Comments from Councillor McArthur and Councillor Allaire following Monday night’s council meeting presentation by Library Board Chair Bachetti and Library CEO Adam Craig prompted me to write this post and email to those involved.

Please do not misinterpret space preferences or needs for accessibility. Following my ten year campaign to make the Amherstburg library accessible, which culminated in a human rights complaint, the Ontario Human Rights Commission hired a renowned accessibility expert, and the town eventually implemented his recommendations. The town also installed a plaque at the library crediting others with my accomplishment.

Other than concerns about the elevator, which is the town’s responsibility to ensure its maintenance and operability, there are no documented accessibility concerns. Instead, the often repeated plea is for a modern one floor library.

During an Amherstburg residents’ meeting I asked Deputy Mayor Gibb if the library board noted any deficiencies, and he answered none whatsoever.

I then emailed Adam Craig in September 2023: has the essex county library board noted any deficiencies with the amherstburg branch?

Mr. Craig asked me to be more specific and he stated, “In the time that I’ve been here we’ve noted a handful of issues that have popped up, and in every case the Town of Amherstburg has done a fantastic job of addressing them. I’m thinking specifically of some problems with the elevator that have been addressed, some heating and cooling issues, and so on.”

One year later, a September 9, 2024 letter from Mr. Craig and Library Board Chair Joe Bachetti states, in part, “As you’ll see, one of the most striking deficiencies across the County is at the Amherstburg Branch” which was in reference to space/square footage. The letter further stated, “the attached review doesn’t speak to other ongoing concerns with the current facility, not least of which are its accessibility and aging structural features.”

During the September 2024 Amherstburg council meeting, Deputy Mayor Gibb said the building is beautiful but no longer serves the purpose of what a modern library is. He didn’t put a timetable on addressing it but said it is an issue and a lack of square footage would become a bigger problem in future years.

I emailed Mr. Craig to advise that I read the report regarding square footage and accessibility concerns and noted that the majority of the report was about the square footage, comparisons with other municipalities and there was a vague reference to accessibility concerns. I asked if he would elaborate on the accessibility concerns: who determined there were accessibility concerns at the Amherstburg branch? what criteria was used? What specifically are the accessibility concerns?

Mr. Craig acknowledged that he thought what I was referencing was included in the covering letter and not the report:

‘…the space review doesn’t speak to other ongoing concerns with the current facility, not least of which are it’s accessibility and aging structural features.’

Mr. Craig further stated that he should have qualified that by noting that the library does meet the appropriate standards BUT contemporary library design shies away from multi-floor facilities because of the inherent difficulties with access. Even in the case of a branch like Amherstburg where we have an elevator in place, given the choice between an elevator and having everything on one floor, the best option is always a single floor (emphasis added). The concern is always with the reliability of the elevator.

Following the February 24, 2025 presentation to Amherstburg council by Mr. Bachetti and Mr. Craig, Councillor McArthur commented about the design of physical spaces to promote flexible, welcoming branches that are accessible and modern. He also mentioned having a beautiful building and shared his thoughts about how it’s not as modern or as accessible as it otherwise might be ideal. Finally, he asked Mr. Craig for his thoughts on that. Mr. Craig’s response pertained to a more modern space, modern library design and outdated architecture, outdated hardware and equipment.

Councillor Allaire stated, “so we’re trying to improve accessibility for our town, but our elevator seems to be out quite often at our library” and asked Mr. Craig if he knew how often it was down. Mr. Craig stated that he did not have the numbers in front of him, but he thought it was more regular than they would like; he added that he thought that was kind of inherent with any elevator. Councillor Allaire acknowledged that he was saying what they were lacking was space and the needs of a modern one level and Mr. Craig agreed that it was the size of the space.

Letter to the editor in response to the November 27 RTT articles.

Some of the comments during the delegation, committee and council meetings are appalling.

Carolyn Davies claimed that people can get out and enjoy the event and not be at home isolating from each other, something she said has positive mental health benefits. However, seniors and people with disabilities who can’t equally participate remain socially isolated, which can negatively impact their mental health and well-being. 

Although Ms. Davies mentioned that Open Air has been positive for her bed and breakfast, since she confirmed she has no accessible rooms, again, people with disabilities can’t equally participate. 

The suggestions that businesses should get creative or just adapt are dismissive and disrespectful; the negative impacts should not be minimalized.

Councillor McArthur stated how families come together, and he didn’t want to take that away from people. Yet children with disabilities that can’t equally access play areas can’t come together with families, so they have that opportunity taken from them.

Deputy Mayor Gibb said it is heartbreaking for him to see council unable to “get away from these entrenched positions” but it’s within his power to change his position. For me, it’s heartbreaking to see barriers in the community perpetuated and not removed so everyone in the community can equally participate in all aspects of community life.

As for the surveys, the number one complaint in the 2023 residents’ survey was accessibility, another concern that was overlooked and will continue every year for fourteen weekends until ingrained attitudes change. No one should claim we are an inclusive community if seniors and people with disabilities remain marginalized.

So much of the enthusiasm seems to be based on what are deemed to be positive impacts while disregarding the negative effects: it’s good for businesses, but not those that endure financial hardships; it’s good for people, but not if they are denied equal opportunities; and it’s good for the economy, but only for the businesses that profit.  

Instead of dismissing the so-called ‘naysayers’ that can’t share the hype, council should have drawn up an action plan to alleviate the hardships, exclusion and isolation that Open Air generates.