A new library in Chemainus will go up next to the Waterwheel Park, despite opposition from some residents.

North Cowichan council approved the plan this week, choosing the Waterwheel parking lot over another proposed site across the street where the old fire hall is now.

After months of debate and discussion, Mayor Jon Lefebure said the decision from council was unanimous, but that construction of the building should be done strategically.

“We’re going to have to make sure that that design enables as much parking as possible.”

The president of the Chemainus Museum, Johanna Reymerink, said the new building will take away some parking, especially important for tourists in the summer.

“We’re going to lose a lot of parking, and you know, parking is golden, I think,” she said.

The Vancouver Island Regional Library is now in control of constructing and developing the new facility and Lefebure hopes construction will begin this year.

Similar Stories

• Spring brings more bluebirds back to Cowichan
• Returning bluebirds signify project success
• New study aims to help Cowichan youth find work
• Controversial request for marsh cop shop goes forward
• Shawnigan ready to "Rock for Clean Water"

Most Viewed Stories

• Your horoscope: June 17-23, 2013
• Your horoscope: June 17-23, 2013
• Watch Miss Utah totally bungle Miss USA pageant question
• Watch Miss Utah totally bungle Miss USA pageant question
• Fortis wants BCUC to "reconsider" merging Island-Coastal gas rates with rest of BC