The Okotoks Toy Library may have found a solution to both its financial problems and its search for a new home.
The library has faced tight finances in recent years making it hard to keep the doors open at its current location on Elma Street near Northridge Drive.
However, it has identified a potential new home to ease the strain, but changes are needed to municipal land use rules before the library can move to the new site.
The Toy Library’s board is keeping the precise location under wraps for now, but board member Emily Walker confirmed the site is within an existing building in the Okotoks Business Park.
“We have found a location that we feel would be more than adequate for our needs,” said Walker.
Before the library can move to its new home a number of things will need to be completed.
First, the industrial land use district rules would need to be changed to add private recreation facilities to the list of uses permitted in area zoned as industrial.
This would first go to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) for comment and then town council will make the final decision.
Secondly, the Toy Library will need a development permit, which is ultimately approved by the MPC.
If all goes according to plan and the zoning rules are approved Walker said they could be ready to open the doors in the new location in October.
The library has 85 families as members, who are able to borrow toys to take home to use for periods of time.
While Okotoks council won’t have a say in the zoning rule change, they are giving the library financial help with their plans.
On July 18, council voted unanimously to cover the cost for the land-use amendment process as well as the development and building permits from its emergent matters fund.
“It’s a huge help, it means we can stay afloat for another few months at least,” she said.
The organization has struggled financially with rent and utilities at its current location taking up the lion’s share of its revenues.
An annual membership costs $65 and the library also receives private donations, grant funding and it participates in a casino every three years.
The library will be participating in a casino in September and without it, Walker said the group would’ve closed its doors in three months.
Walker said the new site will allow the library to be financially sustainable. She said the rent and utilities in the new location will cut their operating costs by half.
Coun. Matt Rockley said the library deserves the Town’s support.
He said it provides a positive community service that doesn’t receive funding from the Town.
“I thought it was the least we could do to support them in their quest for a new location that’s going to suit them,” he said.
