Council to discuss library repairs during budget talks
- Ron Giofu
- 19 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The issue of windows at the Amherstburg Library was debated Monday night, but the costs of repairing the entire building could far exceed the $152,000 it would take to fix the windows.
The $152,000 was identified as the cost for window repairs in a report by director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon, and that will be talked about during 2026 budget deliberations. However, council members cautioned that total building repairs and upgrades could cost between $4-7 million.
Two delegations on the matter spoke on the windows, with Lloyd Sayer listing historic buildings that no longer exist and doesn’t want the library added to that list. He called for maintenance on the historic Carnegie library, which was originally built in 1913 thanks to a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie.
Sayer said he sent photos to members of town council as a form of “shock therapy” and called for investment into the library.
“Let’s spend the money now to save a lot of money later on,” he said.
Sayer said “I believe in history,” adding a new library would cost “millions” so he wanted to see the current one maintained. He wanted the town to take care of what it has first. He said if repairs aren’t done, things are only going to get worse.
Bill Petruniak added council should defer a decision on the windows until the 2026 budget is passed. He said he has attended the library and saw concerns with the windows.
“There is no question that the windows, as well as other structural repairs, are required for this historic building,” said Petruniak. “In 2021, council and our facilities department identified numerous required repairs, and council did nothing. It should come as no surprise that if something needs repair and you ignore it, it does not go away or get better, it gets worse. When things get worse, it usually costs more money.”Petruniak asked where the $152,000 would come from,noting the capital budget does not suggest any funding for the library until 2027 and then it is $100,000. He also asked about mitigating problems with the windows to prevent further damage.
“I am told that Amherstburg owns 52 buildings. It is also common knowledge that all 52 buildings need repairs. Some minor, some major,” said Petruniak. “Your proposed 2026 budget underfunds infrastructure repair and maintenance by over $10 million. I think it is time to pause considering these Carnegie repairs until there is at least a chance that you might be able to pay for them.”
Baillargeon indicated there could be other needs at the library and that a proper assessment is required to gauge what is a priority. She said all the repairs are important to the heritage building, and the most important need to be identified. People specialized to identify issues to heritage buildings should be brought on board, Baillargeon added, with the matter also having to go through the town’s heritage committee.
“Although (the windows) are important, it may not be the most important at this point in time,” she said.
Councillor Molly Allaire pointed out the estimate of $152,000 is just for the windows and the 2027 budgeted amount is for a consultant. She noted the repairs of between $5-7 million “simply to keep the building functioning.”
Allaire said she has used the library her entire life “and I’ve watched it struggle.” She noted the library’s small size and said since 2024, there have been 16 elevator outages and six days of heat closures. Other issues include a cracked foundation, water-damaged plaster, HVAC issues, broken lights, and windows with screens that fall out.
“This is the reality our residents walk into,” said Allaire. “And yet our library is growing. We now have 5,177 active memberships and counting. We must choose – do we invest now or continue delaying until the building falls apart completely. Our residents rely on this library. It is supposed to be a safe, cool refuge in extreme heat—not a place we have to close because the HVAC system can’t cope.”
Councillor Diane Pouget called for the town to put money away to find the $5-7 million needed to keep the library in good shape. She said even if the town were to eventually relocate the library, how could the town expect anyone to purchase the current building when it needs millions in repairs?
Pouget added she was also concerned about the state of the windows and was told by manager of facilities Terry Fasan that small repairs would be looked at to mitigate issues with the windows and screens, though noted it would not address repairs on a larger scope.
“That fabulous old library is an old man in this town that’s on life support. We’ve really kind of neglected its health for a long time,” said Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb. “I would be happy to move this up in the rotation when it comes to budget.”
Gibb added while windows are a repair that most people see, there are other issues needed where it is not commonly seen. He said he liked the idea to hire a professional consultant, and noted “it has to be done properly.”
“We need to get a proper assessment and then go in the order of priority,” said Gibb. “I think there may be foundation problems there, there are definitely HVAC problems there. The windows are one more problem that has to be prioritized.”
Mayor Michael Prue said previous demolitions were before a heritage district was established and recent councils have tried to save heritage buildings. He assured people thinking the library could be demolished that it won’t be.
The library has “certainly seen neglect over its 100-year life cycle,” Prue added. He quoted a $4-7 million figure to repair it, adding “it makes no sense to me to repair those windows when other things need to be done, and probably need to be done first.”
“We need to hire an expert to tell us the order in which we do it,” said Prue.
The mayor said $4-7 million needs to be put away, noting he is looking forward to fixing the library after receiving a report on the progression needed to fully repair it.
Council to discuss library repairs during budget talks
By Ron Giofu