Thunder Bay City Council Rejects Proposal for New Central Library

The city council has decided not to proceed with establishing a centralized library at the Inter-city Shopping Centre.

Councillors voted against the proposal, citing concerns over the high costs associated with leasing the space. Maintaining and upgrading the existing library branches was deemed more cost-effective than building a new central facility.

Last week, staff advised the council to retain the current setup, as outlined in the 2024 Master Facilities Plan for the library. Had the Inter-city location been approved, the city would have faced $8.5 million in construction costs, while the Waverly and Mary JL Black branches would remain operational, and the Brodie and County Park branches would have closed.

City Manager John Collin highlighted the hidden costs not included in the facilities plan.

“We will see a rent cost during this ten-year lease up to $19 million, depending on how long this lease goes for,” said Collin. “We will also see interest payments on the debt of $5.5 million.”

The construction alone was estimated to cost nearly $17 million.

Councillor Brian Hamilton acknowledged the project’s significance and potential for the future.

“I think the plan is actually quite a good one and a missed opportunity,” said Hamilton. “However, if the council decides to move forward with the centralized library at that cost, there would be major implications downstream. I see it as an important move forward, but not possible or achievable right now.”

Without the new centralized library, the four existing branches across the city will be gradually renovated to improve accessibility and functionality.