The Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS), an Indigenous community group, is upset after the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) ended their partnership and lease agreement in May. AETS had invested over $1 million in retrofitting the library's Waverley branch basement since 2018. TBPL CEO Richard Togman stated the decision was 'straightforward' to reclaim space for library programming, citing a shortage of space after a proposed central library was voted down. AETS board member Sharon Ostberg views this as a 'missed opportunity' and a setback for reconciliation efforts.
Indigenous training group upset with Thunder Bay, Ont., library after lease ends
Anishinabek Employment and Training ServicesThunder Bay Public LibraryCEO Richard TogmanSharon ostbergIndigenous peoplesMunicipal governmentsShoppingLibraries
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS), an Indigenous community group, is upset after the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) ended their partnership and lease agreement in May. AETS had invested over $1 million in retrofitting the library's Waverley branch basement since 2018. TBPL CEO Richard Togman stated the decision was 'straightforward' to reclaim space for library programming, citing a shortage of space after a proposed central library was voted down. AETS board member Sharon Ostberg views this as a 'missed opportunity' and a setback for reconciliation efforts.
- 1 2018: TBPL approaches AETS for partnership, offering space in Waverley branch basement. AETS invests over $1 million in retrofits. Initial 3-year lease signed.
- 2 Lease extended twice, each for one year.
- 3 Proposed central library at Intercity Shopping Centre voted down by city council.
- 4 May 2025: Lease agreement ends.
- 5 Ongoing: AETS expresses upset; TBPL defends decision, highlights commitment to reconciliation.
- AETS is displaced from a space they invested heavily in
- AETS questions TBPL's commitment to reconciliation
- TBPL is working to expand its own programming and Indigenous-led initiatives
- Potential strain on relationships between the library and Indigenous community
What: The Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) ended its lease agreement with the Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS), an Indigenous community group, leading to AETS expressing disappointment and questioning the library's commitment to reconciliation.
When: Lease ended in May (2025). The initial partnership began in 2018.
Where: Thunder Bay Public Library's Waverley branch, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Also Brodie Street basement.
Why: The TBPL ended the lease to reclaim space for its own programming, citing a shortage of physical square footage after a proposed central library location was rejected. The library also stated the partnership wasn't fully meeting its objectives for reconciliation and integration. AETS believes it's a missed opportunity for collaboration and reconciliation.
How: The TBPL gave AETS almost seven months' notice before ending the lease. AETS had invested over $1 million in retrofitting the leased space. The library's CEO stated the decision was based on space needs and the partnership not fully aligning with original objectives.