Lakeshore to Create Interim Multi-Use Community Facility in Stoney Point

In-person library services to return as part of temporary facility, community visioning process for permanent facility coming up in 2022

Residents in the Stoney Point community of the Municipality of Lakeshore can look forward to a multi-use and accessible community facility at Stoney Point Park in 2022. The facility will serve the community on a temporary basis ahead of a community visioning process for the future of the park and a permanent community hub facility.

At the meeting on Tuesday, December 14, Council supported a $185,000 expenditure, to be taken from the Facilities Reserve Budget, to cover the cost of a 24 by 40-foot mobile unit. The unit will include two accessible entry/exit points as well as an AODA-compliant washroom.

The unit will provide an interim home for the Essex County Library to provide programs and services prior to the planning process for a permanent multi-use community facility. The facility may also be available for community rentals, meetings, and events, as well as Lakeshore’s recreation programming.

“As a Council, we heard from residents about the importance of an accessible building, not just as a place to pick up books and access library programs, but also as a gathering place, a place where people can come together and access community resources,” said Mayor Tom Bain. "Since the start, we have been committed to working with the Essex County Library Board and we are pleased to be able to provide a temporary solution while we plan for the future of a community hub in Stoney Point.”

Once up and running, the library space in the temporary facility will be home to free Wi-Fi and Internet connections, a computer, as well as a selection of library books and other resources. The space will also be used for library programs, events, and as a pick-up and drop-off point for resources.

In 2022, community members will be invited to participate in a visioning process to inform plans for the future of Stoney Point Park as well as the design of a permanent community hub facility, which will include space for library services.