The Aylmer Library's Future

August 2025 — Elgin County Council has formally asked the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC) Board to consider supporting the potential relocation of the Aylmer Branch of the Elgin County Library to the EECC.

Following a community consultation earlier this year, County Council reaffirmed its interest in exploring the EECC as a future home for the library. The County’s direction is based on feedback received through an open house and online survey in May, where residents shared their views on library space needs and possible locations.

To move forward, County Council approved a request for the EECC Board to review the proposal and determine whether the complex could accommodate a modern library space of approximately 10,000 square feet. The Board’s approval is required before any joint planning or design work can begin. Under the EECC’s Terms of Reference, both the Town of Aylmer and Township of Malahide Councils must endorse any new commitments or budget allocations before staff proceed.

The County’s request was outlined in a letter sent by Warden Ed Ketchabaw on August 13, 2025, summarizing the consultation results and next steps.

Residents can review the County’s full consultation summary and presentation through the Elgin County Meeting Portal.

What's happening with the Aylmer Library?

The Town of Aylmer wants to make the Aylmer Library bigger by building onto the Old Town Hall (OTH). They sent a "Letter of Intent" to Elgin County to say they are planning this.

Elgin County is happy about the idea—but they say Aylmer still needs to give more details before they can move forward.

What is Aylmer planning?

Aylmer wants to build a new 8,000 square foot space for the library and connect it to the Old Town Hall.

They asked the County to sign a 20-year lease, help with fundraising, and let the Town's engineers start designing the space.

What was Elgin County's response?

Before the County can accept Aylmer’s letter as a true “Letter of Intent,” they need two things:

• A clear amount of space that will be used for the library.

• A timeline for when construction will begin.

The County expects construction might start in 2028, with completion around 2030—after the current lease ends in 2027. So, they suggest temporarily moving the library to the East Elgin Community Complex in the meantime.

The County also noted:

• Aylmer should lead fundraising since they own the building, but the County can assist.

• They’re willing to help with interior design, as they’ve done before.

• No need for a 20-year lease promise now—leases already last long-term.

• No funding is committed yet; loan requests must follow County policy.

What were the results of the survey?

224 people filled out the public survey.

• 53% supported the move to EECC.

• 47% were against it.

Elgin County Survey Results - Do you support moving the library to the complex?

Elgin County Survey Results - If you visited the Aylmer Library within the last year, how did you get there?

Because the public was fairly split—but with many younger families and regular users supporting the move—County staff are recommending:

• Ask the EECC Board to officially agree to host the Aylmer Library there starting January 1, 2028.

• Work out details with the EECC, like:

  • Renovations needed for the space

  • A lease agreement

What happens next?

The County of Elgin will officially send this information to the Town of Aylmer, the Township of Malahide, and the East Elgin Community Complex Board of Management.

The Town of Aylmer has asked GEI Consultants, the Town's current engineers, to prepare a design for the building. Once this is done, the Town can provide more details to Elgin County including a timeline for the project and approximate cost.

The Town of Aylmer, the Township of Malahide, and the East Elgin Community Complex Board of Management will discuss the County of Elgin's findings at future meetings.

May 21, 2025 - Regular Meeting of Aylmer Council

In a 5-2 vote, the Council for the Town of Aylmer supported Mayor Couckuyt's motion regarding the construction of a building to be leased by the County of Elgin for library purposes.

Full Text of the Motion

That Council approve in principle the construction of an 8000 square foot building to be leased to the County of Elgin for library purposes; and,

That a "letter of intent" as required by the County of Elgin be sent; and,

That the County of Elgin be asked for a long-term lease of 20 years; and,

That the County of Elgin be asked to establish a fundraising committee for this building; and,

That Council single source the design of the new library to the Town's appointed engineering firm (GEI Consultants) to proceed as soon as possible in 2025; and,

That GEI be directed to place priority upon a design that connects the Old Town hall on both floors and is in keeping with the existing character and design of the old town hall; and,

That GEI also be directed to examine costing for a standalone library build in close proximity to the old town hall; and,

That interior design considerations be in collaboration with the County of Elgin; and,

That a 2025 budget amendment of $250,000 be approved by Council towards the detailed engineering and architectural design sufficient to meet grant requirements and that this amount be funded through the Council Initiatives Reserve.

Next Steps

The motion has been forwarded to Elgin County Council for consideration. The County is currently undertaking public consultation to gather feedback about a potential relocation of the Aylmer library to the East Elgin Community Complex. Please complete the survey if you would like to voice your thoughts about the relocation proposal: https://engageelgin.ca/aylmerlibrary/surveys/aylmer-library-survey

Elgin County is hosting a Public Open House to help shape the future of the Aylmer Library moving to the East Elgin Community Complex.

Tuesday May 6, 2025

7:00 p.m.

531 Talbot Street West, Aylmer, ON (Imperial Hall)

Elgin County staff will be sharing information about the proposed plans as directed by Elgin County Council. There will be a Q&A session following this presentation.

Social Media Graphic Advertising the Public Open House Hosted by Elgin County on Tuesday May 6, 2025