A newspaper article about the unveiling of a planning model for a new Bradford Public Library at 100 Holland Court. Included in the article is a photograph of the building model and (L-R): Dennis Roughley (Town Councillor), Eleanor Sherbo ( Library Board Chairperson), Bill Lett (Architect), Wilson Shut (Architect's Assistant), George Jackson, Peggy Chorneki, Ron Quinton, Adrienne Price (Librarian), Bill de Peuter (Mayor) and Sandy Hudson (Town Reeve).
"IT WAS happy a time for all last Monday night when a model of Bradford's new library was unveiled to the public..."
:Judging from the above heading which preceded a local item in the Era of last week, what a time there will be in Newmarket when the Trent Valley Canal branch (so called) is completed through to that town from the Holland River. A gentleman who had spent several days in Newmarket last week and in passing through our village on Monday, wondered if the Laurier Government had gone completely crazy by making a preliminary grant of $700 000 to build a good sized ditch a distance of 8 miles to an inland town. He looked upon it as a political sop. There is no kick coming from the Newmarket Era, however, as may be seen from the following item: "Mr. Grant one of the contractors for Newmarket end of the Canal, has been in town all week making arrangements to commence work. The stone house and one of the barns on the Hulse farm have been leased for a term. Sixty horses arrived here yesterday and more expected to-day. It is said that the contractors intend to employ 300 teams and 400 men. Work will commence this week if not already started, in the vicinity of the "Green Lane," a mile and a quarter north of Newmarket, where a lock and basin will be constructed. The United Factories have received orders to vacate their property on Huron St., where the survey runs, and are advertising a quantity of wood for sale at a low price to save handling twice. It certainly begins to look as if the Newmarket Canal is not all talk."
The Metropolitan railway was a streetcar project which was to extend up to Bond Head through Bradford. Newspapers reported in 1900 that citizens would welcome this track through the towns, although it was a costly endeavour: "The residents of the north end of Newmarket are solicious for the continuance of the Metropolitan Railway track through to their quarter, and have called upon the Council to endeavor to get the company to perform the work."
It also presented issues with the town's current layout, hence changes had to be made: "The contract for removing the Newmarket Exhibition buildings to the South of the track has been let by the Management Committee, and arrangements have also been made for the erection of a grand stand. With these improvements the local grounds will compare favorably with any in the county."
Photograph of plumbing being installed by Steve Noakes from the construction of the library at its location on Holland Court. The view is from the street, looking toward east entrance.
A 30,000 sq. ft. Administration Building, with a Council Chamber that could double as an Arts Center. A 14,000 sq. ft. South Simcoe Police Station, that shares an atrium-style public entry with the Administration building. A separate courthouse - and possibly, an Ambulance station. All of it to be paid for through development charges, reserve funds from the sale of the municipal electrical utility, contributions from the County of Simcoe, and the sale of surplus properties - with no impact on the tax rate. ...
"BRADFORD - Residents in the area of Thornton Avenue and Frederick Street are concerned about a proposed 26-unit townhouse development on 1.9 acres of land at the northwest corner of Thornton Avenue. ..."
Photograph of Heidi (Chard) Northover, Jennifer Maslak and Tracy Martin outside the then new library. Photograph is from when the Holland Court location of the library was being built.
A newspaper article about a town donation to the building fund for the Bradford Public Library at 100 Holland Court.
"BRADFORD - The Bradford Public Library BOard received a big boost to the coffers last week. Town council made official a donation that is valued at close to half a million dollars. The grant and land deal is to be used for the construction of the new library..."
