This month, the City of Mississauga will close three of its older branch libraries to begin renovations through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) program. Like Burnhamthorpe Branch Library, which closed on January 31, branches in south Mississauga are scheduled for renovations to modernize the facilities for residents to gather, borrow materials and use resources.

"Projects like this bring to life one of our Strategic Plan's actions to "build and maintain infrastructure" as we complete our neighbourhoods," said City Manager Janice Baker. "Although these temporary closures may cause some inconvenience to the branch users, the improvements will be enjoyed for years to come. In the meantime, we encourage residents to explore the many services provided by locations that continue to operate."

Lakeview Branch Library will close on February 7 and reopen late 2010. The $2.5 million project will update the library with a sloped walkway and canopied entrance, new lounge area, quiet and study rooms, energy efficiencies and new windows allowing views to the park.

Similar upgrades are planned for the Lorne Park Branch Library, which will close on February 14 for $4 million in renovations, and reopen late 2010. Port Credit Branch Library will undergo renovations at a cost of $3.1 million. This library will close on February 21 and reopen late 2010.

Bookdrops at all three branches will be shut down at closing time on the last day of opening. Borrowed items can be returned to any other Mississauga Library System location. Holds placed at the branches may be picked up at their nearest operating location. For information on alternate branch library locations and services, please visit www.mississauga.ca/buildingourfutureservicedisruptions. Renderings of the library plans are also posted on the Building Our Future Mississauga website.

The ISF program is a joint investment by the Canadian, Ontario and municipal governments to help fund infrastructure projects that will create jobs, stimulate the economy and keep local infrastructure in good repair. Each level of government is contributing approximately one-third of the City's $145 million total cost for 132 Mississauga projects. To be eligible for the funding, the City is required to have all projects completed by March 30, 2011.  

For information about all of the City's ISF and Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) projects, visit www.mississauga.ca/buildingourfuture.

As Canada's sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 730,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 61 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is one of Greater Toronto's Top 90 Employers for 2010. Enhancing its citizens' quality of life by providing superior services, revitalizing its infrastructure and conserving the environment, Mississauga is committed to innovation, operational excellence and fiscal responsibility which is reflected in its motto: "Leading Today for Tomorrow."

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