Frequently Asked Questions

In the spring of 2022, it was announced that a $5.4 million federal grant had been awarded to the Town of Pelham to help build a new library branch near the Meridian Community Centre (MCC). 

Due to increased costs for the project based on the pandemic and inflation, the cost of construction increased by 82% to $17.3 million from $9.5 million. 

On December 5, 2022, the Town of Pelham Council passed a motion to defer building a new branch and investigate the costs of renovating the existing branch at 43 Pelham Town Square.

Created in 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a provincial law. 

It sets standards to ensure organizations—including public libraries—remove barriers that prevent individuals living with a disability from accessing spaces and services. 

For example, disabilities such as vision impairment, hearing loss, and reliance on a mobility device (ie. a wheelchair). The goal of the AODA is to make the province fully accessible by 2025. 

The initial project that was explored included building a new library branch close to the Meridian Community Centre. 

With escalating building costs, the project was cancelled, and the focus switched to renovating the current branch. 

The Town of Pelham is currently seeking grant funding to support the renovation costs at the Fonthill branch. 

A capital campaign will also be launched to enable residents, businesses and the community to support the project. 

The design phase of the project is beginning in the winter of 2024.

The process will involve public consultation. 

Design options will be considered and shared as the project proceeds.

Currently, staff parking has been secured offsite to help alleviate some of the parking congestion. 

The parking and available spots may be considered as part of the overall design project.

During construction, there will be several options in place to ensure residents can access resources. 

• The hours of the Maple Acre Branch in Fenwick and those in Lincoln may be extended
• Borrowing limits at other branch locations will increase.
• Book lockers are installed at both Pelham branches to enable holds pick-up 
• The book-lending machine at the Meridian Community Centre will continue to be available 
• The planned bookmobile service is anticipated to begin in 2025 which will provide access to collections and services via a regular route that will include Fonthill stops.