouge Library, and how it fits into the Toronto Public Library's branch planning study.

Comments:

The Rouge Library was a proposed 5,000 square foot branch in the vicinity of Meadowvale/Sheppard. In the former Scarborough Public Library Board's 1998 capital program and five-year capital plan, this facility was identified beyond the five-year framework as a 2008 project. The capital budget was $1.6 million for the library portion of the facility, with ongoing operating costs of $275,000.

A feasibility study was completed by Scarborough Recreation, Parks and Culture Department in 1993 which recommended a joint facility housing a public library and a community centre. The proposed site was identified as the Rouge Community Park, in the Meadowvale Road and Sheppard Avenue area. The feasibility study was submitted for consideration in the 1994 capital budget process.

In an earlier planning document, "The Framework for the Development of Public Library Service in the City of Scarborough", the Scarborough Public Library Board had identified a proposed branch for the Rouge community in the 1991-2000 timeframe.

In the branch planning study recently completed by the Toronto Public Library, all areas of the city were examined. Library space available to residents, measured in square feet of library building per capita was evaluated. There was also an examination of whether there was service area overlap between branches as defined by a 1.6 km. service radius around each branch. In addition, existing branches were evaluated on facility condition, including the size of the branch, and the activity levels at each branch as measured by circulation and in-library use of materials, visits to the branch, reference questions answered and programs attended.

The branch planning study did identify a lower than average square feet per capita for the east half of the current Ward 18, Scarborough Malvern. However, this deficiency is addressed by the expansion of Malvern District Library which is outlined below. The Rouge Community is a defined geographic neighbourhood within this study area. The 1996 population for the Rouge Community was 10,713. With the proposed nearby development on the McAsphalt lands, which has an estimated population of 3,500 to 4,100 people, the total population will be approximately 15,000 people. Neighbourhood libraries serve a minimum of 25,000 people, while district libraries serve a minimum population of 125,000.

The Rouge Community is outlined on the attached map. Two libraries provide service to this area. The district library serving this area is the Malvern District Library. A planned expansion of 10,000 square feet for this facility is part of the Toronto Public Library's five-year capital program, and is currently scheduled for 2002. The district library level of service will provide extensive reference and circulating collections, extended hours including Sunday service, user education centres, additional electronic resources, and expanded children's services to the communities served by Malvern. Highland Creek, constructed in 1994, is a neighbourhood library, and its service area also provides partial service to this community. Highway 401 does present a geographic barrier to service for residents north of Highway 401. However, Meadowvale Road and Conlins Road do provide north/south access to the Highland Creek Branch.

Conclusions:

Northeast Scarborough is an area of significant growth and transition. The branch planning study identifies the need to continue to monitor these growth areas and make adjustments to future planning as required. Other service delivery options, such as mobile library services, are currently under review, and may be appropriate service options for this community.

Contact:

Vickery Bowles, Director, East Region, Tel: 396-8811, Fax: 396-8769, E-mail: vbowles@tpl.toronto.on.ca

Jane Pyper, Director, Service Planning and Support, Tel: 395-5602, Fax: 395-5542, E-mail: jpyper@tpl.toronto.on.ca

City Librarian

List of Attachments:

Map 1 : Rouge Community and Library Service