Cornwall library rooftop oasis planned

The front of the Cornwall Public Library at 45 Second Street East in Cornwall, Ont. A consultant is coming up with a plan to create a rooftop oasis. (cornwalltourism.com via Newswatch Group)

CORNWALL – Stakeholders in the development of the Cornwall Public Library’s rooftop meet tonight with a consultant to look over an ambitious project to transform it into a gathering place.

The Library Rooftop Development Committee is heading up the Library Roof Oasis Project.

Ottawa-based Fotenn Consultants Inc. was awarded a contract to design a “public rooftop space” at 45 Second Street East and will be at the Tuesday night meeting as a facilitator.

Exact details won’t been shared until tonight but the project is being described as “a unique and attractive venue in the heart of downtown Cornwall that will help achieve the city’s vision for a vibrant and healthier quality of life in our community.”

This year, it will cost the City of Cornwall and taxpayers just over $2 million to run the library.

That includes nearly a half million dollars in capital work, including replacement of the rooftop HVAC units at roughly $350,000.