The Aylmer Library's Future

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Overview

Aylmer and Elgin County are both studying how to provide a larger, modern library for residents. Two paths are under consideration:

  1. Relocating the Aylmer Branch to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC).
  2. Redeveloping the library at or near its current downtown location.

At its January 14, 2026 meeting, Aylmer Council received a report titled Optimization Library Redevelopment Project and voted to refine the approved downtown concept and manage costs before moving forward. In parallel, the EECC, working with Elgin County, the Town of Aylmer, and the Township of Malahide, is reviewing potential costs for leasehold improvements to accommodate the

Overview

Aylmer and Elgin County are both studying how to provide a larger, modern library for residents. Two paths are under consideration:

  1. Relocating the Aylmer Branch to the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC).
  2. Redeveloping the library at or near its current downtown location.

At its January 14, 2026 meeting, Aylmer Council received a report titled Optimization Library Redevelopment Project and voted to refine the approved downtown concept and manage costs before moving forward. In parallel, the EECC, working with Elgin County, the Town of Aylmer, and the Township of Malahide, is reviewing potential costs for leasehold improvements to accommodate the library.

Options Under Review

Two active options are under review.

  1. Relocation to EECC: Renovating space within Imperial Hall at the EECC, alongside other community facilities.
  2. Downtown redevelopment: Expanding the Old Town Hall to house the library in a new addition, keeping it in the downtown core.

These options remain under evaluation by the Councils of Elgin County, the Town of Aylmer, and the Township of Malahide.

Why It Matters

The library is an important space for learning, connection, and community programs. Where it’s located can affect how easy it is for people to visit, how it serves different age groups, and how it supports Aylmer’s downtown or other areas. Some considerations include:

  1. Space & services: The County’s analysis shows the current Old Town Hall location has limited space (collection space, dedicated program/meeting space, staff areas, washrooms, parking). A larger footprint is needed to meet service guidelines.
  2. Planning need & timelines: County established the 10,000 sq-ft target; lease terms for branches run to the end of 2027, with the County noting an earliest occupancy goal of Jan 1, 2028 if the EECC option proceeds.
  3. Community input continues to be gathered. In May 2025, the County hosted an open house (56 attendees) and survey (224 responses), with mixed views on relocation versus remaining downtown.

How You Can Participate

How Feedback is Considered

Community input helps Councils understand priorities and perspectives as the project is evaluated. All comments will be shared with Council for consideration. Feedback does not determine the outcome but informs decision-makers before further decisions are made.

  • Council votes to support Library Construction

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    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

  • Public Open House - Tuesday May 6, 2025

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


Page last updated: 20 Jan 2026, 08:07 PM