Central Library at the Bawcutt Centre

August 6, 2024 - Site Excavation at New Library Site

July 21, 2023 - Demolition Begins at New Library Site

June 29, 2023 - County of Brant Public Library new Central Branch receives Council approval

January 26, 2023 - Public open house will showcase draft designs of the new Central Branch and encourage feedback from residents

October 14, 2022 - County of Brant Public Library chooses award-winning firm, DPAI Architecture Inc., to design new Main Branch Library

September 24, 2021 - County of Brant Public Library and County of Brant announce historic location of new main branch library

• The current Paris Branch Library was built in 1904 for a population of 3,229. The population of the County of Brant is expected to grow to 59,000 by 2051.
• Expansion of inclusive and accessible library services for a rapidly growing community:
  • Barrier-free access to the latest technology and a state-of-the-art Makerspace will inspire future leaders and makers.
  • A dynamic hub with a café, full-service demonstration kitchen, gaming area, and children's event space will foster collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences for all ages.
  • Flexible performance spaces and rental opportunities will provide a vibrant hub for diverse cultural expressions and gatherings, in addition to generating revenue.
  • Quiet, private study spaces for students, local entrepreneurs, and online studies.

• The building project restores and saves the heritage site and honours the legacy of the building and ethos of John (Jack) Bawcutt, once Mayor of Paris and for whom the building is named.
  • Restoration of the heritage site supports the County's planning goal to preserve "small-town character."
• Creation of green spaces and an energy-efficient building.
  • Green infrastructure supports the County's planning goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
  • Indigenous consultation supports the County's planning goal to honour Indigenous representation.
• Creation of a cultural anchor in a revitalized Paris Upper Town and pillar of civic pride for the County of Brant.
• Parking will be expanded, with placement on level ground.

This building is owned by the County of Brant. The County is currently investigating public-use options.

For more information, connect with the County of Brant's Planning & Development Department.

The proposed site plan includes 41 spaces on-site, including 2 accessible parking spaces.

Additionally, A parking analysis shows there are 241 spots within a short walk of the new library:

• 2 minutes: 46 spots
• 5 minutes: 109 spots
• 10 minutes: 86 spots

Considering that not all spots will be available at any given time, estimates suggest that there will be over 150 spaces on average. 

The Library is working with the County of Brant Planning & Development Department to ensure the new Main Branch Library has adequate parking that does not adversely impact the surrounding neighbourhood.

The estimated cost is $37.7 million. View a breakdown of the project costs and budget here.

Fundraising efforts are already underway and will continue to expand. The goal of the new Main Branch is to provide everything the community needs at a cost that is reasonable while still providing a library that can grow with the increasing size of the population.