CORRECTION: This article has been edited (Dec 7, 10:40pm) to reflect a correction from Mount Allison University, clarifying that construction on the library renovation project is not imminent, as previously indicated.
Mount Allison says the designs for a renovated Ralph Pickard Bell Library are being finalized, and a timeline for the rollout of the project will be released early in 2024.
The university released the news as part of a profile on Board of Regents member Dave Shastri, who is a donor to the project.
The major renovation was a pet project of former university president, Dr. Jean Paul Boudreau, who stepped down from his post this summer after a five year term. Boudreau helped secure a $36 million commitment from the federal and provincial governments to go towards the project.
The University’s news release says the “Hub for Innovation and Learning” project will “renovate Mount Allison’s R.P. Bell Library building to provide modern library services as well as facilities designed for collaborative study, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning with community groups.”
University spokesperson Renée Belliveau says that the school won’t share further information about the project now, but will issue a news release in the new year. “The University will keep the community informed of progress as soon as we have relevant information to share,” writes Belliveau.
The university says the project will be Mount Allison’s largest capital project in more than 60 years.
