Two local organizations collaborate on new facility
The Marigold Library System and Western Irrigation District (WID) are pleased to announce the beginning of construction of a new joint facility in Strathmore, Alberta.
Located on a 6-acre parcel at Orchard and Pine, the collaboration secures a long-term future for both organizations in the community. In total, 70 full-time employees will benefit from the modern layout and improved workflow of the building, with 34,462 square feet of separate and shared spaces. A large meeting area provides the opportunity to host larger events and community organizations.
“We are immensely excited to start construction of a new space for our employees,” says Michelle Toombs, CEO, Marigold Library System. “This facility allows us to grow our space to better serve our member municipalities, and to realize operational efficiencies.”
The land, originally owned by the WID, is now co-owned with Marigold. A parcel to the west, with an existing wetland, was donated to the Town of Strathmore to be retained in its natural state. The Marigold wing and a portion of the shared space was made possible in part by a generous $3 million grant from the Alberta Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
“It is unique for two organizations like these to come together, and we both benefit from the cost-effectiveness of sharing resources,“ says David McAllister, General Manager, WID. “Plus, our community benefits, from construction jobs in the near term, and the public use of meeting space, and our ongoing contributions to the local economy in the longer term.”
The new building is projected to be completed by summer 2021.
Media contact:
Michelle Toombs
CEO Marigold Library System
403.934.5334
Laura Taylor
Deputy CEO Marigold Library System
403.934.5334
About Marigold Library System:
Established in March 1981 under the Libraries Act of Alberta, Marigold is a not-for-profit municipal collaborative that provides affordable, state of the art public library services and support. Marigold serves 44 municipalities, Stoney Nakoda and Siksika Nations, and the Townsite of Redwood Meadows – comprising more than 320,000 residents. Marigold member municipalities span the width of Alberta, from the B.C. border to the Saskatchewan border.
About Western Irrigation District:
Formed in 1944 using infrastructure originally built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Western Irrigation District provides irrigation water to more than 400 farms and 96,000 acres of land, and supplies water to 12,000 people in four municipalities through 1,200 km of canals and pipelines. The WID operates under the rules and procedures of the Irrigation Districts Act.