Emergency Repairs to Library Public Washrooms

Starting Monday, the main public washrooms at the L.E. Shore Memorial Library will be closed for demolition as part of an emergency repair project. While construction occurs, please use the family washroom located near the public printer and Story Tower. Temporary washrooms are on the way.

Staff Report CFS.25.043 by Phil Pesek, Manager of Facilities & Fleet

A. Recommendations - approved at a Special Meeting of Council - August 11,2025

THAT Council receive Staff Report CFS.25.043, entitled “Emergency Repairs to Library Public Washrooms”; AND THAT Council direct staff to proceed with the works as required to a maximum amount of $350,000, funded through the Town’s Insurance Deductible Reserve Fund; And THAT staff be directed to consult with the Library CEO and Board to explore the potential use of Library reserve funds to support the emergency renovation. 

B. Overview 

A critical plumbing failure in the men's public washroom at the L.E. Shore Memorial Library has rendered the facilities inoperable and led to the full closure of the men’s public washrooms. The disruption has significantly impacted service levels at the library. In the interim, staff have been required to redirect patrons to the family washroom and respond to related concerns, including persistent odors, which have affected the day-to-day work environment. Staff are seeking Council endorsement to move forward with emergency repairs, which will involve a complete rebuild of both washrooms. As part of this process, staff will look to incorporate accessible and inclusive design features and pursue external funding support. 

C. Background 

The L.E. Shore Memorial Library is a high-use community facility that provides a diverse range of programs and services to the public, including seniors, families, and individuals with accessibility needs. The facility originally opened in 1995 and has not undergone any significant upgrades since that time. At the end of June, a significant mechanical failure occurred in the men’s washroom, causing water damage, rendering the space unsafe. Due to shared plumbing and mechanical infrastructure, both the men's and women’s washrooms have been affected. The immediate damage and age of the facilities necessitates complete reconstruction.

In 2024, the Library Board partnered with the Town to share the costs of an accessibility audit, which identified several areas for improvement in the washrooms. These recommended improvements can now be addressed as part of the larger reconstruction project. Town staff have been working closely with the Library CEO throughout this process and provided an update to the Library Board at its July 17 meeting.

D. Analysis 

Staff have qualified this project as an emergency which requires the immediate rebuild of the washrooms to restore full operations and public service levels at the library. While the washroom facilities were already due for basic repairs, this emergency presents a strategic opportunity to significantly improve accessibility by incorporating AODA-compliant features such as enhanced wheelchair clearances, wider stall access and more suitable and inclusive finish details. Staff will pursue funding through the Ontario EASE Grant and the Federal Enabling Accessibility Fund to offset costs and enhance project scope. Failing to proceed promptly could lead to further damage, higher costs, and extended service disruption.

G. Financial Impacts 

There are immediate financial implications associated with the emergency rebuild, including demolition, design, construction, and potential temporary accommodations. However, by leveraging external funding sources such as the EASE Grant and the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Town aims to offset a portion of these costs. 

Investing in accessibility and infrastructure renewal now may also help reduce long-term maintenance expenses and avoid further costly emergency repairs in the future. A detailed cost estimate will be brought forward once design work is completed. 

At this time, we only have only completed rough project costing placing value of effort in the range of $100,000 to $350,000. It is proposed to fund this repair through the Town’s Insurance Deductible Reserve Fund along with discussions with the Library on potential contributions from their reserves. The Insurance Deductible Fund has a value of $550K as at the end of 2024. It is noted that this project fits  more appropriately within the Working Capital Fund this fund will be in a deficit as at the end of 2025.