Aylmer Council Votes to Proceed with Option One for Library Redevelopment Project

What was decided?

At the October 15, 2025 Regular Meeting, Council voted to proceed with Option One for the Library Redevelopment Project in a 5-1 vote. Council has requested staff to "prepare a further report outlining the process and timelines for the detailed design of Option One before proceeding with further engagement of JPM upon this component of the project."

Council deferred the decision to approve the EECC request for funding for the purposes of obtaining a design concept, costing analysis, and financing plan for the potential relocation of the Aylmer Library to the EECC. Council requested staff report back on the request and detail previous work investigating the EECC in 2017 by Aylmer staff.

What is Option One?

This design concept involves adding space to the Old Town Hall on the west side, with connections to the existing Library on the ground floor and a glazed corridor connection to the theatre on the north side of the upper floor.

The estimated cost of this option is $8,878,949.37

What happens next?

Staff have been asked by Council to prepare a report outlining the process and timelines for the detailed design of Option One before proceeding with further engagement of the project architect.

What is the timeline for the library redevelopment project?

No final decision on the library redevelopment will be made until the 2026-2030 term. All construction timelines - including those related to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC) option - extend beyond the current Council's mandate. As such, approval rests with the next term of Council. Outgoing municipal councils are not permitted to bind incoming councils on significant matters or decisions. This project is expected to be a key strategic deliverable for the 2026-2030 term. Approval authority rests with that Council.

So why are we talking about this now?

While no final decision will be made until the new term begins, there is an opportunity to prepare and develop options for consideration. This may include exploring location and design alternatives, establishing financial plans, or engaging with Elgin County for potential support.

Council has selected a preferred design for the library which allows the Town to begin fundraising efforts and accepting pledges. This does not commit the next Council to a specific design or decision.

How will this impact the 2026 Budget?

The draft 2026 Capital and Operating Budgets have been presented to the Finance Committee. This will be the final budget approved by the current (2022-2026) Council. At this stage, the 2026 Budget does not allocate any new funding toward the library redevelopment, nor is this anticipated to be added.