Mississauga to repair sinking library, keep it at same location
Published February 9, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Mississauga officials believe they’ve found a way to repair and keep Port Credit Library, which for years has been slowly sinking into the ground, at its original location.
All it’s going to take is some steel pipes and $6 million to $8 million.
Asked to choose from among several options related to the future location of the 60-year-old landmark building, City councillors today approved in principle a plan to repair the foundation of the library and keep the facility where it is.
The matter returns to City council next Wednesday for final approval. From there, work is expected to take 20 to 24 months, with a reopening of the library slated for late next year or early 2024.
It has been closed to the public since last June 28.
As recently as last July and again in September, Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko expressed little optimism the library could be kept at its current location.
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They believed at the time it was more than likely the structure would be torn down and rebuilt elsewhere.
But an option tabled by City staff has changed minds.
“Over the past several months, I have been working extensively to ensure that Ward 1 is able to have a library in the Port Credit community,” said Dasko. “I am so pleased it will be able to stay in its present place; it’s a popular location that means so much to library customers and the Port Credit neighbourhood.”
The library and Port Credit Memorial Park are built on landfill that over time has impacted the stability of the building’s foundation and supports.
City staff researched and reviewed several options that included:
- building a new library at the same location
- relocating to another location in the Lakeshore area
- maintaining the existing 8,200-sq.-ft. library by repairing the concrete foundation
Staff recommended, and councillors supported that the City proceed with the repair option to keep the library at the same location at an estimated cost of $6 million to $8 million.
Repair work will involve a process the City first tested in 2016 as a pilot project, whereby helical piles (steel pipes) were installed onto three piers to stabilize the foundation.
That was found to be an effective long-term solution and will be used to repair the entire foundation.
The foundation repair is expected to extend the building’s life for another 50 years, City staff says.
“Rehabilitating the foundation is a benefit for everyone. It is the most cost-effective solution, it allows the library to stay in the neighbourhood and it extends the life of the building for many years to come,” said Shari Lichterman, the City’s commissioner of corporate services and chief financial officer.
Staff say the Port Credit Memorial Arena Pop-Up Library will continue to serve the community as the library undergoes repairs.
Built in 1962 on the north side of Lakeshore Rd. on the grounds of Port Credit Memorial Park, the branch has faced structural issues over the years and has gone through a number of renovations to keep it propped up.
In the past 20 years, the City of Mississauga has considered moving the library to other locations, but the community has been steadfast in its desire to keep it at its current site.
A library has served Port Credit since 1896.
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