Council Approves Key Improvements for Keewatin Public Library and Portage Bay Bridge

The City is pleased to announce that Council has approved budget spending for key infrastructure projects during this evening's Regular Meeting, including the roof replacement for the Keewatin Public Library and repairs to the Portage Bay Bridge. 

Through City reserves, $500,000 was approved for the replacement of the Keewatin Public Library roof. Project design work will be starting immediately followed by the remedial work that’s scheduled to be completed by year end. This project will ensure the library continues to be a welcoming space for learning and community engagement. We’re thrilled to announce that senior center programming will return to the Keewatin Public Library once construction is complete. While the library has been temporarily closed, the City, New Horizons Seniors Centre, and the Public Library Board have remained committed to providing senior programming at alternative locations and ensuring access to library services through the Kenora branch, digital resources, and regular book pop-ups and deliveries. 

Crystal Alcock, CEO and Head Librarian, expressed her excitement, “We are delighted that the Keewatin Public Library is receiving these much-needed repairs. Thank you to the community for utilizing the Kenora Public Library in the meantime. We look forward to offering services at both locations again soon and welcoming back programming at the Keewatin branch.” 

Following the third-party engineering review which determined the viability of repairs to the 100-year old structure, design work for repairs can now proceed. Through a reallocation of the province’s Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, $600,000 has been approved for the repairs to the Portage Bay Bridge. Construction for the repairs will begin this summer with anticipation of reopening by end of year. 

“I want to thank the community for their patience while we worked to ensure these projects are completed properly. Doing it right takes time, and that’s what we’re doing. It will be great for the community to have both the Keewatin Library and the Portage Bay Bridge back in service”, shared Greg Breen, Director of Engineering and Infrastructure. 

In addition,  ongoing upgrades to the Keewatin Channel Bridge, which was announced in February will continue. These enhancements will include corrosion protection and structural rehabilitation, funded by the Provincial Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. 

Mayor Poirier expressed enthusiasm for these developments, stating, “Preserving essential infrastructure is important. Our top priority is to ensure that residents have access to resources that promote a safe, healthy, and connected community. I am excited to see these improvements moving forward. They will ensure our infrastructure meets the needs of our community.”

These projects demonstrate our commitment to addressing community needs and enhancing the overall quality of life in Kenora. We appreciate the residents’ patience as we move forward with these improvements.