Structural issues force closure of Port Credit Library

A library in the heart of Mississauga’s Port Credit waterfront community has been closed indefinitely and may ultimately need to be torn down and rebuilt.

Structural issues have forced the closure of Port Credit Library on Lakeshore Road East. The library and neighbouring Memorial Park are both built on the site of a former landfill, which is causing stability issues for the building’s foundations and supports.

City staff are now waiting on the results of an engineering assessment and study to determine the fate of the building.

“We were aware of the risk of the building sinking and had been monitoring regularly to ensure it had not done so,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Instead we have found through our monitoring that the piers that support the building are deteriorating due to a number of factors including exposure to the elements. The City has actively had structural engineers monitoring these supports and the time came where we had to make the decision to close the facility.”

The issue was first identified during a structural review of the building in November 2016. Engineers have performed bi-monthly checks on the library ever since, but an assessment conducted in April found evidence of structural loss, prompting the city to proactively close the facility.

“I know the library is at the heart and soul of our Port Credit neighbourhood,” wrote Stephen Dasko, Ward 1 Councillor in a public statement.

“Staff, together with Council will consider a longer-term action plan.”

A limited number of library staff will still have access to the building, and library material can be ordered and picked up at the nearby Port Credit Arena. Late fees are also being waived for the time being.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to clarify Mayor Crombie’s original quote