Tag Archives: Amherstburg library

Amherstburg Library Relocation: Community Concerns Unveiled

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Re RTT article, Amherstburg library in early stages of possible relocation, nothing imminent. 

Deputy Mayor Gibb’s statement that “people are assuming something is imminent” is concerning since he advised the library board in March that the town “is expected to begin searching for a new location for the Amherstburg branch in April.”

Gibb claimed his March 26 library board meeting comments stemmed from a March 25 council notice of motion, although council had not debated the notice of motion until April. Council’s subsequent motion was to obtain an administration report on future opportunities to relocate the branch. It might have been more helpful if the library had been included in the town’s space needs study last year.

Three council members’ allegations regarding library deficienciesu are disconcerting, especially because they have not answered questions about the reasons for their statements. 

While Gibb mentioned it certainly has challenges with the tall shelves, which most libraries have, Councillor McArthur stated it’s not as accessible as it otherwise might be ideal. Councillor Allaire said she would like the library to have a new place ‘that’s accessible’ and our library service is small and ‘not as accessible as we want it to be,’ and ‘its challenges are inaccessibility.’ 

The focus of the library board’s facilities space review was space preference which should not be construed as inaccessibility. 

In April, I asked the library board to provide me with any documentation indicating there are accessibility issues at the Amherstburg library; this month, I submitted a Freedom of Information request.

For decades I have repeatedly requested a stronger commitment to accessibility, while Mayor Prue referenced the AODA and declared that they have not brought it into force and this town has not been compliant. 

Council needs to prioritize accessibility and respond to community requests for washrooms in parks, shade structures, inclusive playgrounds, sidewalk repairs or replacements, rest areas, an accessible town hall, accessible voting, accessible signage, accessible parking and paved parking lots, for example. 

Council also needs to justify that its decision on whether to relocate the library is based on facts and not conjecture.

Linda Saxon

Inconsistencies: Councillor Allaire – Transparency

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Elected officials should be held accountable for statements, actions, and decisions made on behalf of the community. Amherstburg’s Code of Conduct Definitions include: Transparency in government implies openness, accountability and honesty.

During the April 14 council meeting, Councillor Allaire said she would like the library to have a new place ‘that’s accessible’ and our library service is small and ‘not as accessible as we want it to be,’ and ‘its challenges are inaccessibility.’ 

Unanswered questions: Would you please explain how this library is not accessible? Is this just your opinion? Or did you obtain an expert opinion? Can you cite an authority for your statement or a basis? And who is we? Are you referring to any standard regarding what you want it to be? Emailed April 15, followed up April 18 and 21.

During the April 29 council meeting, Allaire asked for a bit more transparency; she also mentioned more transparency, “which is what I would love,” at the May 12 meeting.

On June 14, I emailed Allaire that I believed she was not being transparent about her library accessibility issue statements. I reminded her that I emailed a couple of times but that she ignored my questions. I also quoted some of her statements about transparency at meetings: “I’m genuinely asking for a bit more transparency in adding it to our social media” and “I feel that the transparency was limited recently, and I think that that’s what the public really wants” and “I actually appreciate the fact that it keeps some sort of transparency.”

Still Silence From Council Members Allaire, McArthur and Gibb

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Council members Allaire, McArthur and Gibb alleged there were deficiencies at the Amherstburg Library during council meetings but none have answered my questions about their statements.

Following the February 14, 2025 presentation to Amherstburg town council by Essex County Library Board Mr. Joe Bachetti, Councillor Donald McArthur said, ‘in terms of the one thing there the redesign of physical spaces to promote flexible, welcoming branches that are accessible and modern, I think there must be some challenges in Amherstburg. We have a beautiful building, but it’s not as modern as accessible I don’t think as it as otherwise might be ideal. 

During the April 14 council meeting, Councillor Molly Allaire said she would like the library to have a new place ‘that’s accessible’ and our library service is small and ‘not as accessible as we want it to be,’ and ‘its challenges are inaccessibility.’ 

During the April 14 council meeting discussion, Gibb said, ‘it’s certainly not, well, I’m not gonna say it’s not accessible; it certainly has challenges with the tall shelves. It’s better if you can spread them out and have shorter shelves.’ 

EMAILS TO COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Allaire: During last night‘s council meeting, you said you would like the library to have a new place ‘that’s accessible’ and our library service is small and ‘not as accessible as we want it to be.’ Would you please explain how this library is not accessible? Is this just your opinion? Or did you obtain an expert opinion? Can you cite an authority for your statement or a basis? And who is we? Are you referring to any standard regarding what you want it to be? Emailed April 15, followed up April 18 and 21.

McArthur: During a council meeting earlier this year you referenced an accessible library. Do you consider the current library inaccessible? If so, in what way? Is this your personal opinion? Or did you obtain an expert opinion? Emailed April 16, followed up April 19 and emailed Following up. Since you spoke about accessibility of the Jack Purdie Park trail at the April 14 meeting, I thought you would’ve welcomed an opportunity to comment on accessibility at the library. If not, people might assume you promote accessibility when it suits April 23.

Gibb: During an Amherstburg Residents’ Forum meeting that you attended, I asked you if the library board noted any deficiencies and you answered, ‘none whatsoever.’ During the April 14 council meeting, you said, ‘it’s certainly not, well, I’m not gonna say it’s not accessible; it certainly has challenges with the tall shelves. It’s better if you can spread them out and have shorter shelves.’ So you do think it’s accessible? Don’t all libraries have ‘tall shelves?’ Have you heard of reachers? Will all the library branches be altered so they have ‘shorter shelves?’ Is this just your opinion or an expert’s opinion? Emailed April 23, followed up May 14.

I’ve also reached out to the library board and submitted an FOI request for documentation from same.

Crickets From Council Members Allaire, McArthur and Gibb

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Not one of the three council members that I’ve contacted has answered any of my questions regarding their comments about accessibility issues at the library. I’ve contacted Allaire and McArthur three times and Gibb once.

I’m wondering if accessibility matters when it suits. For example, McArthur, who volunteered to be council’s rep on the Accessibility Committee, spoke about accessibility of the Jack Purdie Park trail at the April 14 council meeting but he won’t comment about the library. Mind you, he is an avid supporter of trails – both walking and biking.