The Tobermory Library (image via Bruce County Public Library)
Northern Bruce Peninsula is accepting an over $235,000 bid for reconstruction work to the Tobermory Library and Ferndale Red Schoolhouse Gallery.
Council approved the bid from 2042578 Ontario Ltd. during a meeting on Monday.
This comes after $150,000 was included in the 2025 capital budget to replace the front entrance concrete stairs, railing and rear parking lot retaining wall at the library, and $15,000 for the replacement of the front entrance concrete ramp, stairs and railing at the Red Schoolhouse Gallery.
Parks and Facilities Manager Mark Coleman says the structures at the Tobermory Library have suffered significant deterioration and are beyond the end of their useful life, while the upgrades needed at the gallery are to meet current accessibility standards.
“Of note, the retaining wall of the rear parking lot servicing the Tobermory Library hugs the property line along with a line of mature cedar trees with the neighbouring property. During the excavation and construction process, some tree bases and roots may be damages requiring removal. To build the new retaining wall further west into the already narrow lot would result in the loss of 10 to 17 parking spaces,” says Coleman in a report.
To address this, council approved having staff bring an agreement for the restoration and replacement of trees with the abutting landowner.
Northern Bruce Peninsula received four bid submissions for the work by Oct. 17, and 2042578 Ontario Ltd. was the least expensive.