Mayor Bradley and Members of Council, I am writing today because I am extremely concerned about the decision to use strong mayor powers to reverse the previously approved funding for the Bright’s Grove Library. Council committed to this project, the Mayor voted yes, and the community accepted that the matter was settled. To see this […]
Mayor Bradley and Members of Council,
I am writing today because I am extremely concerned about the decision to use strong mayor powers to reverse the previously approved funding for the Bright’s Grove Library. Council committed to this project, the Mayor voted yes, and the community accepted that the matter was settled. To see this reversed without a clear and transparent explanation has raised serious questions.
Mark Moran has already publicly fact checked the Mayor’s statements
https://www.facebook.com/
and he laid out the facts very clearly. The narrative being used to defend this reversal does not line up with what actually happened. When both Council and informed residents can point out these inconsistencies, something is very wrong with the process that led to this decision.
I want to remind everyone of the actual value libraries bring to Ontario communities. Some of the notions being tossed about or the idea that Sarnia “does not need” multiple libraries or that people do not use them simply does not match the real numbers and facts.
Across Ontario:
More than 98 percent of residents are served by public libraries.
Over 5 million people hold active library cards.
Libraries see more than 200 million in person and digital visits each year.
More than 250,000 programs are delivered annually for children, youth, adults, seniors and families.
Every dollar invested in libraries returns more than 5 dollars in value through education, digital access, workforce support and community impact.
Libraries provide so much more than books. They offer safe public space, internet access, technology, literacy programs, youth programs, senior support, meeting rooms and community programming. This is real infrastructure that supports real people.
As for the Bright’s Grove branch, it is underused because it cannot offer what a modern branch needs to offer. The building is outdated, cramped and limited. It does not have the space, technology or flexibility to run programs or meet current community needs. When a facility is not equipped to serve people, the problem is the building, not the public. This is why the investment was so important.
Bright’s Grove is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. A modernized branch would increase participation, support education, give youth a safe place to go, help families, assist seniors, support people who cannot afford technology at home and strengthen the community as a whole.
Reversing a democratically supported investment like this, especially after voting in favor of it, damages public trust. People are not ignorant. They saw the vote. They heard the commitment. Then they saw the Mayor use strong powers to shut it down. The community deserves better than that.
I am asking for the following:
1. Reverse the strong mayor override.
2. Reinstate Council’s original approval for the Bright’s Grove Library funding.
3. Provide a clear explanation for why this was reversed after receiving a yes vote.
4. Commit to future decisions of this magnitude being made through open and democratic process, not unilateral action.
Sarnia needs leadership that supports growth, fairness and transparency. This decision does not reflect that. I am asking you to correct this and move forward in a way that respects both the process and the people who live, work and visit here.
Respectfully,
Shaun Antle
