Type
Key Messages
Organizational Excellence
- Ontario Library Association & Federation of Ontario Public Libraries 2026-27 Pre-Budget Submission Received: The Board received the OLA and FOPL's pre-budget submission, which highlights the growing role of public libraries as essential digital infrastructure, e-learning hubs, and community connection anchors. The submission calls for provincial investment in an Ontario Digital Public Library, strengthened operating funding, coordinated responses to mental health and housing pressures, and a sustainable model for First Nations libraries—recognizing libraries as critical to economic participation, equity, and community resilience. The Board acknowledged the strong alignment with ongoing advocacy efforts to reinforce libraries’ role in bridging the digital divide and supporting thriving, inclusive communities across Ontario.
- Canadian Urban Libraries Council's National Social Impact Study Received: The Board received the Canadian Urban Libraries Council National Social Impact Study as information. The report demonstrates, using national data, the measurable social value libraries generate in areas such as inclusion, wellbeing, learning, and community connection—further reinforcing the growing virtual and community anchor role of public libraries. The findings strengthen sector-wide advocacy efforts and build on BMPL’s Social Return on Investment results presented to Council in fall 2024, providing additional evidence of the Library’s broad economic and social impact.
- Policy Review Completed: The Board completed its annual review of the Agenda & Multi-Year Agenda policy. Minor updates were approved to ensure alignment with the revised timelines for the Library Strategic Plan and the elections of the Chair and Vice-Chair positions.
Community Hubs
- L.E. Shore Space Utilization Study Final Report Received: The final report for the Space Utilization Study was presented to the Board in closed session by Salter Pilon Architecture, pursuant to section 16.1(4)(c) of the Public Libraries Act. The Board will review this and related reports and discuss the overall expansion needs and recommendations at the March 19, 2026, Board meeting, including timing for a future conversation with Council.
- L.E. Shore Washroom Renovation Update: The CEO provided a verbal update on the L.E. Shore washroom renovation project. The contract has not yet been awarded, and Town staff are working to ensure the optimal contractors. The Board acknowledged the additional due diligence underway and expressed appreciation to the community for their continued patience as the project progresses.
Empowering Services
TBM Volunteer Awards - Nominations Now Open: Councillor Shawn McKinlay announced that nominations are now open for the Town of The Blue Mountains’ annual Volunteer Recognition Awards. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of volunteers in our community.
- Nomination Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
- Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Beaver Valley Community Centre
For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit: www.thebluemountains.ca/volunteerawards.