The long awaited Bright's Grove Library expansion may finally be moving ahead.
Sarnia City Council will consider a $5.45 million tender for construction by K&L Construction Ltd. when it meets on Monday, May 25.
Mayor Mike Bradley said his biggest concern regarding the project has always been fiscal responsibility
"The project originally started out at around $3 million, and for various reasons it's now hitting $6 million," said Bradley. "The $4 million we thought was pledged by the federal government did not come through, so it has changed the dynamics of the project. I did bring a motion to council in the last six months to cap the spending at $6 million. I did not veto the project using the strong mayor powers and I understand the community support for it, I just want fiscal fitness on the project."
City staff are also recommending council approve an additional $280,000 in funding for an additional five per cent contingency allowance.
"I think this is the penultimate step," said Bradley. "If council approves this on Monday, then the project can move forward. All the diligence has been done, it's not going to be over $6 million, that's at least what the tender call is going to be, which was my big concern of it hitting $7 million or $8 million."
The project, first proposed in 2021, includes accessibility upgrades, Gallery in the Grove, and a community room.
During 2026 budget deliberations, council approved adding $2 million to the project's reserve funding.
According to the staff report, construction is expected to take about 14 months to complete.
In addition, staff have requested that council approve retaining a project manager to oversee construction.
City council's meeting on Monday begins at 1 p.m.
