Haldimand County breaks ground on new Hagersville Library and Active Living Centre project

On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Haldimand County broke ground on construction of its new Hagersville Library + Active Living Centre, located in Grant Kett Park. The co-located building, in the County’s second-fastest-growing community, is its first indoor facility for recreation, wellness, leisure and socialization.

“This is an exciting day for Haldimand County and the many community partners who were involved in making this project happen,” says Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “This includes the Haldimand County Library Board and the Community Fund-Raising Committee, which have worked hard, for several years, with County staff and the community to make this project a reality. We are also very happy to have the architect of this beautiful new facility—Curran, Gacesa, Slote Architects Inc.—and general contractor Gateman-Milloy Inc. on hand to share in this major milestone.”

The project was approved in Haldimand County’s 2021 capital budget. “For more than two years, staff engaged and consulted with residents, neighbouring communities (including Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand), community groups and other stakeholders to ensure we were designing and building a multi-functional facility that could serve residents and visitors of all ages and abilities,” says Mike Evers, General Manager of Community & Development Services. “In the end, after taking into consideration the needs identified by the community and the increased building costs post-pandemic, the project has landed at an estimated $15 million budget.”

In keeping with the County’s partnership approach to developing community and recreation facilities, the community was tasked with raising $1.5 million towards the project. Since then, a Community Fund-Raising Committee headed by Tony Dalimonte, Doug Miller and Rob Phillips, has raised more than $1.6 million.

“One of the things that has been really wonderful about this project is the level of community engagement and collaboration, both on the design and fund-raising for this new facility, “ adds Ward 4 Councillor Marie Trainer. “The County is always made better when we partner with our residents and volunteers to create the kinds of facilities, programs and services they want, and this project has been an excellent example of that.”

Those sentiments are echoed by Haldimand County Library Board Chair Pat MacDonald. “Great libraries play an important role in strengthening communities, provide opportunities for personal growth and social connections, and help level the playing field for community members who may be disadvantaged or marginalized. The Library Board is excited to provide a new space in Hagersville that will be inclusive, responsive and welcoming for many years to come.”